The things that matter most
After a death, a traumatic event or a hoarding cleanup, families often worry most about specific things: a will or insurance papers, deeds and titles, bank records, jewelry, cash, photographs, letters, military medals or a favorite object. Recovering those items is a core part of our work, not an afterthought.
How recovery works
- Talk with the family about what they're looking for, where it might be and how they want items handled.
- Search carefully. In hoarding situations, papers and valuables can be anywhere: in mail stacks, pockets, books, freezers, under mattresses and in containers. Crews sort rather than bulk-discard.
- Set items aside in a secure, labeled place, photographed and logged.
- Clean recovered items where possible. Hard items can usually be cleaned and disinfected. Paper and photos affected by fluids may need specialist restoration or may be copied rather than cleaned.
- Return items to the family or executor, with an inventory.
Items commonly recovered
- Wills, trusts, powers of attorney and estate papers
- Insurance policies, financial statements, tax records and titles
- Identification documents, passports and birth certificates
- Jewelry, coins, cash and collectibles
- Photographs, albums, letters and keepsakes
- Firearms, which are handled according to law and family or executor direction
Respect and confidentiality
Personal papers are kept confidential and handled only by the crew working your project. If a family isn't ready to decide about belongings, items can be packed and stored until they are.
Common questions
Can I tell you exactly what to look for?
Yes. A list helps us prioritize, and we'll call if we find something you might want.
What about items with blood or fluids on them?
Hard items can usually be cleaned. Porous items may not be safely cleanable, and we'll discuss options before anything is discarded.
Do you handle firearms?
Firearms are secured and released to the executor or authorized person, consistent with law. Law enforcement may hold some items.