No one likes to think about disaster striking. Sometimes it takes living through one to realize you need a disaster recovery plan. This is why at Total Restoration, we recommend the pack-out method. But what is pack out? Pack out is the packing and moving process directly after a disaster that quickly and efficiently begins the steps to restoration and recovery.
What Is Pack Out and Why Is It Important?
If your home or business has suffered from fire, water damage, or mold, you should consider a pack-out before beginning the restoration process.
Understanding a Pack Out
A pack-out involves the careful packing and removal of belongings from the affected areas. This includes items like artwork, electronics, and furniture. It is one of the best ways to begin restoration after a disaster.
During the process, technicians prioritize what to pack, noting that not everything may be salvageable. Items will be digitally inventoried in the process before being stored in a climate-controlled facility. It’s recommended to keep valuables like jewelry, passports, important documents, and firearms with you.
Photos will be taken at the beginning of the pack out so when your repairs are completed items can be returned and placed back in as close to as the original location. Boxed items will be unpacked to their original location – saving you the stress of unpacking.
Why Is a Pack Out Important?
A pack-out is essential for several reasons including preventing further damage, initiating quick restoration, and protecting your personal belongings. This is an all-encompassing method of quickly getting life back to normal after a storm, fire, or other disaster.
- Prevents Further Damage: Removing items from affected areas helps avoid additional harm during restoration.
- Facilitates Restoration: With belongings cleared, professionals can restore your property more efficiently.
- Protects Belongings: Storing items in a safe, controlled environment shields them from secondary damage like moisture, mold, or soot.
The Pack Out Process
Trained professionals ensure a smooth, stress-free pack out. Certified technicians, such as those at Total Restoration, take care of your belongings while aiding in the restoration. They sort items into two categories: salvageable and unsalvageable. Salvageable items are cleaned, repaired, and securely stored, while unsalvageable ones are documented for insurance purposes.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies cover the cost of pack-outs and offsite storage. It’s important to discuss this with your insurance adjuster to confirm your coverage. Understanding your policy can help alleviate financial stress during the restoration process.
Pack Out Professionals are Essential
A pack-out is a crucial step after experiencing fire, water damage, or mold in your home or business. It prevents further damage, enables efficient restoration, and protects your belongings. But doing the pack-out method can be dangerous if molds have begun to grow, sharp items may be exposed, or other hazards could cause harm to someone ill-prepared. This is why investing in a professional technician is so important.
Trusting professionals like us ensures the process is handled with expertise. Always check your insurance for coverage details. These steps will help restore your property and return to normalcy more quickly and smoothly.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Restoration?
The pack-out method is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to get your property back to its original condition after a disaster. With so many hurricanes in the Houston area, this is an essential part of restorative work.
If you are interested in learning more about our services or getting a quote, reach out to us today!
