When people refer to “water damage restoration” or “fire damage restoration,” they typically mean the entire restoration process from start to finish. Within that process, however, is contents restoration. It is easy to overlook this step, but it is actually one of the most critical. 

So, what is a content pack-out? During the restoration process, your insurance agent, public adjuster or restoration company may refer to you a packout company. This is usually a highly trained commercial moving company in the area. This moving company will have the technology and know how to pack and move the contents in your home, or your possessions, are repaired. For many people, this is actually the most important stage of the restoration process because of the sentimental value that personal possessions have. To help you better understand this important stage of the cleaning and restoration process, read: What is a packout. Your packout company will also be able to bill your insurance company directly which most regular moving companies cannot do.

What Will I Have To Do?

The contents packout company will take care of the grunt work for you during the content cleaning process. There are, however, a couple of things you need to do to authorize the cleaning and make it go more smoothly.

• Sign an authorization form
• Identify your most immediate needs so we know what to clean first
• Assist with the touch decision. When it comes to a judgment call as to whether it is or is not worth to repair something, we will leave it up to your judgment. 
• Be on site for the pack-out and re-delivery of your possessions. 

Why Shouldn’t I Just Replace All Non-Sentimental Items?

You may be tempted to just replace everything and save yourself the trouble of going through the contents cleaning process. This is a valid question, and in some isolated cases it may be the best choice. Nonetheless, replacing contents entirely is a very expensive and time-consuming process. It’s fairly common for homeowners to max out their insurance policy meaning that you may need to pay out of pocket if you want to replace all of your damaged possessions. 

Why Can’t I Just Use My Local Dry Cleaner?

First Response has trained professionals, state-of-the-art equipment and specialized processes that your dry cleaner does not.  Studies show that professional contents restoration companies are typically able to restore about 98% of garments compared to 65% for a typical dry cleaner. With those numbers in mind, it is clear why using a content restoration company is the way to go. 

What Cleaning Techniques Are Used? 

We use many different sophisticated technologies to repair and clean contents. These include ultrasonic cleaning, aqueous electronics cleaning, precision drying, deoderising, and more. One of the primary benefits of going with a professional cleaning and restoration company for content cleaning is their access to such technology. On your own, you would be hard pressed to find similarly effective equipment at reasonably affordable prices. Furthermore, a company experienced in content cleaning will know exactly what cleaning methods they should use to clean your possessions. This is also important since using the wrong method may actually damage the items more.

Your Go-To Contents Pack-out Company

Most moving companies cannot handle packouts so it is best to get a referral from your insurance company.  

You should search for emergency movers in your area which are usually personal property specialists. When your property is affected by fire, flood, mold, or storm damage, you can rely on our team to do everything possible to restore all cleanable items back to their pre-loss condition.

We provide a full-service, comprehensive solution for home owners and commercial property owners in need of contents cleaning and contents restoration services. Through each stage of the contents cleaning process we will handle your property with care.

Typical Steps During A Contents Packout

1. PACKOUT

We fully document, inventory, and carefully pack all of your items for transport to our contents cleaning facility. Learn more about moving services.

2. CLEANING

All cleanable items are carefully cleaned and deodorized by skilled technicians in our state-of-the-art contents cleaning facility.

3. STORAGE

After your items are cleaned, they are re-packed and placed into climate-controlled storage until your property is ready. Learn more about moving and storage.

4. PACK-BACK

We transport your items back to your property and unpack everything for you. We’ll put everything back exactly where it was before.