Pack-Out / Move-Out

When there are severe losses as a result of damage from fire, smoke, water or biological contamination, your home or business may require a Pack-Out. This service includes the removal of all personal property from a home or business and transporting it to a secure location for processing, preservation and security. Professional restoration companies generally provide this type of service. Here’s what you can expect.

What’s involved? A pack-out involves the inventory of property with notes on pre-existing damage, as well as wrapping, packing and transporting content items. When a restoration company is called to provide this service, the items are usually damaged by water, fire or smoke and therefore will require some form of processing. Depending on the circumstances, a pre-cleaning step may be performed to neutralize the acidic residues – preventing them from causing further damages. In other cases, the items may simply need to be secured and protected while structural repairs are made to the home or building.

Timely action. Any items that are removed which require cleaning due to contaminates such as smoke or soil, should be processed as soon as practical. Items that are wet must be dried immediately so mold does not develop. Secondary damage can occur when wet or damp items are stored – resulting  in internal damages and extensive surface mold. When this happens, these items must then be discarded and replaced.

Critical function. The pack-out / move-out scenario is one of the most vital functions performed by a restoration professional. Restorers have to be better and more meticulous than professional movers. Customers who must undergo this experience are already traumatized over the loss that has occurred to them. Under normal moving conditions, you have time to plan and anticipate the transition. That’s not the case with our customers, who are in a different state of mind. They realize that everything they own has to be packed up and hauled away. Often they may not see their personal property for weeks, especially if repairs are extensive.

The process. All items are carefully analyzed – noting the proper description and condition by room. Small items are individually wrapped, properly boxed, labeled and inventoried. Each item is counted, inspected for preexisting damage, wrapped, and packed in a secure container. For example, in the kitchen, this includes every fork, knife, plate, pot, pan, dish and other pieces.  Large items such as wooden furniture or upholstery must be thoroughly inspected. Often technicians will use high intensity light to see all the scratches, tears and gouges that many customers don’t see.

Decisions. During the inspection process, the professional restoration firm you hire must make an educated decision on the potential of restoring an item to its previously existing condition. These decisions determine the value of replacing the item versus restoring it. The true professional does not want to waste money on restoring damaged items at a cost that is higher than the replacement value. While this may take more time and effort, the process keeps everyone feeling more secure as the claim is completed.

Customer priorities. Customers who observe this process appreciate that their property is being handled carefully and with accountability. Customers are asked to sign all inventory sheets if they are present. All items are carefully loaded and secured – utilizing pads and proper packing protocols. After processing, contents are stored until repairs are completed, and the items are returned.

A professional restoration firm will make every effort to be in total control of the claim so that the entire process, including timely repairs, as well as the processing and return of the personal property is done as conveniently and expeditiously as possible.