How the Contents Pack-Out & Inventory Process Works

Pack-out is one of the more mysterious parts of restoration for homeowners. Here’s exactly what happens, in order.

When pack-out is appropriate

Not every restoration job needs pack-out. It’s the right call when:

• Reconstruction requires access to areas where contents are stored
• Contents need specialized cleaning we can only do off-site
• The home is unsafe or uninhabitable during restoration
• Contents are at risk from ongoing conditions (moisture, contamination)
• Extensive contents inventory benefits from off-site processing

For minor jobs where reconstruction is limited, contents typically stay in place with plastic sheeting protection.

See our pack-out vs cleaning in place guide for the decision framework.

Step 1: Assessment

Before any packing starts, our lead technician walks the property with you (or on your behalf) to:

• Identify what will pack out vs stay
• Note high-value or fragile items requiring special handling
• Photograph the space and contents in current condition
• Discuss any items you want handled first (medications, important papers)
• Explain the process and timeline

Step 2: Inventory

Every item that leaves the home is inventoried:

• Photographed for documentation
• Tagged with a tracking number
• Categorized by room and box
• Noted with condition (pre-existing damage, item type, value indicators)
• Logged in our digital inventory system

You get access to this inventory. For insurance purposes, the inventory serves as documentation of what was in the home and its condition.

Step 3: Packing

Items are packed by trained crews with appropriate materials:

• Fragile items in cushioned boxes with wrapping
• Furniture wrapped in blankets and secured
• Electronics in original boxes when available, cushioned otherwise
• Artwork and mirrors in specialized picture boxes
• Clothing and textiles hung in wardrobe boxes or folded
• Kitchen contents wrapped individually
• Fragile decor individually wrapped and labeled

Boxes are labeled with room of origin, contents summary, and tracking number.

Step 4: Transport

Contents are transported to our secure local restoration facility. Transport uses climate-controlled vehicles when appropriate (for electronics, artwork, temperature-sensitive items).

Step 5: Off-site cleaning and restoration

At our facility, contents are cleaned and restored based on type:

• Hard contents (kitchenware, decor, hardware) — ultrasonic cleaning or hand cleaning
• Textiles (clothing, curtains, upholstery) — specialized fabric cleaning
• Electronics — decontamination and testing
• Documents and photos — freeze-drying if wet, gentle cleaning otherwise
• Wood furniture — hand cleaning and refinishing as needed
• Artwork — case-by-case, often coordinated with art conservators

See our restoring documents, textiles, and electronics guide for detail on specialty items.

Step 6: Secure storage

Cleaned contents are stored in our climate-controlled facility until your home is ready. Storage includes:

• Climate control (temperature and humidity)
• 24-hour security
• Fire suppression
• Individual container tracking
• Inventory management system

Storage duration is typically 2 to 8 weeks — as long as reconstruction takes.

Step 7: Return and reinstallation

Once your home is restored, we coordinate contents return:

• Transport back to your home
• Unpacking and reinstallation by room
• Reinstalling furniture, artwork, decor per your direction
• Final inventory reconciliation (everything returned matches everything logged)
• Cleanup and box removal

Insurance and pack-out

Contents pack-out is typically covered as part of your loss under the contents portion of your homeowners policy. Coverage includes:

• Pack-out labor and materials
• Transportation
• Off-site cleaning and restoration
• Storage during reconstruction
• Return and reinstallation

We document everything for insurance and bill directly to your carrier in most covered losses.

What you should know before pack-out

• Access your medications and essentials before packing begins
• Identify items you want to keep with you (important documents, sentimental items, laptops)
• Photograph high-value items yourself before packing (extra documentation is always valuable)
• Ask about any items you’re unsure about — we can pack, dispose, or preserve based on your wishes
• Set expectations for family members about what’s happening and when items return

Communication throughout

Your project manager checks in weekly (or as needed) during off-site processing:

• Inventory status
• Cleaning progress
• Any items requiring decisions (borderline salvage, unexpected damage found during cleaning)
• Expected return date as reconstruction progresses

Call us

If pack-out might be right for your situation, call (720) 842-1950 for a walkthrough of our contents restoration and pack-out service. Related: pack-out vs cleaning in place and restoring documents, textiles, and electronics.