The things inside a fire-damaged home often matter more than the building: photos, documents, clothing and furniture. Many of them can be cleaned if handled correctly and promptly.
Pack-out providers inventory contents, move them to a clean off-site location, and clean items using methods that fit each material, so rebuilding can proceed without crews working around your belongings.
When you need professional help
- Belongings are covered in soot or smell of smoke
- Rooms need to be cleared for repairs
- You have furniture, clothing or keepsakes worth saving
- You need an itemized inventory for insurance
- The property will be unlivable while it is repaired
How the contents restoration process works
Walk-through
Identify items by room and condition.
Inventory
Photograph and list items with condition notes.
Pack-out
Wrap and move items to protect them during repairs.
Clean
Use ultrasonic, dry or wet methods matched to each material.
Return
Deliver and place cleaned items when the rebuild is complete.
Safety considerations
- Don't touch sooty items with bare hands, as oils can set stains
- Leave electronics unplugged until inspected
- Keep prescriptions, IDs and critical documents with you
Common questions
What can usually be restored?
Hard goods, many textiles, and some paper items can be cleaned. Porous items with heavy contamination may be replaced.
Will I get an inventory?
Reputable providers produce an itemized list you can submit to your insurer.
Information on this page is general. A licensed provider must inspect your property to recommend specific work. We are a referral service and do not perform the work ourselves.
