What to Expect During Contents Restoration

When your home is damaged, the contents restoration process runs parallel to structural repairs. Here's exactly what happens at each stage so you know what to expect.

Before we arrive

After you file your insurance claim, your adjuster will assess the damage and determine the scope of work needed. You (or your adjuster) contacts a contents restoration company — that's us. Here's what helps before we arrive:

• Document the damage — photos and video of every room before anything is moved.
• Note high-priority items — anything especially valuable, fragile, or sentimental that needs special attention.
• Provide access — keys, garage codes, or arrangements for someone to let us in.
• Share your insurance info — claim number, adjuster name, and policy details so we can coordinate directly.

Phase 1: Pack-Out & Inventory (Days 1-3)

This is the most visible part of the process. Our team comes to your home and methodically removes all contents from affected areas.

• Room-by-room approach — we work one room at a time, keeping everything organized by origin.
• Photo documentation — every item is photographed in place, then again as it's packed. This creates a detailed record for your insurance claim.
• Unique tagging — each box and large item gets a tag with a unique ID, room of origin, and contents list.
• Packing materials — we use professional packing supplies. Fragile items get bubble wrap, dish packs, and custom padding.
• Load and transport — everything goes on our trucks to our facility. Nothing goes to a third-party storage unit.

Phase 2: Cleaning & Restoration (Weeks 1-4)

At our facility, items are sorted by type and cleaning method. Different damage types require different approaches:

For fire/smoke damage:

• Ozone treatment for odor removal
• Ultrasonic cleaning for electronics, glassware, and small items
• Dry cleaning for smoke-damaged clothing and textiles
• Hand wiping and deodorizing for furniture and hard surfaces
• Specialized treatment for artwork, photos, and documents

For water damage:

• Dehumidification and controlled drying for wood furniture
• Antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold
• Professional laundering for clothing and linens
• Corrosion removal and testing for electronics
• Freeze-drying for documents and photographs

Items that can't be restored are documented with photos, descriptions, and current replacement cost estimates. This documentation goes to your insurance company so you can be reimbursed.

Phase 3: Storage

Cleaned items are stored in our secure, climate-controlled facility while your home is being repaired. How long storage lasts depends on the type of damage:

• Water damage repairs: typically 4-12 weeks
• Fire damage repairs: typically 3-6 months
• Major reconstruction: can extend to 6-12 months

Storage is covered by your insurance as part of the contents claim. Your belongings stay organized by room throughout storage so pack-back goes smoothly.

Phase 4: Pack-Back & Placement (Days 1-2)

This is the best part — getting your stuff back. When your contractor confirms the home is ready, we schedule the pack-back.

• Delivery — everything is loaded and transported back to your home.
• Room placement — furniture goes in the right rooms based on original inventory tags.
• Unpacking — boxes are unpacked and contents placed. You don't have to do this yourself.
• Assembly — beds, desks, shelving units, and other furniture assembled and placed.
• Walk-through — we go through the home with you to confirm everything is accounted for and placed correctly.

Full Timeline Summary