How to Pack up Belongings After a House Disaster?

Begin by walking through each room with a notebook and a camera. Note everything that is damaged, especially items with sentimental or monetary value. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened, though policies vary and your insurer decides what is covered.

Create three zones: keep, toss, and unsure. Keep items that are dry and clean. Toss anything that is soaked, moldy, or contaminated. Unsure items go into a separate pile for closer inspection. Do not throw away anything until you have documented it and checked with your insurance company.

• Wear heavy gloves and an N95 mask while sorting
• Use a pencil to label boxes with room and contents
• Keep a master list of every box you pack
• Set aside items that need professional cleaning
• Do not pack wet or damp items in sealed containers

Electronics, artwork, and important documents need extra attention. Remove batteries from electronics and dry them with a soft cloth. Do not plug in anything that got wet until a professional has checked it. For documents, lay them flat on paper towels and let them air dry, or put them in a freezer bag and freeze them to stop mold growth.

Photographs and heirlooms are often the most precious. If photos are wet, place them in a container of clean water until you can handle them, then gently rinse and lay them flat to dry. For large or heavy items like furniture, consider asking local water damage pros for advice on packing and moving them safely.

• Freeze wet documents to prevent mold
• Separate wet photos with wax paper
• Keep electronics unplugged until dry
• Wrap artwork in plastic sheeting
• Do not fold wet paper or photos

If you are storing packed boxes, choose a dry, cool location. Avoid garages or basements that may have high humidity. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard for items that could be damaged by moisture. Place boxes on pallets or shelves to keep them off the floor, and leave space between boxes for air circulation.

Check on your stored items periodically, especially if you live in a humid climate like Quincy. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or pests. If you notice any issues, remove affected items and address the problem quickly. Keeping a detailed inventory helps you track everything and makes the insurance process easier.