The order that saves the most

Work from the most irreplaceable items outward, and from the wettest to the driest.

  1. Protect yourself

    If the water came from a drain or sewer, wear gloves, boots and eye protection, and assume everything it touched is contaminated.

  2. Photograph the room as found

    Insurers want to see the storeroom before boxes are moved. A slow video pan works well.

  3. Pull the irreplaceable first

    Photo albums, loose prints, letters, documents, artwork and anything with sentimental value come out before furniture or decorations.

  4. Get wet paper cold if you cannot dry it now

    Wet photos and documents that cannot be air-dried within a day or two can go into a freezer in sealed bags to stop deterioration until there is time or help.

  5. Empty and discard collapsed cardboard

    Move contents into plastic bins or onto clean surfaces upstairs; soaked boxes go out.

  6. Inventory as you go

    List items that are thrown out, with photos, for any contents claim.

Keep, clean, freeze or let go

  • IfPhotographs were in clean waterRinse gently if needed, separate, and air-dry face up on clean towels. Do not stack.
  • IfPhotographs or papers were in sewageConsider whether copies exist. Professional document recovery may help with truly irreplaceable items, but contamination limits what can be done.
  • IfBooks are damp but not soakedStand them on end, fanned slightly, with air moving around them; or freeze them for later.
  • IfHoliday decorations are plastic, glass or metalClean and disinfect, then dry thoroughly before storing again.
  • IfFabric, stuffed items or bedding sat in waterClean-water items may launder well; sewage-soaked soft goods are usually discarded.
  • IfElectronics or old film reels got wetDo not power anything on. Ask a specialist, especially for media that cannot be replaced.

Setting up a storeroom so it survives the next leak

  • Use sturdy plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard.
  • Store everything on shelving at least several inches off the floor.
  • Keep the most irreplaceable things upstairs, not in the basement.
  • Leave a gap between shelves and the foundation wall so air can move.
  • Scan important photos and documents so a copy exists elsewhere.
  • Put a water alarm on the storeroom floor, especially if it is behind a closed door.

Common questions

Is it worth paying for professional contents cleaning?

For large volumes of contaminated belongings or very valuable items, a contents specialist can inventory, clean and store items. For a few boxes of decorations, careful home cleaning is often enough. Ask your insurer what contents coverage applies before deciding.

General information for Washington Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.