After a flood, homeowners face the difficult task of cleaning up, salvaging belongings, and deciding what to keep or discard. In many cases, hiring both a restoration company and a moving company can help make the process smoother and prevent further damage. But when do you need both services, and how do you determine which items can be saved?
When to Hire a Moving Company After a Flood
A moving company can be beneficial when:
- Your home requires extensive restoration and you need to relocate belongings to a dry and safe place.
- Mold is present and belongings need to be moved to prevent contamination.
- Your insurance covers temporary housing, requiring you to move furniture and essentials.
- You need storage while restoration work is being completed.
🚚 Key Considerations When Choosing a Moving Company After a Flood:
✔ Ensure they offer climate-controlled storage to prevent mold growth.
✔ Look for emergency moving services for quick relocation.
✔ Ask if they provide packing and furniture protection to minimize further damage.
✔ Confirm if they have experience handling water-damaged items.
When to Hire a Restoration Company
A water damage restoration company is essential for:
- Extracting standing water quickly to minimize damage.
- Drying out walls, flooring, and other structures to prevent mold growth.
- Sanitizing and deodorizing to eliminate bacteria and odors.
- Restoring structural integrity if there is significant damage to drywall, ceilings, or flooring.
- Providing mold remediation services if moisture has led to fungal growth.
🔧 What to Look for in a Flood Restoration Company:
✔ 24/7 emergency response for immediate action.
✔ Certified water damage and mold remediation specialists.
✔ Experience with insurance claims to help maximize coverage.
✔ Industrial-grade drying equipment to prevent lingering moisture.
Can You Salvage Your Belongings After a Flood?
One of the biggest concerns homeowners face is deciding what can be saved and what should be discarded after water damage. Here’s a general guideline to help you make informed decisions.
Items That Can Usually Be Salvaged
✔ Hardwood Furniture – If not submerged for too long, solid wood can often be dried and refinished.
✔ Metal Items – Non-porous metals (appliances, tools, cookware) can usually be cleaned and sanitized.
✔ Glass and Ceramics – These are waterproof and can be sanitized for reuse.
✔ Plastic Containers – If they are non-porous and cleaned properly, they can be salvaged.
🛑 Salvage Tip: Move undamaged items out of the flood zone as soon as possible to prevent further exposure to moisture and mold.
Items That Should Be Discarded
❌ Upholstered Furniture & Mattresses – Soaked fabric absorbs bacteria and mold and is nearly impossible to clean thoroughly.
❌ Carpet & Padding – Once saturated, these become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
❌ Drywall & Insulation – Porous materials absorb water, leading to permanent structural damage and mold issues.
❌ Electronics & Appliances – Unless professionally inspected and dried, water exposure can cause electrical hazards.
❌ Paper Products & Books – Unless dried immediately, most paper items become irreversibly damaged.
🛑 Health Warning: If the flood involved sewage or contaminated water, most porous items should be discarded for safety.
Final Thoughts: Why Hiring Both a Moving & Restoration Company Can Help
If your home has suffered severe flooding, hiring both a moving company and a restoration company can:
✔ Speed up the recovery process by handling cleanup and relocation simultaneously.
✔ Protect salvageable belongings by moving them out of harm’s way.
✔ Prevent further water damage while restoration work is being completed.
✔ Ensure your home is thoroughly dried and safe before bringing furniture and personal items back in.
If you’re facing post-flood damage, contact:
📞 Restoration Doctor 24/7 Rapid Response: 1-888-293-5663
🌎 Website: RestorationDoctorVA.com
Flood restoration services in Washington, DC or Miami, FL:
🌎 Washington D.C. Website: RestorationDoctorDC.com
🌎 Miami Website: RestorationDoctorFL.com
Content provided by MTM Digital Services
