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March 28, 2024

How to Safely Store Your Belongings During Foundation Repairs

Safely store your belongings during foundation repairs

Taking special steps to safely store your belongings during foundation repairs is a wise move. After all, what’s the point of doing home maintenance if you lose a ton of money and sentimental possessions during the process? Thankfully, various preservation strategies exist, from decluttering and packing to temporary storage solutions. With them, we know you’ll be able to guarantee the safety of your belongings, no matter what.


Assessing the scope of repairs

When you notice foundational cracks or similar issues, you first need to assess the scope of the problem promptly. That can be done partially by examining the extent of the damage yourself. From there, seek insights from experienced contractors to gauge the full scale of the work needed. Consulting a professional guarantees accurate understanding and proper planning; they can also provide valuable information regarding the expected duration and intensity of the repair process. Knowing the scope up front helps in making good storage solutions and making preparation decisions. For example, it’s much easier to budget the right way than if you just tried to hire an unlicensed handyman to fix things immediately (a good way to get into financial trouble and potentially fail to fix things completely).


Decluttering and prioritizing

Decluttering and prioritizing your belongings is the best way to start securing them. In other words, you must take a long, hard look at everything you own and assess each item's importance and usage frequency. Consider keeping only the essentials to minimize storage needs and the potential associated expenses. Naturally, prioritize valuables and frequently used items for easy access during the repair process. You can then donate or dispose of items you no longer need or particularly want to use.


Temporary storage solutions

When facing foundation repairs, exploring temporary storage solutions is a great idea for safeguarding your belongings. Consider renting storage units or utilizing portable containers near your home. Factors like proximity, security, and accessibility are important in selecting the right storage option. Likewise, you should take note of any of your belongings that require special consideration. For example, you must be aware of the items requiring climate control, such as washing machines or fridges, to properly arrange storage with the right experts. Therefore, prioritize secure facilities with climate control to protect your items from damage.


Packing techniques

Use the right packing techniques to safely store your belongings during foundation repairs. Gather sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to secure your items. Wrap fragile belongings carefully to prevent breakage during transit and storage. Utilize boxes of various sizes to maximize space utilization and minimize shifting. Label each box clearly with its contents and destination room to streamline unpacking. Organize items by category or room to simplify retrieval when needed. Prioritize packing essentials first and fill in the remaining space with items that are less frequently used.


Labeling and organization

Labeling and organization can significantly contribute to a seamless foundation repair process. When packing, it can help to label each box with its contents and designated room meticulously. This practice facilitates easy storage and simplifies unpacking when you’re ready to put everything back. Consider employing a color-coded system or numbering each box to enhance organization further. Strategically arranging boxes within the storage space guarantees that frequently accessed items remain readily available. Lastly, maintaining a detailed inventory list allows for accurate belongings tracking even under challenging circumstances.


Creating a safe zone

Creating a safe zone within your home during foundation repairs can be smarter. To begin with, designate an area away from the construction zone where you can safely store essential items. In addition, make sure this space is easily accessible and shielded from dust and debris. However, it's important to note that pests can also affect your foundation and cause issues, requiring extra consideration to establish a true 'safe zone' inside your home. Consequently, sturdy containers and covers are necessary to safeguard your belongings from potential intrusion. Investing in pest control measures is also best to further enhance your safe zone's protection. 

 


Protecting furniture and appliances

Protecting furniture and appliances during foundation repairs can be tricky. The basic thing to do is cover large items with protective materials such as furniture covers or plastic wrap. Furthermore, secure items in place using straps or moving blankets to prevent shifting. That means they’ll avoid being jostled around and, hopefully, getting scratched or dented. Moreover, consider relocating fragile or valuable items to a safer area within your home, if not outright taking them with you if you’re temporarily moving out.


Electronics and valuables

Effective communication with contractors is a priority when preparing for foundation repairs. Start by discussing storage arrangements and access to belongings to secure smooth coordination. It's also important to convey specific concerns or requirements for storing certain items. Moreover, maintaining an open communication line allows for promptly addressing any issues. From there, regular check-ins with the contractors help stay informed about the progress of the repairs. This way, you can ensure your belongings are handled carefully throughout the repair process. Lastly, note that addressing concerns and clarifying expectations upfront helps prevent misunderstandings.


Insurance coverage

Understanding your insurance coverage will help you prepare to store and protect your items. If you already have one, reviewing your policy to determine the extent of coverage for belongings during renovations is a priority. It's important to note any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Similarly, consider obtaining additional coverage or riders for valuable items, if necessary. You can discuss your insurance coverage with your provider to clarify what is and isn't covered.


Monitoring progress

Regularly monitoring the progress of foundation repairs will help ensure they are carried out effectively. As such, keep in touch with contractors to stay informed about the status of the repairs. That allows you to address any concerns or issues promptly. Likewise, regular check-ins allow one to ask questions and seek clarification. By actively monitoring progress, you can ensure that the repairs are completed to your satisfaction and that your home is restored to its optimal condition. Of course, prioritize quality and thoroughness to fix your foundation correctly.


Post-repair clean-up

After foundation repairs, you must focus on post-repair clean-up to restore your home. You can kick this off by carefully removing stored items from storage and inspecting them for any damage. Thoroughly clean the areas affected by the renovation, removing dust or debris. Here, consider hiring professional cleaners for a more thorough and faster clean-up. Once everything is clean, carefully return your belongings to their original places. You can even take this opportunity to declutter for the second time and organize your space for a fresh start. Finally, inspect the repaired areas to check if they are up to standard and address any lingering issues.


Putting in the effort to safely store your belongings during foundation repairs

With our tips, you can safely store your belongings during foundation repairs. Whether utilizing temporary storage solutions or communicating effectively with contractors, prioritizing the safety of your belongings is the only way to get through things with no regrets. Thankfully, with careful planning and proactive measures, you can navigate things with confidence and peace of mind.