Phase 1: Emergency Service

When you call for water damage services, a certified specialist will come to handle the damage. Once he arrives, a Statement of Authorization must be signed before the work begins. First, he will determine if the finished floor covering can be salvaged and dried while in place. At this point, the water will be extracted to begin the drying process. During phase 1, technicians will:

• Use penetrating and non-penetrating meters to find areas of moisture.

• Use high velocity dehumidifiers and air movers to dry the carpet and structure quickly.

• Treat the carpet to prevent any mold or contamination from growing.

• Remove the carpet pad if it cannot be dried in place. A sample of the pad will be taken to order more for reinstalling.

If a technician confirms that the carpet cannot be salvaged, he will remove the carpet and its pad with proper authorization by the insurance company or customer. The key is to dry up the property quickly and effectively.

Phase 2: Reinstallation and Cleaning

During the water damage cleanup process, technicians will remove the carpet and pad if necessary. This requires them to install new pads and carpet by re-stretching, reattaching the tack strip and repairing the seam.

When technicians can dry the carpet while it is in place, it will need to be deodorized and cleaned thoroughly. During the cleaning phase, upholstered furniture and other objects will also be cleaned.

Phase 3: Repairs

For major structural damages, a technician will perform any repairs on the structure including drywalls, ceilings and floors. During the repair phase, new carpet can be installed if the previous one cannot be used anymore. Sometimes, repairs are done before carpet is reinstalled and cleaned.

Specialized technicians who restore your property after water damage use professional equipment including:

• Mobile Drying Furnaces

• Rescue Mat Floor Drying Systems

• Air Movers

• Small, Medium or Large Dehumidifiers

Water damage cleanup is a crucial process to ensure the safety and sanitation of your property. If you do not take care of water damage immediately, it will become a major hazard to your health. If you experience a flood or water spills at your home or office, be sure to contact water restoration services today to being the cleanup of any water damage.

If your basement is clutter with items. It is a a good idea to find storage. A great way to do this is to use a portable storage container. If you want to salvage your basement, the first step is to get everything out, and let the professionals do there job.

1. Your House is a Product to be Sold - remove the attachement.

   • Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.

   • Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.

   • Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!

   • Say goodbye to every room.

   • Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.

2. De-Personalize.
   Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."

3. De-Clutter!
   People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.

   • If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?

   • Remove all books from bookcases.

   • Pack up those knickknacks.

   • Clean off everything on kitchen counters.

   • Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.

   • Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
   Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:

   • Alphabetize spice jars.

   • Neatly stack dishes.

   • Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.

   • Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.

   • Line up shoes.

5. Rent a Portable Storage Container from UNITS
   Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"

6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
   If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

7. Make Minor Repairs.

   • Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.

   • Patch holes in walls.

   • Fix leaky faucets.

   • Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.

   • Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
     (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")

   • Replace burned-out light bulbs.

   • If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

8. Make the House Sparkle!

   • Wash windows inside and out.

   • Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.

   • Clean out cobwebs.

   • Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.

   • Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.

   • Clean out the refrigerator.

   • Vacuum daily.

   • Wax floors.

   • Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.

   • Bleach dingy grout.

   • Replace worn rugs.

   • Hang up fresh towels.

   • Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.

   • Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

9. Scrutinize.

   • Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?

   • Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.

   • Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.

   • Make sure window coverings hang level.

   • Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?

   • Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.

10. Check Curb Appeal.
    If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.

    • Keep the sidewalks cleared.

    • Mow the lawn.

    • Paint faded window trim.

    • Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.

    • Trim your bushes.

    • Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Understanding how the moving process changes during the winter won't solve the problem but may help alleviate some of the frustration. Here' a list of things to expect.

1. The customer is responsible for the safe access and egress of the moving crew and the vehicle being used to transport their goods. Essentially this means that all roadways, walkways, stairs and equipment being used to accomplish the relocation must be allowed to operate unencumbered.

This applies whether you're using family, friends or a hired crew to accomplish the move or paying professional movers to complete the job. Not only must the roadways and parking be cleared of ice and snow, but so must the pathway between your residence and the vehicle.

Many courts have found negligent homeowners responsible when they haven't taken the proper precautions or implemented the necessary safeguards to protect workers from 'slip-and-fall' type accidents.

Delays in pick up and/or delivery caused by adverse winter conditions are considered 'Acts of God' and are usually NOT subject to delay or inconvenience reimbursement by professional movers or relocation service providers.

2. Foot traffic will soil and possibly damage some flooring surfaces. Wet, muddy shoes and boots exposed to harsh chemical deicers can quickly ruin unprotected floors and carpets. Make sure some type of adequate floor protection is applied before starting. Clean any areas that become dirty as soon as possible.

3. It takes longer to move during the winter. It much more difficult for workers to wrap, roll, lift, carry or transport household furniture items when they're bundled in winter garb or operating in hazardous winter conditions. Extreme cold requires more energy which means laborers may need more frequent breaks to retain their stamina.

4. Make sure to thoroughly dry everything that's been exposed to moisture. This is especially important if the items will be stored for an extended period of time. Otherwise unexpected (and potentially unhealthy) mold and mildew can eventually contaminate all household goods in the immediate vicinity.

5. Plants and animals need special care. The outside temperature and change in temperature can adversely affect your plants. Make sure that they are transported in a climate controlled environment or make sure there exposure is minimized as much as possible.

6. It can cost more to move during the winter. Especially if you're paying for a local move by the hour. Not only can equipment rental, travel and labor charges increase because of the longer amount of time required, but the expense of snow and ice removal can quickly add unexpected costs to your relocation budget.

7. If you use a Portable Storage Containers remove snow where container is to be put. Make sure you don't leave items in container that can be adversely affected by the temperature.

Call UNITS Mobile Storage of Cincinnati for more advice at 513-242-8648.