After a basement flood, use lidded totes to move dry, undamaged belongings out of the affected area quickly, keep wet items separate, and photograph everything for insurance. Rental totes give you a clean, stackable way to protect what survived while restoration crews work.
What should you do first after a basement flood?
Make sure the area is safe: turn off electricity to the affected area if you can reach the panel safely, and do not enter standing water near outlets or appliances. Call your insurance company, take photos and videos of the damage, and contact a water restoration professional. Then, once it is safe, start moving items out.
How do totes help?
Totes are water-resistant, stackable and easy to label. Move dry items and items that only got damp into totes, close the lids, and stack them in a garage, an upstairs room or a temporary space. Plastic totes are a better choice than cardboard on damp floors, since cardboard absorbs moisture and can collapse.
Nice Totes delivers the totes to your door and picks them up when you are done, so you can get through cleanup without a trip to a store.
How do you sort what to keep, dry or discard?
- Keep: dry, undamaged items and anything that only touched the surface of shallow water and can be washed.
- Dry and clean: hard items like tools, metal and glass can be washed and dried.
- Discard: porous items soaked by floodwater, such as carpet, upholstered furniture and mattresses, and anything contaminated by sewage.
- Document: take photos of each item before discarding it and keep a list for your insurance claim.
How do you avoid mold?
Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions. Dry items thoroughly before placing them in totes; do not seal damp items in a closed tote. Move damp items to a dry, ventilated place, run fans or a dehumidifier, and ask your restoration company about drying timelines.
How long should you rent totes for a cleanup?
Cleanup and restoration can take weeks. A four-week term is a safer choice, and rentals can be extended by the week if repairs run long. Contact us before your pickup date if you need more time, and let us know if the totes will be stored in a garage or another unfinished space.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
Are moving totes good for flood cleanup?
Yes, for dry and lightly damp items you are relocating. Do not seal damp items in totes, and keep totes off standing water.
Can I put wet items in a tote?
Only after drying. Wet items in a closed tote can grow mold and damage the tote.
How do I document a flood for insurance?
Take dated photos and videos before you move or discard anything, keep receipts and make a simple list of damaged items.
Questions about sizing, coverage, or what's included? Check our FAQ page or email info@nicetotesrental.com.