08/15/2026
IF YOUR BELONGINGS GOT WET IN THE STORMS - DON’T GIVE UP ON EVERYTHING YET.
We’ve had an incredible amount of rain across our area, and unfortunately some homes, basements, garages and storage areas have taken on water.
After spending a lot of years handling estates, cleanouts, antiques and people’s belongings, here’s something important:
Wet doesn’t always mean ruined - but TIME MATTERS.
If you’re dealing with wet belongings today, here are a few things to do:
1. TAKE PICTURES FIRST.
Before throwing things away or starting a major cleanup, photograph the damage - especially if there is any chance of an insurance claim.
2. GET THINGS OUT OF THE WATER.
Don’t leave boxes, furniture or other belongings sitting in standing water. Separate wet items and get air around them as quickly as possible.
3. START DRYING NOW.
Open things up. Spread items out. Use ventilation and dehumidifiers when it’s safe to do so. The first 24-48 hours are important when it comes to preventing mold.
4. DON’T AUTOMATICALLY THROW AWAY EVERYTHING THAT GOT WET.
Glass, metal, many hard-surface items and some furniture and collectibles may be cleanable and salvageable.
Paper, photographs, books, documents, wood and textiles need attention quickly. Don’t stack wet paper items together and leave them - separate them when possible so they can begin drying.
5. BE MUCH MORE CAREFUL WITH FLOOD WATER.
If the water came from outside flooding, backed-up drains or sewage, treat it differently than a simple clean-water leak. Flood water can contain bacteria, sewage, chemicals and other contaminants.
6. DON’T CREATE AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD TRYING TO SAVE STUFF.
Never enter standing water around electrical outlets, appliances, panels or wiring unless you know the electricity is safely disconnected.
7. SOME THINGS AREN’T WORTH RISKING YOUR HEALTH TO SAVE.
Heavily soaked mattresses, upholstered items, insulation, cardboard and other porous materials can be extremely difficult to properly clean after contaminated flooding.
Most importantly, don’t wait until this weekend to deal with something that’s wet today. The sooner you can safely get things separated, cleaned and drying, the better chance you have of saving them.
And if you’re overwhelmed looking at a basement or garage full of wet belongings, start with one thing at a time:
Photograph it. Separate it. Decide what can be saved. Get it drying.
We hope everyone affected by these storms is safe.
Coffey’s Auctions / Richmond Auction Center
