Before you begin, for insurance purposes, document with photos and / or video what is in the house. In normal circumstances you would wait for an insurance adjuster to visit and catalog your items, but if you can't wait, at least document the items and their location. Same with your carpet, cabinets, etc. Make sure you have proof that it was in or on your property before you move it. Also keep receipts for any cleanup supplies you buy like trash bags, masks, tools etc for later reimbursement. The basics of documentation are to photograph the material in your home, photograph it being removed, and photograph it where it is left for removal. You have a right to remove anything that is considered a public health hazard (environments that encourage the collection of rodents certainly falls under this category). Remove a swatch of carpet and keep this for reference. Small pieces are all that are needed (Examples include: flood rotten trim piece, carpet pad piece (small is fine), carpet sample. What has to be verified is that the items removed actually were a part of your residence, or were inside your residence (furniture, etc…).

MOLD: If you are removing mold, it is important for you to know the health hazards. The EPA has a good guide that provides a lot of information, but most noted is to use N-95 mask, protective clothing (disposable coveralls are very helpful with this type of removal), shoes and gloves. This waste needs to be separated from other waste.

See: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-after-floods.

This is physically demanding and dirty work. Suggested clothing is long sleeves, long pants, and closed toed shoes. Suggested protective equipment is a half or full face N, R, or p-95 mask, non vented goggles, and gloves. Even if the airborne particles don't bother you, they can make you sick. Wear that mask, please! It's also a good idea to remember to take breaks, and stay fed and hydrated.

At a minimum, use a half-face or full-face N, R, or P-95 mask. Wear non-vented goggles, gloves, and protective clothing such as disposable coveralls.

Before you begin work, locate the utility disconnects (where the source for electricity comes into your home). The home should have a main electrical breaker box (metal box on the exterior of the house), a water main shut off valve (often located at the curbside meter).

Also, it's probably a good idea to shut off your gas or propane shut off valve. Turn all of them off before you proceed. Turn off your hot water heater also. When you have your water turned off for long periods, pressure and water can build up inside it and cause it to burst. Even if the power is off, it could come back on at any moment so turn off the main breaker anyway.

Don't skip this step, your safety is worth the trouble!