📦 PackScope User Guide

Your Complete Walkthrough for Professional Pack-Out Estimation

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1. Getting Started

Welcome to PackScope

PackScope is a professional pack-out estimation platform designed for restoration contractors, insurance adjusters, and contents professionals. This guide will walk you through creating accurate estimates from start to finish.

Clear Default Data

⚠️ Important:

Before starting your estimate, clear all default sample data to ensure accurate calculations.

How to clear default data:

  1. Click the "❌" button next to each sample room
  2. Or manually change all values to 0 in the first room
  3. Start fresh with your actual room data

Understanding the Interface

PackScope has three main areas:

  • Settings Panel - Configure storage type and repair duration
  • Room Forms - Enter inventory data for each room
  • Results Dashboard - View calculations, labor hours, and export options

2. Room Inventory (Step-by-Step)

Everything you need starts in the Room Inventory section. This is where you'll document what needs to be packed out.

1

Add & Name Rooms

Start by naming each room you're working with. Be specific (e.g., 'Master Bedroom', 'Living Room', 'Kitchen'). You can add more rooms as you go using the '+ Add Another Room' button.
2

Count Large Items

Large items are furniture pieces and appliances that can't be boxed. Examples: sofas, beds, dressers, tables, TVs, appliances. Each piece counts as one large item.

📋 Example: Sample Living Room

Large Items Count:

  • Two end tables = 2 large items
  • Coffee table = 1 large item
  • TV stand = 1 large item
  • Sectional sofa (3 sections) = 3 large items

Total: 7 large items

3

Measure Square Footage

Enter the room's square footage. You can measure precisely or estimate based on typical room sizes.
4

Estimate Floor Coverage %

Look at the room and estimate: What percentage of the floor is covered by your large items? You can be precise or estimate visually. If furniture occupies about 40% of the floor space, enter 40.
5

Count Boxes by Type

💡 Pro Tip: The easiest way to think about boxes is: 'If I had to visit a hardware store to buy boxes for moving, what type and how many boxes would I buy?'

Box Categories:

  • Small Boxes - Books, electronics, small décor
  • Medium Boxes - Kitchenware, linens, general items
  • Large Boxes - Pillows, blankets, lampshades, bulky items
  • Wardrobe Boxes - Hanging clothes
  • Picture Boxes - Framed art, mirrors
  • Other Specialty - Custom items (e.g., dish barrels)

📦 Example: Living Room Boxes

  • TV stand décor/accessories = 3 medium boxes
  • End table items (2 tables) = 2 small boxes
  • 3 framed photos + 1 mirror = 3 picture boxes
6

Repeat for Each Room

Work through the property room by room, documenting inventory the same way. Add new rooms as needed using the '+ Add Another Room' button.

That's it - you're done with inventory! PackScope does the rest.

3. Configure Your Estimate

Technically, your estimate is already complete! Now you just need to decide on a few settings.

On-Site vs Off-Site

Choose your storage approach:

  • On-Site - For smaller jobs with available property space. Items loaded into storage containers on-site.
  • Off-Site - For larger jobs or when no space available. Items transported to warehouse.

💡 Pro Tip: On-site jobs require less labor (just loading containers), while off-site jobs include loading, transport, and warehouse unloading.

Set Repair Duration

Enter the expected repair time in months. This determines storage duration and costs.

Adjust for On-Property Storage

If the homeowner wants some items stored on their property (e.g., fine china in the garage), enter that square footage here. PackScope will adjust the storage space calculation.

💡 Pro Tip: PackScope estimates one blanket per large item for protection. For very large items like sectional sofas, consider adding extra blankets manually in your final estimate.

4. Exporting Your Estimate

PDF Export

The simplest export option is PDF. This creates a formatted document showing room-by-room breakdowns, labor hour calculations, supply requirements, and storage needs.

Note: The PDF shows estimate details but does NOT include pricing. PackScope does not provide pricing assistance.

MCX Export for Xactimate

If you use Xactimate, you can export your entire estimate with line items and quantities directly.

1

Name Your MCX File

In the "MCX Filename" box, enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Smith_Packout"). Leave blank to use the default name "PackScope_Estimate".
2

Click Export Estimate (MCX)

Click the button. The file downloads to your Desktop or Downloads folder.
3

Import to Xactimate - Main Menu

In Xactimate's main menu (NOT inside an estimate yet):

  1. Click Tools
  2. Click Data Transfer
  3. Select Import
  4. Options for macros will appear
  5. Browse to find your downloaded MCX file
  6. Click Open
  7. You should see: "Import successful"
4

Import Macro to Your Estimate

Now, inside your estimate:

  1. Navigate to the room/folder for your pack-out
  2. Right-click on the top empty line
  3. Select Import Macros
  4. Find the macro file you just imported
  5. Click OK

Done! Your estimate is now imported with line items, quantities, and CPS codes.

5

Clean Up Zero-Value Lines

PackScope includes all box types in the export for completeness. If you only used medium boxes, you'll see small and large box lines with 0 quantity. Simply delete these zero-value lines.

⚠️ Legal Disclaimer:

MCX file format is compatible with Xactimate® software. PackScope is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Xactware Solutions, Inc. Xactimate is a registered trademark of Xactware Solutions, Inc.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I clear the default data?

A: Click the '❌' button next to each sample room, or manually change all values to 0 in the first room before entering your data.

Q: What does the '% Filled' field do?

A: This calculates how much floor space is occupied by large furniture items. If furniture covers about 40% of the room's floor, enter 40. This helps determine storage space requirements.

Q: Why are there zero-value line items in my MCX export?

A: PackScope includes all box types for completeness. If you only used certain box sizes, simply delete the zero-quantity lines. This is faster than manually adding every line item.

Q: What's the difference between On-Site and Off-Site storage?

A: On-Site means items stay on the property in storage containers (less labor). Off-Site means items are transported to a warehouse (includes loading, transport, and warehouse labor).

Q: Does PackScope provide pricing?

A: No. PackScope calculates quantities, labor hours, and material needs. Pricing is determined by your business rates and market conditions.

Need Help?

If you have questions not covered in this guide, or need assistance with PackScope:

We typically respond within 24 hours during business days.