You’ve thought of everything. You’ve hired an awesome moving company, you’ve decluttered and donated dozens of things, and you’re ready to hit the road. And then you look out the window and think, “Wait, shouldn’t I take the swing set with me? After all, I paid for it and had it installed!” Maybe it’s a basketball hoop, a window box, or a chandelier – something you put in place and might like to keep.

If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to take a particular item with you, follow these tips to make sure you’re moving only your personal property – and that you remain on the right side of the law.

Should It Stay or Go?

When it comes to moving out of a home you’ve sold, it can be tricky to decide what to take and what needs to stay. In general, all fixtures need to stay with a home. That includes any items that are immovably mounted or placed in a home, such as:

However, items that are removable can go with you! That includes things like:

And, as with much of life, there are some gray areas. Some of these items may have been included in your contract. Other items, you may wish to discuss with the buyer. Your agent will be able to guide you with regards to items like:

When in doubt, make sure you itemize belongings you will be taking with you when you move. I will be able to advise you during the home selling process which items to make note of. You may be able to work out a deal with buyers to purchase items like appliances specifically, or set your asking price to reflect the items that will remain with the home. You might even be able to use some items to your advantage when marketing your home for sale!