What To Leave Behind When Moving

Blog – News & Info

When you are moving, there are a lot of items you need to pack up and take with you to your new house.

However, you can’t strip your old house completely bare before you leave.

There are some items that you need to leave behind for the new homeowners.

The new homeowners aren’t going to want you to leave behind piles of rubbish, but you are contractually obliged to leave behind certain appliances and fixtures.

Here’s what you need to know about what to leave behind when moving.

Things you need to leave behind when moving house

Essentially, anything that is permanently fixed to your home or is permanently connected to the land around it cannot be removed and must be left behind when moving house.

For example, if your flat-screen TV is mounted to a wall, the TV itself is yours to take but the wall mount should be left behind because it is permanently attached to the wall of the house.

Here are some other examples of things you need to leave behind when moving:

1. Home Fixtures

Items that are permanently fixed to the walls or ceiling need to be left behind when moving.

This includes things like light fittings, chandeliers, curtains, blinds and drapes.

If you had these items showing during your open inspection, the new owners will be expecting to see them when they get the keys.

If you want to take any of these types of items with you, it is best to remove them and replace them before you hold open inspections.

2. Fixed Appliances

Large appliances that are either hard-wired, fixed to the walls or are plumbed should be left behind when you move.

A common example of this is dishwashers, which are plumbed and are usually considered to be a fixture of kitchens which should be left behind.

Standard fridges which easily unplug and slide out are yours to take to your new house, but if you have a plumbed fridge you should discuss with your real estate agent whether you should take it or leave it.

If your fridge is built-in behind cupboard doors, it should also be left where it is.

Other fixed appliances like reverse-cycle air conditioners should also stay behind, as well as things like outdoor spas which have decking built around them.

3. Outdoor Plants and Fixtures

You might love some rose bushes in your backyard, or have a lovely lemon tree.

However, you can’t dig up permanent plants and take them with you.

Only take potted plants with you to your new house.

Other backyard items to leave behind include any permanent fixtures, like water features or fountains and non-portable outdoor gazebos, pergolas or barbecues.

4. Keys and Remotes

Chances are the new homeowners will have their locks changed when they move in, but be sure to hand over security items like door keys, garage remote controls and current alarm codes to ensure a smooth move-in day for them.