What to Leave Behind When Moving

Moving to a new place or city is often a daunting and stressful task for anyone. From the moment the process of packing everything begins to the last box being loaded on the truck, the decisions are endless. But worry not - Kountry's Professional Move is here to make moving easy and comfortable with

the best Tampa Bay Moving Service.  

What items to leave behind when moving

_{It’s only logical that when moving to a new home people sell their old property. It’s just as logical that some items sell with the property, simply because they’re considered part of the house – or because it would make no sense to move them.}

_{As a rule of thumb, everything that is permanently fixed to the property should remain when you move out. Yet, it’s up to you to decide what exactly will be included in the sale of the home – you just need to spell it out clearly in the purchase agreement.}

_{Keep in mind though that some things are commonly expected to stay with the house and should better be left behind when you move.}

Built-in fixtures

_{A built-in fixture is anything that is permanently attached to the structure by bolts, nails, screws, cement, glue, or any other attachment method. Such fixtures include central heating boilers, furnaces, and radiators; fireplaces; bathroom suites; built-in vanities, cabinets, and countertops; built-in cupboards, wardrobes, bookshelves, and racks; ceiling fans and electrical outlets; etc.}

_{Permanent fixtures are considered part of the house – so, when the property is sold, they stay with it (unless a fixture is specifically excluded in the sales contract). So, when moving house and selling your old home, you’re supposed to leave behind anything that is physically built into the home.}

_{If you want to claim a fixture as personal property and take it with you, you will most likely be able to do so – if you have bought an item and installed it in the home, that item is rightfully yours. You will, however, need to inform the buyer in advance and state in the contract that the fixture is not included in the sale. (Keep in mind that a fixture can be an indispensable selling point – you may lose a potential buyer if you exclude a desirable fixture from the sale.)}

_{Your old home’s selling appeal aside, moving a built-in fixture is not a good idea at all:}

• _{Removing the fixture will be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming – and will almost certainly cause damage to the property;}
• _{In most cases, it will be extremely difficult to move the item to your new location – the fixture may need to be dismantled or may require special handling; there will be a high risk of damaging the item during the moving process; the cost of relocating the fixture is likely to be very high; etc.;}
• _{The fixture may not fit well in your new home.}

_{All in all, taking a built-in fixture with you when you move is not worth it – even if you’ve spent money and effort on it. Everything that is bolted, nailed, or mounted should stay with the house.}

Light fixtures

_{Light fixtures are not exactly permanent fixtures (they’re not built into the home), but they’re typically seen as part of the property – and they often play a role in the pricing of the home. This means that when you sell your house, all fixed lighting options (recessed lighting fixtures, ceiling lights, wall sconces, and even chandeliers) should be left behind for the new owner.}

_{If you want to take a light fixture with you when you move (like that expensive chandelier you bought several years ago), notify the real estate agent in advance and make sure any potential buyers are aware of your intentions before signing the purchase contract. It may be best to remove the fixture before you list your house for sale and replace it with one that you don’t want to keep.} 

_{Be sure to leave light bulbs in place!}

_Appliances

_{In most cases, appliances are not fixed to the property – they can be unplugged and moved, so they’re not required to stay with the house when it’s sold. It is, however, common for large kitchen appliances to be left for the new owners.}

_{So, when moving and selling your house, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to take your appliances with you or include them in the listing price of the property.}

_{Keep in mind, though, that large and heavy appliances are very difficult to move, not to mention that your current refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, etc. may not fit well in your new home. Besides, major appliances are essential to living in the house – and a big part of your home’s desirability comes from the available appliances. First-time homeowners who don’t have their own appliances will be more likely to place an offer on a home if the kitchen comes well-equipped – and many buyers will be willing to increase their offers in order to keep quality appliances.}  

_{It is, therefore, best to add your appliances to the overall value of the home – this way, the new owners will have a functional kitchen when they move in, you will save yourself the trouble (and cost) of relocating your old appliances, and the extra money will go toward buying better appliances for your new home.}

_{Good to know:}

• _{In case you decide to take some of your appliances with you, make it clear in the paperwork;}
• _{If you leave any appliances behind, be sure to leave their corresponding warranties and user manuals as well.}

_{Hardwired Systems}

_{Wireless security systems and other portable home systems are designed to be moved, so they can go with the seller.}

_{Built-in systems, however, as well as systems that connect to the home’s electrical system stay with the house – this means that hardwired alarm systems, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, intercoms, sound systems, and smart home features are passed on to the new owner.}

_{Good to remember: If a security company monitors your alarm system, be sure to inform the company of your move and either relocate or cancel the service.}

What to leave for the new homeowners

_{While packing your items and getting ready to move out, remember that the house you’re about to leave will soon become the home of another family – and you can make them feel welcome – and make their new life easier – by leaving a few useful things for them:}

• _{Keys and remotes}
• _{Paints and remodeling materials}
• _{Home welcoming gift}