Moving day is coming up fast, and you’ve got your boxes, tape, and truck ready. But before you start packing everything, it’s important to know which items should stay with the house and which you should take with you. Use this guide to make your move easier and avoid potential conflicts with the homebuyer and their agent.

Items That Stay

Certain items in and around your house are considered part of the home sale. These are often fixtures, meaning they are permanently attached to your home or property. While you can choose to exclude some of these items from the sale, you’ll need to negotiate this with the buyer and include it in the sales agreement, which a real estate agent can help with.

In-Ground Items Outdoor features secured into the ground, such as mailboxes, basketball hoops, and fire pits, are part of the sale. This also includes landscaping elements like trees, plants, or shrubs.

Light Fixtures Even if you installed that expensive chandelier in the dining room, it needs to stay unless you list it as an exclusion in the sales agreement. Don’t replace a light fixture with a different one without informing the buyer. If you want to take a light fixture with you, be sure to replace it before listing your home.

Mirrors If a mirror is hanging on the wall like a painting, you can take it with you. However, if it’s bolted to the wall, it stays with the house.

Window Treatments, Cabinet Hardware, and Doorknobs Curtain rods, holdbacks, and blinds stay because they’re installed and attached to the home, but you can take curtains and drapes. Cabinet hardware and doorknobs must stay in place unless you get the buyer’s agreement to replace them before moving out.

Smoke Detectors Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors must be left behind.

Paint Leaving extra paint or wallpaper can be a courtesy for the new owners in case they need it for repairs or touch-ups.

Items That Go

There are items in your home that are not part of the sale, but exceptions can apply.

Appliances Most appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers are not technically part of the sale. However, it’s common for these to be left for the new homeowners. If you’re not including them, make sure this is noted in the sales contract. Built-in appliances, like dishwashers, some microwaves, and ovens, are included in the sale. Leave any manuals and warranty information for appliances you’re leaving behind.

Hot Tubs and Above-Ground Pools Standalone hot tubs or above-ground pools aren’t necessarily part of the sale, but you might choose to include them due to the difficulty and expense of moving them.

Furniture All indoor and outdoor furniture should be taken with you unless it’s built-in, such as shelves, desks, or benches, which must stay.

For more moving tips, check out these suggestions to help you save time and money.