What to Do with the Things Sellers Leave Behind on Closing

Imagine this: you’ve finally closed on your dream home, the keys are in your hand, and you’re about to walk into your new space. But then… you notice it – items left behind by the seller. Whether it’s old furniture, random boxes, or things that really shouldn’t be there, it’s something you didn’t expect to deal with after a long and exciting home-buying process.

Don’t stress! Here’s how to deal with the things sellers leave behind – with a little grace, and a lot of solutions.

1. Check Your Agreement – What Was Left Behind?

Before you start making any decisions, it’s important to review your purchase agreement or what was outlined in the contract. Were any items supposed to be left behind, like appliances or fixtures? In some cases, sellers leave behind certain things as part of the deal (think: washing machines, old but functional furniture, or outdoor equipment). If it’s written down, you might be responsible for those items. If not, then you’re well within your rights to address what’s left.

2. Contact the Seller or Their Agent

Sometimes sellers just forget things, or they leave items behind with the intention of coming back to grab them later. Have your agent reach out to the seller or their agent to see if they plan on removing the items. If it was an honest mistake, they might be willing to take care of it for you. Keep it polite and professional – after all, they might just need a little nudge to clear it out.

3. Decide What You Want to Keep or Toss

So, let’s say there are a few items you don’t mind – maybe an old rug or some lawn furniture that could work in your new space. Great! Keep them if you want. However, if you’re left with things that are just junk (like that 90s-era TV or broken-down couch), it’s time to say goodbye. Be sure to schedule a junk removal service or arrange for a trip to the donation center to clear things out fast.

4. Get Creative – Repurpose, Donate, or Sell

Sometimes, the items left behind have some hidden potential. Maybe it’s a perfectly good bookshelf that just needs a fresh coat of paint or a table that could be turned into a fun project. If you're into DIY, you could repurpose some of the furniture and decor into something fresh and fun! If you're not a DIY-er, consider donating gently used items to a local charity or selling them online. It’s a win-win situation: you get rid of what you don’t want, and someone else benefits.

5. Know Your Rights for Unwanted Junk

If the items left behind are causing a headache, and the seller isn’t responding or removing them, it’s time to look into local laws. In some places, the seller is legally required to remove any personal belongings before the sale is completed. If they don’t, you might be entitled to a solution. Check with your agent or lawyer to see what options you have. In most cases, your lawyer will request a holdback from the funds to the seller, to cover any cost of removal of the items.

6. Don’t Let It Get in the Way of Your Move-In Happiness

At the end of the day, remember that this is your new home! Don’t let a few things left behind by the seller steal your excitement. You’re starting a fresh chapter, and while the seller’s leftovers may be an inconvenience, they’re not worth letting them spoil your move-in joy. Handle it quickly and move on to the fun part: making this house your own!

7. Prevent Future Surprises with a Final Walkthrough

To avoid this whole situation in the future, always schedule a final walkthrough of the property before closing. This gives you a chance to confirm that everything is in order – and any leftovers can be flagged for removal before the keys change hands. If the seller agreed to leave behind certain items (like appliances), make sure they’re still there when you do your walkthrough.

It’s totally normal to have a few unexpected surprises after buying a home, but don’t let things left behind stress you out. Whether it’s a quick clean-out or a friendly chat with the seller, you’ll be able to take care of it and enjoy your new space without any extra baggage!