Guide · For owners
Belongings Left Behind
A friendly, practical guide to belongings left behind after a move-out, from what to do first and required notices to safe storage, local rules and handling it all with kindness and care.
Where to start
- Owner with items left behind?
Slow down. Never throw things away right away. See what to do first.
- Resident moving out?
Check every room, closet and appliance, and leave a forwarding address in writing. The checklist helps.
- Not sure about the rules?
Notice, storage and disposal rules differ from place to place. Check your local rules, and when in doubt, ask a local attorney or landlord association.
The short version
Belongings left behind belong to someone, and handling them carefully and by the rules protects everyone.
Owners: slow down, take dated photos and video, make a written list, and send the required notice.
Store items safely for the required time, and dispose of them only as the rules allow.
Residents: check every room, closet and appliance, and leave a forwarding address in writing.
Abandoned property rules differ greatly from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a careful look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Slow down
Never throw things away right away. Rules often require notice and time first.
- 2Document everything
Take dated photos and video, and make a written list of what was left.
- 3Reach out kindly
Contact the former resident in writing, as the rules where the home is require.
- 4Follow local rules
Notice, storage and disposal rules differ from place to place.
For owners: what to do first
- Slow down. Never throw things away right away. Rules often require notice and time first.
- Take dated photos and video of every room and every item.
- Make a simple written list of what was left.
- Send the required notice, and contact the former resident in writing, as the rules where the home is require.
- Store items in a clean, dry place.
- Keep records of every call, text or letter.
A photo of the room the day they leave is your best friend later.
Your last walk through checklist
For residents moving out, from the guide’s own steps. Tick each one as you go. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. Nothing left behind.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for owners who rent out a home: contractors, insurance, fair pricing, records, showings and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- The Perfect Move-Out Checklist WorkbookA fillable workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Please check the rules where your home is or talk with an attorney before removing or disposing of belongings. Bunklow does not store or remove property.