When you move, which items are fixtures and which are yours?

One principle, three questions

You can settle whether an item is a fixture with three questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the three, that item is most likely a fixture:

This is deliberately kept as a rule rather than a list: every home throws up a different item, and a fixed list is always incomplete. Loduvo's survey engine works on the same principle — it carries no closed list of fixtures.

• Is it mounted to the structure? Is it recessed into or screwed onto a wall, ceiling, floor or kitchen counter?
• Is it connected to the utilities? Does it have a fixed connection to water, gas or electrical wiring (not simply plugged in)?
• Does removing it leave the structure incomplete? Would there be a gap, a hole or an unfinished surface left behind?

The items most often argued over

The following are examples, not rulings; if the contract says otherwise, the contract applies. The point is to avoid surprises on moving day.

• Built-in oven, hob, extractor hood, dishwasher: because they are recessed into the kitchen counter they are usually fixtures. The same appliances as free-standing units are yours.
• Air conditioner: the indoor unit is mounted to the wall, the outdoor unit to the facade, and they are joined by copper pipework — it is usually treated as a fixture. Taking it requires an authorized technician, and that is a separate job.
• Chandeliers and wall lights: these are wired into the electrical system. If you take them, you are expected to fit a plain socket in their place; leaving a bare cable hanging from the ceiling is both risky and open to dispute.
• Fitted wardrobes and hall units: a fixture if fixed to the wall. A free-standing wardrobe is yours.
• Curtains: the fabric is yours, and leaving the rail or track on the wall is the common expectation.
• Solar systems, water treatment, alarms: treated as fixtures because they are connected to the building's systems.
• Boiler and radiators: almost always fixtures.

How are fixtures separated out during the survey?

In a photo-based survey the fixture distinction matters especially: writing a built-in oven into the inventory makes the volume to be moved look bigger than it is and pushes the price up needlessly. The reverse happens too — if an item that is going with you is mistaken for a fixture and skipped, the vehicle will not be big enough on the day.

That is why doubtful lines are flagged with low confidence and carry a "confirm with the customer" flag. The decision stays with the operator and the customer, not with the system; the system only makes visible what needs to be asked.

The one thing to do before moving day

Settle the doubtful items in writing: with the landlord if you rent, with the other party if the property is being sold, and with the mover at the quote stage.

If "I'm taking the air conditioner" is known while the quote is being prepared, the price comes out right and there is no argument on moving day. At companies working with Loduvo this goes into the notes field on the survey link and is recorded along with the quote.