Legal Definitions - things personal

Things personal is a legal term used to describe personal property. This refers to any possessions that are movable and not permanently attached to land. Unlike real estate (which includes land and anything built on or permanently affixed to it), personal property can be transported, transferred, or carried from one place to another. It encompasses a vast array of items, from everyday objects to valuable assets, and can be tangible (physical items) or, in some contexts, intangible (such as intellectual property rights or shares in a company).

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of "things personal":

• Example 1: A collection of vintage musical instruments.

  A musician owns a valuable collection of antique violins, cellos, and clarinets. These instruments are physical objects that can be moved from one location to another, stored in cases, and transported for performances or sales. They are not fixed to any land or building, making them clear examples of "things personal."

• Example 2: A small business's office furniture and computer equipment.

  A marketing agency operates from a rented office space. All the desks, chairs, computers, printers, and servers within that office are considered "things personal." These items can be packed up and moved to a new office location if the business relocates, as they are not permanently affixed to the building itself.

• Example 3: A person's jewelry and artwork.

  An individual possesses a collection of precious jewelry and several paintings. These items are movable assets that can be worn, displayed, stored in a safe, or transported. They are not part of the land or a structure, and their ownership can be transferred independently, thus classifying them as "things personal."