Personal property facts for kids
Personal property is all the stuff you own that you can move from one place to another. Think of your toys, clothes, or even your bike! It's different from things like land or buildings, which usually stay in one spot.
Contents
What is Personal Property?
Personal property is basically anything you own that isn't attached to land. It's often called movable property because you can pick it up and move it. This includes many things you use every day.
Examples of Personal Property
- Your phone or tablet
- Books and games
- Furniture in your room
- Cars, bikes, or skateboards
- Money in your wallet
Personal Property vs. Real Property
It's helpful to know the difference between personal property and real property.
- Personal property is movable. It's like your backpack or a piece of art.
- Real property is land and anything permanently attached to it. This includes houses, buildings, and even big trees. You can't just pick up a house and move it!
Different Legal Systems
Different countries have slightly different ways of talking about property.
- In places with common law (like the United States or the United Kingdom), personal property is sometimes called chattels.
- In places with civil law (like many countries in Europe), personal property is often called movable property or just movables.
Both terms mean the same thing: stuff you can move!
Machinery as Property
Sometimes, it can be tricky to tell if something is personal or real property. For example, what about a big machine in a factory? If a machine can be taken apart and moved to a new building, it's usually considered personal property. Even if it's bolted down for safety, if its main purpose is to be moved or it's not a permanent part of the building, it's personal property.
