Chattels

Chattels are tangible, movable belongings: the things you can pick up and carry, like a car, a wedding ring, paintings, tools and furniture. In a Will, "personal chattels" are often gifted as a single category, separately from real property and cash. They are distinguished from real estate (which is fixed land) and from intangible assets such as bank balances and shares.

Many Wills leave chattels to a spouse, or direct that a letter of wishes guide who receives sentimental items. Example: "She left her personal chattels to her husband, except for her grandmother's brooch, which she specifically gifted to her niece." Because chattels are easily moved or lost, listing significant items in an estate inventory helps prevent disputes.