Do You Leave Curtains When You Move? Complete Guide for Renters & Homeowners

When you're preparing to move, the chaos of packing, cleaning, and organizing often raises a surprising question: “Do you leave curtains when you move?”

The answer isn’t always simple. It depends on whether you're renting or selling your home, what the law says in your area, the type of window treatments you have, and what’s mentioned in your lease or sale agreement.

Most people assume curtains are personal property and can be taken, while blinds and rods sometimes stay. But real estate norms vary, and failing to follow the rules could lead to deposit deductions, disputes with buyers, or unexpected costs.

This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about what stays, what goes, and how to handle window treatments correctly when relocating. Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, we’ll help you avoid misunderstandings — and finish your move smoothly.

What Determines Whether Curtains Stay or Go?

Several factors influence whether you should leave your curtains behind. Understanding these first will help you make an informed decision.

1. The Type of Window Treatment

Different window coverings fall under different rules. Here’s how they typically break down:

Curtains (usually personal property)

• Hung on a rod using hooks or rings
• Easy to remove
• Typically considered yours to take

Blinds or Shades (usually stay with the home)

• Installed directly into the window frame
• Considered a “fixture”
• Stay with the property unless contract states otherwise

Curtain Rods (usually stay)

• Drilled into the wall
• Considered part of the house structure

2. Local Real Estate Customs

In many parts of the U.S., curtains = yours, rods = stay, but this is not universal. Real estate customs vary by state and city, and sometimes even by neighborhood.

3. Lease Agreement or Purchase Contract

This is the official rule.

Whatever your contract says overrides general customs.

Check for clauses like:

• “All attached fixtures remain”
• “Tenant must leave all window treatments”
• “Seller to leave existing blinds and drapes”

If unclear, clarify with:

• Your landlord
• Your real estate agent
• Your buyer

Do You Leave Curtains When Renting?

Most Rentals Expect Curtains to Stay — BUT Not Always

In many rental agreements, curtains are treated as:

• Landlord property if installed by the landlord
• Tenant property if purchased by the tenant

If the landlord provided curtains:

✔ You must leave them

✘ Removing them may cause damage or deposit deductions

If you installed your own curtains:

You often can remove them, as long as:

• You reinstall the original rods
• You repair any damage
• You restore the windows to original condition

Check Your Lease for These Words

• “Window treatments”
• “Fixtures”
• “Alterations”
• “Tenant is responsible for restoring…”

When in doubt? Ask the landlord.

A quick email saves you money and keeps you in good standing.

Do You Leave Curtains When Selling a Home?

Short Answer: Curtains usually go with you — rods and blinds usually stay.

Why?

Real estate law generally defines a fixture as anything:

• Physically attached to the property
• Installed with tools
• Intended to stay permanently

Curtains are not fixtures — rods and blinds usually are.

But Buyers Often Expect Curtains

Especially if:

• The curtains match the décor
• They were in the listing photos
• They were custom-made for those windows

If the buyers expect them and you remove them, it can cause disputes.

To avoid misunderstandings:

• State clearly in the contract what stays
• Remove curtains before listing photos if you want to take them
• Offer replacements if you’re taking custom-made curtains

What Happens If You Take Curtains That Were Supposed to Stay?

Consequences vary, such as:

• Deposit deductions (rentals)
• Repair fees for removing rods
• Refunds to buyers to replace window treatments
• Contract violations in home sales

Buying and installing new blinds for someone can get very costly.

Should You Take Your Curtains With You?

Here are things to consider before deciding.

1. Will They Fit Your New Home?

Curtains depend on:

• Height
• Width
• Rod placement
• Style compatibility

Many curtains don’t fit new windows correctly.

2. Are They Custom or Expensive?

Handmade, high-end, or blackout curtains are worth taking if allowed.

3. Do You Like the Style in Your New Home?

Moving is a chance to refresh your décor.

4. Are They Easy to Remove Without Damage?

If removal will damage walls or rods, better leave them.

How to Remove Curtains Properly Before Moving

If you decide to take them, here’s how to do it safely.

1. Remove the Curtains

• Carefully unhook or unclip
• Fold neatly
• Package in labeled boxes

2. Decide About the Rods

Check your agreement to see if they must stay.

If taking rods:

• Patch holes
• Touch up paint

If leaving rods:

• Clean them
• Ensure they’re intact

3. Clean Everything Before Packing

Dirty curtains can cause:

• Odors in moving boxes
• Dust allergies
• Stains that settle over time

4. Pack Curtains Properly

Use:

• Vacuum-seal bags
• Plastic tub containers
• Moisture absorbers

When Should You Leave Curtains Behind?

You should leave curtains if:

✔ They belong to the landlord

✔ They were custom-fitted for the home

✔ They’re old and not worth moving

✔ They match the home décor and buyers expect them

✔ You don’t want to patch holes or risk fees

So, Finally, Do You Leave Curtains When You Move?

You should take curtains if:

✔ You bought them yourself

✔ They fit your new windows

✔ They are expensive or custom

✔ Your lease or contract allows it

✔ They hold sentimental value

Mistakes to Avoid When Deciding What to Do With Curtains

1. Not Checking Your Lease or Sale Contract

This is the #1 cause of disputes. Always verify.

2. Removing Rods Without Permission

Rods are often considered “fixtures” and must remain.

3. Not Restoring the Walls

Spackling and painting are often required.

4. Leaving Dirty or Damaged Curtains

Whether you take them or leave them, keep them clean.

5. Assuming Local Customs Are Universal

Rules differ by state.

When to Hire a Professional Moving Company

You might need movers if:

• You have expensive or fragile curtain hardware
• You’re concerned about wall damage
• You’re doing a whole-house move
• You want packing and unpacking help

Professional movers ensure:

• Safe removal
• Careful packing
• Zero damage
• Insurance protection
• Stress-free moving

This is especially helpful if you have heavy drapery or motorized blinds.

Move Without Stress With VanLinesMove

If you’re preparing for a move and unsure what to pack, leave, or donate, VanLinesMove offers expert guidance and full-service moving support.

With VanLinesMove, you get:

• Professional packing for delicate items like curtain hardware
• Full transparency about what movers can or cannot handle
• Affordable long-distance relocation services
• Assistance with home preparation, including disassembly and setup
• Clean, safe, insured transportation of your belongings

Whether you're moving across town or across the country, our team ensures nothing is left behind — unless you want it to be.

Conclusion

So, do you leave curtains when you move?

The answer depends on your situation:

• Renting? Leave landlord-owned curtains.
• Selling? Take curtains unless contract says otherwise — rods stay.
• Moving? Take them if they’re yours and will fit your new home.

When in doubt, always check your lease or sale agreement, clarify expectations, and when needed, consult professionals. With good planning and a reliable moving company like VanLinesMove, your relocation will be smooth, organized, and stress-free — curtain decisions included.

FAQ Section

1. Do curtains stay when you move?

Usually, curtains are considered personal property and can be taken with you. Blinds and curtain rods, however, are often treated as fixtures and may need to stay unless your contract says otherwise.

2. Do landlords expect you to leave curtains?

If the landlord provided them, yes — they must stay. If you installed your own curtains, you can usually take them as long as you restore the window to its original condition.

3. Do curtains stay with the house when selling?

Curtains typically go with the seller, while rods and blinds stay. However, if the buyer expects them or the contract states otherwise, you may need to leave them.

4. Should I remove curtains before showing my home?

If you plan to take them, yes. Remove them before listing photos to avoid buyer confusion or contract disputes.