Legal Definitions - personal effects

The term “personal effects” refers to a person’s personal property that they carry or wear. These are usually items that are of particular significance to the person. Examples of personal effects include:

• Jewelry
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Culturally or religiously significant items
• Items required due to a disability or illness
• Pets
• Items related to hobbies and education

Personal effects do not include items held only for financial purposes. Nor do personal effects include items in the home that are not of particular significance; these are instead deemed household goods. While all personal effects are also household goods, not all household goods are personal effects.

For example, a person's wedding ring would be considered a personal effect because it is of particular significance to them and is worn on their person. On the other hand, a set of dishes in their home would be considered household goods because it is not carried or worn and is not of particular significance to the person.