Personal Property Memorandum vs Letter of Wishes vs Personal Effects List - What Is the Difference?
If you have searched for ways to document who receives your personal belongings, you have probably seen several different terms:
- Personal property memorandum
- Memorandum for tangible personal property
- Personal effects list
- Letter of wishes
- Bequest list
- List of bequests
- Distribution of personal property list
They sound similar. Sometimes they overlap. But they are not always the same thing.
What is a personal property memorandum?
A personal property memorandum is a written list that names specific personal items and identifies who should receive each one.
It typically works alongside a will. In some jurisdictions, a will can formally reference a separate memorandum and give it legal effect for distributing tangible personal property.
It is usually used for items such as jewellery, heirlooms, collectibles, artwork, tools, and keepsakes.
What is a memorandum for tangible personal property?
This is essentially a more formal name for a personal property memorandum. "Tangible personal property" refers to physical items you can touch, as opposed to financial assets.
The meaning is similar. The terminology often depends on how your lawyer drafts your will.
What is a personal effects list?
A personal effects list is a more general term. It usually refers to a list of belongings, but it may not always be formally referenced in a will.
It can be as simple as a written document listing items and intended recipients. Its legal weight depends on how it is used and whether it is incorporated into a will.
What is a letter of wishes?
A letter of wishes is broader. It is typically a document that explains your preferences and guidance to executors or trustees.
It can include personal item instructions, but it may also include funeral wishes, guardianship guidance, or explanations about decisions in your will.
In many cases, a letter of wishes is not legally binding, but it can strongly influence how your estate is administered.
What is a bequest list or list of bequests?
A bequest refers to a gift made through a will. A bequest list usually outlines specific gifts to specific people.
In practice, a bequest list may be written directly into a will, or it may exist as a separate document describing who receives particular items.
Are these documents legally binding?
The legal status depends on:
- How your will references the document
- Your local laws
- Whether the document meets legal requirements
You should always seek professional legal advice to ensure your estate documents are valid in your jurisdiction.
However, even when a document is not strictly binding, written clarity significantly reduces family conflict.
Why the terminology matters less than clarity
Families rarely argue over terminology. They argue over uncertainty.
Whether you call it a personal property memorandum, personal effects list, or letter of wishes, the key principle is the same:
Clearly identify the item and clearly identify the person who should receive it.
Where Who Gets What fits
Who Gets What is designed to help you create a clear, organised record of your personal belongings and who should receive them. It complements your will. It does not replace it.
- Record items with photos
- Assign each item to a specific person
- Add optional notes for context
- Export a structured record
Clarity today prevents confusion later. Join the waitlist to be notified when Who Gets What launches.