Stranger Stuff: Danger or Savior?

I spent a good part of today moving into my new apartment. And by moving into my new apartment, I mean moving just enough stuff here to live for a few days comfortably until my big move Sunday. One aspect of moving I had completely forgotten about is stranger stuff.

Stranger stuff is an item or items that the previous tenant has left behind for you, seemingly on purpose.

It would make logical sense to use some of these items. First of all, they are free to you. Second, it allows you to not waste as many resources when you use a product completely. It's a frugal thing to do.

On the other hand, there is a sort of creepy factor in using stranger stuff. Sure an extra roll of toilet paper is just common courtesy but there seems to be a line where it becomes weird to use other people's stuff.
 
I was unsure what to make of the gallon of chocolate syrup underneath the sink, Lysol adjacent. The tray table looks perfectly useful but the used sponge is gone.

So I'm curious to know, how do you feel about stranger stuff? Do you use it? Or do you start off on a clean slate? Bonus points if you tell me what is the weirdest stranger stuff you've ever found. For me, it's definitely the chocolate syrup, hands down.

Comments

[Mark LaFlamme]

What a great concept. I don't have any strong thoughts on it, myself. I'd balk at using anything that's directly intimate: a blanket, roll of deodorant, sex swing, etc. But a shower curtain, light bulbs, tinfoil or box of Arm & Hammer? Hells yes.

[Jodi]

I'm not a fan of people germs. I cleaned the house top to bottom before I could move in (same with prior moves). I tossed everything left here when we bought it except for two things.

The previous owners left an entire drawer of cookbooks. I kept those. And the bottle of bleach they left near the laundry station. Bleach is good for a germ-o-phobe.

The shower curtain (UGH!) had to go. Strange people rub on that while showering! EW! As did the DISGUSTING bath tub liner (it was so moldy underneath I thought I was going to vomit).

I've only moved a couple of times - I really don't remember the oddest thing I've found. Nothing like chocolate syrup. lol

[Michael Johnson]

Definitely anything food related and personal hygiene related must go. After that it's open for consideration.

I always leave toilet paper in the bathroom, an end roll of paper towel in the kitchen and either a small stack of paper cups or a couple of cheap/free plastic cups. I don't know how many times I have moved in and immediately needed such things. So out of consideration try to leave them for someone else.

What I find funny is that the previous tenant had need for a whole gallon of chocolate syrup and then didn't bother to take it with them. Weird!

[Kayla]

When we moved across country we left a bottle of unopened champagne in our old fridge. We certainly weren't going to drink it on the road and we thought the effects of being cold uncold cold would render it undrinkable if we tried to take it with us to drink later. We found out from our old neighbor that the new tenant had no qualms about the "stranger stuff" and enjoyed it tremendously his first night in his new place.

[Justin]

Leftover paint, ok.
Curtains or Furniture, depends on appearance and smell. Loofah, soap on a rope, or toothbrush, I'll pass.

[Kim]

When D and I moved into our house, the former owner left a whole set of silcone baking pans! I was so thrilled, I wanted to unpack and bake in my first home. Alas, she wasn't being generous, just forgetful :( She came to get them that evening, I wonder if that is why I can't bake?