Curious about mezuzahs

[mata]

We moved into a new house recently and the house has a mezuzah on the front doorframe. Though we're not Jewish, we're keeping it out of respect for the history of the house and what the mezuzah symbolizes (I'd rather have something like that than an alarm system,) but I'm just curious-is there a "proper" way to remove one? I feel like only certain people are supposed to touch them?

[MommaFox]

I'm not Jewish, but I always want to treat other people's spiritual things with respect. Here's what I was able to find on the subject

http://www.jewfaq.org/signs.htm

And the ubiquitous Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezuzah

Seems the previous owner (Or at least the owner of the Mezuzah) should have taken it themselves.

[npl]

The general rule, when selling a house, is that if you know the buyer is not Jewish, you can take your mezuzahs but if you don't, you should leave them for the next owner.
As for what to do with the one you have if you decide to take it down. The scroll inside is considered to be very holy, and we are careful to treat it with respect, even after it becomes so work out as to no longer be fit for use. So, I would take the mezuzah down and keep it in the case. Then, I would get into contact with your local orthodox synagogue, or find someone near to you through www.Chabad.org, who will be able to take care of it for you.