Cleaning out your parents’ home can mean sorting through decades of belongings, from attic boxes to drawers that haven’t been opened in years. When there’s so much to go through, it can be tempting to make quick decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or toss.
Some things deserve a closer look before they leave the house. An old folder may contain paperwork the family needs, a faded photograph could be the only copy, and an ordinary-looking item might turn out to be a collectible.
You don’t have to keep everything, but these 15 categories are worth checking before you decide what happens next.
Documents and Records
Before recycling old paperwork, look for birth and marriage certificates, property deeds, military discharge papers, insurance policies, and other records you may need to settle an estate or manage family affairs. Keep these papers in a safe place, and check record-retention rules before discarding tax or financial documents.
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Family Photos, Letters, and Cards
Photographs, negatives, handwritten letters, and greeting cards can preserve family stories that might not be recorded anywhere else. Give relatives a chance to look through them, and consider scanning meaningful pictures and letters before deciding what to do with the originals.
Old Coins and Paper Money
A jar of loose change or an envelope of old bills may contain collectible dates, unusual printing or minting errors, or coins made from precious metals. Don’t clean the coins or take the whole collection to the bank before identifying what’s there and checking whether any pieces are worth further research.
Vintage Jewelry and Costume Pieces
Fine jewelry sometimes gets mixed in with everyday accessories, and certain vintage costume pieces can interest collectors, too. Check for maker’s marks and metal stamps, and have a reputable jeweler examine anything you’re unsure about before donating the entire box.
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Military Uniforms and Keepsakes
Uniforms, medals, photographs, letters, and service records can tell a family member’s military story and may hold deep personal meaning. Ask relatives whether they’d like to keep these belongings, or contact an appropriate archive or museum if the family can’t store them.
Vintage Cameras and Accessories
An old camera bag may contain lenses, filters, manuals, and accessories that buyers sometimes seek out separately. Check the camera’s make, model, and condition before donating it, since some film cameras still interest photographers while others appeal to collectors.
Antique Typewriters
A typewriter tucked away in a closet may interest someone who enjoys using or restoring older writing machines. Look for the manufacturer’s name and model, keep the original case and accessories together, and don’t force stuck keys or mechanisms while checking whether it works.
Vintage Audio Equipment and Records
Old receivers, turntables, speakers, and amplifiers may still appeal to music lovers, while certain vinyl records attract collectors looking for particular pressings. Check the equipment’s make, model, and condition, then go through the records individually before selling or donating the collection.
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Old Computers and Video Games
Early home computers, classic gaming consoles, and older video games may interest collectors, especially if the original manuals, packaging, and accessories are still around. Identify each model and keep matching parts together before donating anything, and remove personal information from old computers before passing them along.
Vintage Toys and Collectibles
Old dolls, action figures, model trains, and Beanie Babies may hold sentimental value, and some pieces have resale potential. Check for original packaging and missing accessories, then compare actual sold prices rather than assuming every toy from a certain decade is worth money.
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Vintage Kitchenware and Cookie Jars
Colorful Pyrex bowls, older casserole dishes, and character cookie jars are worth checking for unusual patterns, recognizable designs, and maker’s marks. Look for chips, cracks, and repairs, then research the pieces before deciding whether to keep, sell, or donate them.
Mid-Century Furniture
An old dresser, chair, or side table may look ordinary until you check its construction, design, and maker’s label. Research the piece before painting, stripping, or discarding it, since collectors may prefer an original finish.
Related: 14 Mid-Century Modern Finds You’d Kick Yourself for Leaving at the Thrift Store
China, Crystal, and Silverware
Formal dinnerware may not fit your current lifestyle, but another relative might want it for holiday meals or as a reminder of family gatherings. Check maker’s marks, patterns, and metal stamps before parting with a set, since resale demand varies widely even among recognizable brands.
Old Books, Magazines, and Comics
Most older reading material isn’t rare, but signed books, certain early editions, notable magazine issues, and collectible comics may deserve a closer look. Check publication details, issue numbers, and condition before donating an entire shelf, rather than assuming every item in the collection has the same value.
Vintage Clothing and Designer Accessories
Old concert shirts, sportswear, jackets, and designer handbags may hold family memories, and certain authentic vintage pieces attract buyers. Check labels, dates, condition, and any accompanying paperwork before clearing out the wardrobe, and ask relatives whether they’d like anything that belonged to a parent or grandparent.
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