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 a lot to get through, it can be tempting to decide quickly what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away.

But some of the most important things are easy to overlook. An old folder might contain paperwork you need, a faded photograph could be the only copy in the family, and an ordinary-looking household item might be worth more than you realize.

Not everything needs to be saved forever, but these 15 things deserve a closer look before you decide what to do with them.

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Important 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. Set important documents aside in a secure place, and check applicable record-retention requirements before disposing of financial or tax paperwork.

Family Photos, Letters, and Cards

Photographs, negatives, handwritten letters, and greeting cards can preserve family stories that aren’t recorded anywhere else. Give relatives a chance to look through them, and consider scanning meaningful pictures and correspondence before deciding what to do with the originals.

Old Coins and Paper Money

A jar of coins or an envelope of old bills could contain collectible dates, unusual printing or minting errors, or coins made with precious metals. Avoid cleaning coins or taking a collection straight to the bank until you’ve identified what you have and checked whether any pieces deserve a closer look.

Vintage Jewelry and Costume Pieces

Fine jewelry can end up mixed with inexpensive accessories, and some older costume jewelry is collectible in its own right. Check for maker’s marks and precious-metal stamps, and have a reputable jeweler examine anything you’re unsure about before donating the entire box.

Military Uniforms and Keepsakes

Uniforms, medals, photographs, letters, and service records can help document a family member’s military history. Ask relatives whether they want to preserve these items, and consider contacting an appropriate archive or museum if the family doesn’t have room to keep them.

Vintage Cameras and Accessories

An old camera bag may hold more than a camera, including lenses, filters, manuals, and accessories that buyers often look for separately. Check the model and condition before donating it, since some film cameras remain useful to photographers while others appeal to collectors.

Antique Typewriters

A typewriter that has spent years in a closet may still interest someone who enjoys restoring or using older writing machines. Look for the manufacturer and model, keep any original case or accessories, and avoid forcing stuck keys or mechanisms when checking its condition.

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 specific pressings. Check the make, model, and condition of the equipment, and look through the records individually before selling or donating the entire collection.

Old Computers and Video Games

Early home computers, classic gaming consoles, and older video games can interest collectors, especially when their original accessories, manuals, and packaging are still available. Before recycling or donating anything, identify the models, keep matching parts together, and protect any personal information stored on old computers.

Vintage Toys and Collectibles

Old dolls, action figures, model trains, and Beanie Babies may bring back memories for family members, while certain pieces also have resale value. Check for original packaging and missing accessories, and compare actual sold prices rather than assuming every toy from a particular decade is valuable.

Vintage Kitchenware and Cookie Jars

Colorful Pyrex bowls, older casserole dishes, and character cookie jars may be worth checking for unusual patterns, recognizable designs, or maker’s marks. Inspect each piece for chips, cracks, and repairs, and research it before deciding whether to keep, sell, or donate it.

Mid-Century Furniture

An old dresser, chair, or side table might look ordinary until you examine its construction, design, and any maker’s label. Research a piece before painting, stripping, or discarding it, since alterations can affect its appeal to buyers who prefer original finishes.

China, Crystal, and Silverware

Formal dinnerware may not fit your lifestyle, but a relative might want it for holidays or as a reminder of family meals. Check maker’s marks, patterns, and metal stamps before parting with a set, and remember that resale demand varies widely even for recognizable brands.

Old Books, Magazines, and Comics

Most old 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 a full shelf, rather than assuming everything in the collection has the same value.

Vintage Clothing and Designer Accessories

Old concert shirts, sportswear, jackets, and designer handbags can have sentimental value, and certain authentic vintage pieces attract buyers. Before clearing out a wardrobe, check labels, dates, condition, and any accompanying paperwork, and ask family members whether they want anything that belonged to a parent or grandparent.