One thing I have found out is that the beautiful China that we all wanted does not sell ~~~~~~~~~~~~kids do not entertain the way we did. Sterling silver will sell at a high price but a set of Silverplate sells for about $75.00. Do your homework before you sell by going to the Antique Malls and flea markets. Sometimes people throw out articles that are very popular with the 20 and 30 years old. I find that many people try to buy back their childhood with the games and toys. Go to the library and look at the books out on Collections that are "IN" right now. Things that do not sell are rocking chairs, infant toys or furniture, linens (unless top notch).Tablecloths from the 50,s do well --$18 to $35.
Go to Ebay and put your item in Search before you sell it. Go to completed auctions to find out what it sold for in the past few months. That is the best place to find information and also sell. Maybe someone can sell the item for you in your area. Also they take a large chunk of the auction price plus the fees. There are certain books that sell well --Dick and Jane, Hardy Boys, etc. Do not print out a Ebay form on what it sold for as 95% of the people will not buy it at a garage sale.
If all else fails then donate it to Goodwill, Churches, Salvation Army, etc. The memories and emotions and feelings for the "stuff" is the worst part so I would probably "pack rat it" with a family member. I have several boxes of my sister,s things that she could not part with when they bought a Motor Home to travel and live in. It has been three years now and she never even asks to look at her things when she visits. She does know that her treasures are safe and that she can look at them or give them to her children when she if off of the road 040 040