Dont throw it out! Its easy when its time to downsize or liquidate a family members estate to head immediately for the trash can. Industry professionals will tell you repeatedly dont  as tempting as it seems throw anything out. Usually the least likely items have the largest values and it is best when left to a professional to help you with those descisions. Most Estate Sale liquidators and consigners will not charge you for an afternoon or two of going through your items. In fact many of us love the find more then the sale itself.
If you can just no longer stand the disorganization and have to throw it out here are some recent examples my personal company has come across. Junk drawer filled with vintage pen knives realized value $30.00- $50.00 each.  Costume Jewelry in an old box headed to Salvation Army realized value $2200.00; old wooden bowls made by local peaseware company - actually antique peaseware $1300.00,two hat pins stuck in a pin holder $55.00,small old dirty vase - once cleaned was a antique Steuben signed vase $985.00.

Rule of the day - Dont throw out your items until you have a visit from a local professional