Have you finally decided to plan an estate sale for the near future? If so, you are ready to declutter your home and hopefully make some good money along the way.

Before you contact an estate sale company and begin to think about the finer details, there is a big question you need to answer: what are you going to keep and what are you going to sell? Until you address this question, it will be difficult to move forward.

Here are three points that will help you decide what stays with you and what gets a “for sale” sticker:

1. Sentimental value. If something has sentimental value, such as a piece of jewelry that has been passed down from a relative, there is nothing wrong with keeping it in your possession. You should never feel like you have to sell something that holds a special place in your heart.

2. Answer this question: do you use it? If the answer is no, there is a good chance it should be sold at your estate sale. For example, you may love the appearance of your solid wood dining room table, but if it has been replaced by a newer piece you should consider selling the table. It is better than the alternative of sticking in in your basement to collect dust.

3. Get a better idea of the value. If you don’t know how much a particular item is worth, it is best to bring in a professional estate sale company to provide assistance. Once you realize how much some of your items are worth, you may be more compelled to sell. This is particularly true of items that hold no personal value or are not being used any longer.

When planning an estate sale, these tips can help you decide what to keep and what to sell.