My brother and I get along great. Who got what mostly depended on who needed what. We did not value each item. So I got the couch, he got the car, and our friend down the street took the vacuum, microwave, and dishes.

I second the idea of having parents decide who gets what--for furniture, art, jewelry, "big stuff"--ahead of time.

Also, purge a bit every time you visit. Volunteer to clean out a closet or a corner of the attic. Some good memories and conversations can come from this work!

With regard to personal things, discuss with siblings. One of mine gave away my mother's sewing machine to a friend. I learned to sew on that machine and found it much easier to use than my own and the model is no longer made. Seems like NBD, but when one or another sibling does this repeatedly, it causes hard feelings.

Also, if there are certain things that more than one person wants, maybe parents can help sort that out before their death. My mom informed us all who got which pieces of furniture. So when she died, the designated person just took the piece with no hard feelings by anyone else.

I saw some friends go through this recently. I want to see what tips, advice or "prep work" others would advise when clearing out/giving away possessions.