Ditching clutter can be tough, but deciding what stays and what goes gets a little easier when there’s a set of rules to follow. We tapped three organizing experts to tell us what items in your home are worth finding space for.

1. Important Papers

“It’s important to let go of as much paper that you have accumulated as possible,” says Jodie Watson, owner of Supreme Organization. “However, you will need to keep the following documents so don’t purge these: birth and death records, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, social security cards, pension plan documents, medical records, insurance policies, passports, wills, trusts, power of attorney documents, property deeds, investment records, education records, diplomas, military service records and vehicle titles.”

2. Family Heirlooms

“Sterling silver candlesticks from your great, great grandmother should make the cut,” says professional organizer Barbara Reich. “Evaluate these and again, which ones are truly meaningful to you and your family currently?” advises Watson. “Which ones do you truly love and value? These are the ones to keep and take with you to your new home.”

3. Electronics

At least until you’ve completely wiped out all your personal information. “I can’t tell you the number of people who go on massive de-cluttering binges and don’t take the time to clear all their personal information,” warns professional organizer and owner of Metropolitan Organizing, Geralin Thomas, who also worked on A&E’s Hoarders.

4. Landline Phones

You never know when you’ll run out of battery or lose service. “Keep at least one,” says Thomas. That landline phone is more important than you think.

5. Photographs

“You may need to digitize these, but you don’t want to lose them,” says Reich.

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

6. Collections

“You have obviously enjoyed collecting these items, so select your favorite few (three to five) that you love and value above all the rest,” says Watson. Whether it be dolls or vintage cars, it better to display and enjoy a few than to have them boxed away in storage.

7. Fine Jewelry in the Original Box

“Having a piece of jewelry in its original box adds value when/if reselling it and keeps the piece of jewelry in mint condition,” says Thomas.

VICTORIA PEARSON

8. Sentimental Items

“A lock of hair from your child’s first haircut, the medal you won for running a marathon, etc.” says Reich. “These are items that you would not be able to replace and that hold a high sentimental value for you,” says Watson.

9. Emergency Supplies

A radio, landline phone, batteries, flashlight and first aid kit should all be on hand advises Reich. “And if you don’t have emergency supplies, now is the time to get them!”

ANNIE SCHLECHTER

10. Basic Kitchen and Bathroom Supplies

BUT only what you need — pots and pans, a good quality chef’s knife, spatula, wooden spoon, blender, sheets and towels. “You have duplicates you can leave behind, but make sure you have the basics with you,” says Reich. And for the bathroom? “You should bring two sets of sheets per bed (one on the bed, one to change) and four towels per person.”

11. Expensive Handbags and Their Tags

“When or if you are consigning, this will help prove authenticity and bring a much better price,” explains Thomas.

12. Unexpired Medication and Toiletries

These can be expensive! Most importantly, “medication taken daily should be kept with you during the move,” says Reich.

NGOC MINH NGO

13. Frames

This is one of those situations where you don’t know what you had until it’s gone. “We all have made that trip to the local hobby store to pick out the perfect frame,” says Cheryl Smith from Consider It Done Lifestyle Management. High-quality frames can be pricey to replace, so be sure to keep any that you find during the downsizing process. While we’re on the topic: Keep any original art that you love, and pass down any that doesn’t make you smile.