My older sister used to work for a charity and she said it was totally heart breaking what some families threw away after a family death.
My new home is very minimalist although I do have a medium chest full of family photos/documents, past and present. I have even written on the back of the photos as my son will not know who they are, just in case he decides to do the "family tree" at some stage in the future. And, have given him details of what jewellery pieces are real diamonds etc as opposed to paste/costume. Everything else, he can either keep for himself (prob some electronics, maybe), or donate.
Thankfully, we cleared out the huge loft in my last home 18 months ago - that was such a major job as it involved 40 years of memories which was bitter sweet, most of which I had forgotten we had stored away up there.
My job is done!