We had some yard sales, where stuff went for a nickel on the dollar. Kids and friends took very little. We opted for a storage unit for the rest, which we paid for 10 years. Believe me, nothing in there totaled what we spent on that storage fee over 10 years.
If I had it to do over, I'd try Craigslist, and start earlier. There are many online garage sale sites in our area now, do a search on Facebook. And for the FEW things I'd want back some day, find a trusted friend with some space in a garage or basement.