A few years before my dad had died-he 'decided' on his own which of myself and my many siblings should get what. Much of it were antiques, many pieces needed 'work' and he decided who HE felt loved some things more than others.
He then arranged w/a moving company to do the 'partial' loads for delivery. That way there was little to complain about and actually everyone was happy in the end. Tho I gotta admit some always thought I'd gotten what they had wanted? I'd not complained, I was just grateful to get a part of our family's history. Granted, we could have all traded off things, but we all happen to live way too far apart. It's been over 25 years so I guess there are no great resentments floating about? Or the others would know.

This all is never easy, but it's a lot easier to have it all sorted out way before it becomes essential. I think the pics and grand-dad bucks idea really sounds a good idea for these days and times! Much harder to do ages ago before PC's and digital cameras etc.

Good luck! - j