Open house with or without personal furniture and belongings?

[Matt Wells]

Should I have an open house with my personal belongings and furniture in it? I feel like most homes I see for sale online are vacant or seem staged. I don't like the idea of having an open house with strangers casing my belongings. What is the normal situation here? I admit I am probably being too paranoid and will take the obvious precautions with valuables. Some details: The house is nice. It will not be cluttered with stuff. The house will be clean. Valuables will be hidden. There are some small pets. What are the pros and cons of selling and showing my house with my furniture and belongings in it?