sort through — to examine and organize items by separating them into different groups or categories

a woman carefully picks up various objects from a large cardboard box and examines each one closely. She holds up a ceramic mug, inspects it, then places it on a table with other kitchen items. Next she pulls out a children's toy and sets it aside with other toys in a separate pile. Behind her, a helper watches as organized groups of books, clothes, and household items grow on different tables. someone examining and organizing items by separating them into different groups or categories