Exempt property is then no longer property of the bankruptcy estate. Second, used household goods and personal effects have little resale value, and so do not represent a real source of value to repay creditors. Since retirement plans are outside the estate, the debtor doesn't have to exempt them to keep them. IRA's and other retirement savings may be property of the estate but are frequently exempt. See Property of the estate and Retirement savings in bankruptcy.
Exemptions are the one place where bankruptcy law varies from state to state.
Congress created a set of exemptions in the bankruptcy code but allowed each state to opt-out of those exemptions in favor of the state exemptions. Sixteen states allow debtors to elect the bankruptcy code exemptions. In those states, debtors get their choice between the federal exemptions and those in the law of their state. For the balance of the states, only the state exemptions can be selected. You need to consult state law for the list of exemptions available to you.