Diogenes syndrome — extreme hoarding, severe home neglect, and social withdrawal — affects 1 to 2% of seniors. In Brussels, we intervene several times a month in these sensitive situations, often at the request of a CPAS, a legal guardian, or an overwhelmed family.

A completely different intervention from a standard house clearance

Clearing a Diogenes property is not handled like a routine estate clearance. The priority is not raw hourly throughput: it is unwavering respect for the individual and stringent sanitary protection for our team.

⚠️ Never act without an official mandate

Entering an occupied property without formal authorization can constitute unlawful trespass. Every clearance must be preceded by a written agreement with the family, the court-appointed guardian, or the municipal CPAS.

Our 5-phase protocol

  1. Confidential assessment — a discreet two-person visit in plain clothes, speaking with the resident if present. Risk assessment: pests, mold, weakened floorboards.
  2. Written agreement with the principal, clarifying items to preserve despite appearances (keepsakes, identity documents, photographs).
  3. Preparation: full PPE (protective suits, FFP3 respirator masks, nitrile gloves), dehumidification where necessary.
  4. Progressive clearance room by room with meticulous pre-sorting: papers, jewellery, cash, family photos. An inventory list is handed to the family.
  5. Disinfection, pest eradication, and deodorisation if required, followed by restoration to habitable condition (sweeping, scrubbing, sanitizing).
Clean and orderly interior of a home — result of a full restorative deep clean
Every intervention concludes with a detailed photographic progress report provided to the family or legal guardian.

ℹ️ Partnership with Brussels social services

We work regularly with the CPAS across all 19 Brussels municipalities, the SAJ, and local medical centres. If a social worker is overseeing the case, they may attend the initial evaluation visit at no extra charge.

How long does it take?

2–7 days intervention duration
40–80 m³ typical 3-bed volume
3–5 crew team size

How much does it cost?

There is no standard price list: every Diogenes case is unique. The primary cost factors are specialized labor (far higher than a routine clearance), PPE equipment, hazardous waste sorting streams, and professional disinfection. As a guide: €3,500 to €9,000 for an apartment.

Guaranteed discretion

Unmarked vehicles are available upon request. No photos are ever made public. Neighbors are never informed by our crew of the nature of the work.

💡 For families

The initial evaluation visit is always free. If you are facing this situation with a relative, call us before taking any hasty steps — we will guide you through the appropriate legal and social framework.

🤝 Free first visit — Confidential assessment

For families, CPAS social workers, and guardians. On-site visit within 48 h in Brussels and surroundings.