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House Clearance After Death
Steps and practical advice for this difficult time
Published on 3 February 2026 | 9 minutes reading time
Losing a loved one is a painful ordeal. Among the many tasks that need to be carried out, a house clearance after a death is often a particularly emotional moment. This guide accompanies you with care and compassion through the administrative and practical steps involved in organising this transition under the best possible conditions.
Preliminary Administrative Steps
In Belgium, certain formalities must be completed before you can begin clearing the deceased's home:
- Death certificate: issued by the municipality within 24 hours of death. Essential for all subsequent procedures.
- Notary consultation: the notary opens the estate and determines who the heirs are. Their approval is required before disposing of any assets.
- Estate inventory: an inventory of movable assets may be required, particularly for the inheritance tax declaration.
- Inheritance declaration: must be filed within 4 months (Brussels Capital Region) of the death with the tax authorities.
When Can You Start the House Clearance?
In principle, the house clearance should only begin after all heirs have agreed and the notary has given their approval. In practice, the timing depends on several factors:
- If the property is rented, the lease generally continues for 3 months after the death. The clearance must be completed before the end of this period to avoid additional rent.
- If the property is owned and needs to be sold, the house clearance must be done before putting it on the market or signing at the notary's office.
- The agreement of all heirs is essential. In case of disagreement, the notary can act as a mediator.
Important: Before clearing anything, make sure you have the written agreement of all heirs. Also keep important personal documents (notarial deeds, insurance contracts, bank statements) for the notary.
The Inventory: A Crucial Step
Before the house clearance, carrying out an inventory is strongly recommended, and even mandatory in certain estate cases. This inventory allows you to:
- Document all assets for the inheritance declaration
- Identify valuable items to have appraised by an expert
- Enable a fair distribution among heirs
- Avoid future family disputes
Photograph every room and important items. Note the brands, signatures on paintings, and hallmarks on silverware. A professional second-hand dealer can help you identify valuable pieces that you might otherwise overlook.
How to Sort Personal Belongings
Sorting through the belongings of a departed loved one is a particularly emotional process. Here are some tips to help you through this step:
Take your time
There is no rule about the "right" time. If circumstances allow, give yourself a few weeks before starting the sorting process. Go at your own pace.
Involve family members
Sort together as a family if possible. Each heir can identify the items they are attached to. This prevents regrets and makes the distribution easier.
Sort by categories
Create four areas: keepsakes to preserve, valuable items to have appraised, items to donate, and items to dispose of. Never throw away an item if you are unsure of its value.
Keep all documents
Set aside all important papers: deeds, contracts, correspondence, family photographs, bank documents. They may be needed for the estate settlement.
Using a Professional Estate Clearance Service
Entrusting the estate clearance to a professional offers many advantages during this difficult period:
- Emotional relief: the team handles all the logistics, allowing you to focus on your grief and your memories.
- Respect and discretion: a reputable professional treats the deceased's belongings with the utmost respect. At AAB, our teams are trained to work with sensitivity and care.
- Expertise in valuation: a second-hand dealer can identify valuable pieces that you might underestimate or overlook.
- Documents for the notary: a detailed invoice and a buyback inventory can facilitate the estate settlement process.
- Complete management: from sorting to cleaning, including recycling and donations to charities, everything is taken care of.
Buying Back Valuable Items from an Estate
The homes of elderly people are often filled with unsuspected treasures. After decades of accumulation, it is not uncommon to discover:
- Period furniture (Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Louis XV, Empire)
- Collectible crockery, silverware, Val Saint Lambert crystals
- Paintings, engravings and signed lithographs
- Jewellery, watches and precious metal objects
- Rare books, collectible vinyl records, postcards
With over 30 years of expertise in second-hand dealing in Brussels, we are able to fairly appraise each item. The buyback amount is deducted from the clearance invoice, which can make the house clearance entirely free.
Costs of a House Clearance After Death
The prices are similar to a standard house clearance, with a few specificities:
- Apartment: 500 to 1,500 euros (before buyback)
- Standard house: 800 to 2,500 euros (before buyback)
- Large house: 1,500 to 4,000 euros (before buyback)
The homes of elderly people often contain items of significant value, which makes buyback particularly advantageous. The quote is always free and without obligation.
Our Practical Tips
- Consult the notary before starting the house clearance
- Obtain the written agreement of all heirs
- Photograph every room before the clearance begins
- Keep all personal and administrative documents
- Have valuable items appraised by a professional
- Choose a provider with insurance and a VAT number
- Request a detailed invoice (useful for the estate settlement)
- Take the time you need to grieve
We Are Here to Support You
AAB Brocanteur supports families with respect and discretion during the house clearance after a bereavement. Our 30 years of experience allow us to manage this delicate step with professionalism and empathy. Free quote, no obligation.
0486 75 24 52 Contact Us