Moving with a Disability | 5 Tips to Navigate the Process

Moving can be a stressful and difficult experience for anyone at the best of times. But for people with disabilities, it can be especially tough. Whether you have a physical or cognitive impairment, preparing to move may require careful planning and preparation to ensure that your new home is safe, accessible, and meets your specific needs. 

In this article, we’ll showcase some ways disabled people can make the process of moving home much easier. Covering everything from finding an accessible home to packing and moving into it, we’ll provide you with some hints and advice to help you navigate all the challenges of moving with a disability.

5 Helpful Tips for Navigating a Move with a Disability

1. Finding an Accessible Home
One of the most challenging aspects of moving with a disability is finding an accessible home to move into. Depending on your disability, this may require a home with specific features or modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, wide doorways, or easily accessible bathrooms.

There are a few ways you can find an accessible home. One option is to work with a real estate company that specializes in accessible homes or has experience working with disabled clients. You can also search for accessible homes online through Housing Hub, which showcases apartments and homes that have been created to be disability friendly.

Another option is to work with a disability advocacy group or nonprofit organization that provides housing assistance for disabled individuals. These organizations may be able to connect you with accessible property options in your area, as well as resources and support to help with the moving process.

Regardless of how you find your new home, it’s important to visit the property in person before making a decision. Doing this will allow you to best assess the accessibility of the home and ensure that it meets your specific needs. If possible, bring a friend or family member with you to provide an additional perspective and help you to identify any potential accessibility issues.

2. Preparing for the Move
Once you have found an accessible home and decided to move, it’s time to start preparing for the move itself. While this can be a daunting task, there are a few things you can do to help make the process more manageable.

Firstly, create a moving checklist to help you stay organized and on track. This checklist should include tasks such as packing, arranging for movers or transportation, notifying utility companies of your move, and updating your address with the post office and other important contacts. There is a lot to think about during a move, so making a list like this will ensure you don’t forget anything.

It is also important to start packing early, especially if you have a lot of belongings or require specialized equipment or assistive devices. Begin by sorting through your belongings and determining what you will need to bring with you to your new home. If possible, donate or sell any items that you no longer need or use.

When packing, label each box clearly and include a list of the contents. Doing this will make it easier to find specific items when you unpack in your new home. 

3. Remove Rubbish
Whenever you move into a new home, you usually find yourself having to get rid of a lot of rubbish, particularly if you have lived in your old property for a few years. It could be anything from broken radios and TVs to mattresses, pieces of scrap metal, or even garden waste.

For those with a disability, it can be a real headache to dispose of these items correctly. So, if you are not able to call upon the help of family and friends, it is worth contacting a company that specialises in NDIS rubbish removal to assist you.

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4. Working with Movers or Transportation Providers
If you require assistance with the physical aspects of the move, such as lifting and transporting furniture or boxes, it is a good idea to work with professional movers or transportation providers. When choosing a moving company or transportation provider, it’s important to look for a company that has experience moving handicapped person and is familiar with accessibility issues.

Be sure to discuss your specific needs and requirements with them in advance if you require things like extra padding or protective equipment for your specialized equipment. For your peace of mind, you might also want to ask for references or testimonials from other disabled clients that the company has worked with in the past. It can help you feel more confident in their ability to meet your unique needs and ensure that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you need a transportation provider to move homes, such as a wheelchair-accessible van service or taxi, it’s important to book your transportation in advance. Also, be sure to inform them of any special needs you may have. It is worth noting that in some cases, you may also be eligible for transportation assistance through government programs or non-profit organizations. So be sure to research these options before your move and apply for any assistance that you may be eligible for. 

5. Organizing Your New Home
Once you have arrived at your new home, the next thing you will have to do is unpack your belongings. It can be a very difficult task for some people with disabilities, especially if they are still adjusting to the new space or have specific accessibility needs to consider.

To make the process easier, you might want to create a floor plan of your new home before moving into it. Doing this will allow you to plan the layout of your furniture and possessions and ensure there is enough space to accommodate your mobility needs. As you unpack, it is also a good idea to prioritize unpacking the most essential items for you first. It may include things like your assistive devices, medication, or other items that you use daily.

In the period after you have moved in, it is also a good idea to take the time to explore your new neighborhood and connect with local disability organizations or support groups. They can provide valuable resources and information about accessibility in your community, as well as opportunities to connect with other disabled individuals and caregivers.

Final Thoughts

Moving with a disability can be a complex and challenging process, but with careful planning and preparation, it is possible to make the move relatively smooth and stress-free. Whether you are searching for an accessible home, packing your belongings, removing rubbish, or working with movers and transportation providers, there are various things you can do to help you navigate the process.

The key to a successful move is staying organized, communicating your specific needs and requirements, and seeking out support and resources in your new local community. If you can do this, you’ll soon be able to focus all your attention on enjoying your new home.

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About the Author

Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “Moving with a Disability | 5 Tips to Navigate the Process”

Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.

Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.

Moving with a Disability | 5 Tips to Navigate the Process