If you're getting ready to move for the first time, you may be considering moving…
Moving is an incredibly taxing event in and of itself, but is even more difficult if you or someone who you are moving has a disability. When moving with a disability, you have to approach the move from a different angle. You need a deeper, broader perspective of what the move is going to take and need to find creative ways to make the move as smooth and easy as possible.
With that in mind, here’s a few helpful house moving tips for people with disabilities.
Six Moving Tips To Make A Move Easier for Those With Disabilities
1. Make a Pre-Move Checklist
Whether you have a disability or not, organization is going to be key when you are moving. Being organized is even more critical if you have a disability – make sure that you give yourself multiple weeks before you move to make yourself a pre-move checklist.
Write down all of the things you need to accomplish before you start packing or moving anything. This can include getting rid of old and unused items and making sure that you clean your previous home before moving into your new one.
We also recommend making a timeline of when you’re going to pack certain things. This will give you an outline and order of when and how you are going to organize everything for your move, so you don’t pack something up then discover that you sill need to be able to access it before your move.
2. Accessibility
If you haven’t already mapped out the accessibility of your new home, that is something that you should do immediately. When moving with a disability, make sure you’ve mapped out the best ways to enter and exit your new home, especially if there is a wheelchair or stairs involved.
You should also check:
- The widths of hallways and doorways in your new home
- Countertop heights for your convenience in the kitchen and bathroom
- If there are any existing ramps in the home and if you need to add entrance/exit ramps anywhere
- The garage to make sure that you have plenty of space and safety precautions are in place
- That cables and any other tripping hazards are out of the way
If you are going to be renting in your new home, make sure to ask your landlord about any existing modifications and for permission to make other modifications that you might need to make.
3. Locate Healthcare Services Near You
One of the most important things to do before you start moving is to locate the healthcare services that are closest to you. With any disability, whether it be paralysis, heart problems, arthritis or otherwise, it’s always important that you know exactly where the closest healthcare providers are in the event of an emergency.
4. Pack a Bag for 2-3 Days
Moving is a long arduous process, and it isn’t always perfect. It can be easy to misplace a box here and there along the way, making it really hard to find what you’re looking for. With this in mind, make sure that you don’t get caught with all of your clothing boxes buried at the bottom of the pile, and be sure to pack a bag with 2-3 days of clothes and toiletry supplies in it. Make sure that you always keep any medications or medical devices that are pertinent to your disability within arms reach while the moving process is going on.
5. Check for Hazards
As you’re scanning your new home for accessibility, scope-out potential hazards in your new home. Make sure that you or a trusted helper take a good look at your new home and the area around it for potential hazards, including:
- Ledges and stairs
- Surfaces that may be slippery when wet
- Low-hanging ceilings or doorways
- Other obstacles that may be a threat to your health or safety
6. Hire a Moving Company
When moving with a disability, it may be in your best interest to find a reliable moving company. Make sure that you shop around before deciding what company to go with. Ask your friends, family and coworkers for recommendations. Do research online about each company and read the reviews that other customers have posted about them. You may even find that certain moving companies have experience and a skillset for moving disabled individuals.
Learn More
Have other questions about moving, or want to learn more ways to make your moving experience a smooth one? Take a look at our blog for more handy resources.
