How to plan a move for a person with disability

We all know that moving can be chaotic and challenging in many ways- emotionally and physically. For a person with disabilities, moving can be stressful and impact emotions more than anyone else. They will find moving more difficult as they rely on different modifications and equipment to lead a comfortable living.

This article is for those who are moving with someone with a disability. We will explore the major steps like- planning and organizing the move. Proper planning of the move will make the move easy and manageable. Explore the essential steps for planning and executing a move for someone with a disability.

Plan your move ahead

Timeline is an essential consideration while planning a move, especially for people with disabilities. To ensure everything will go right seamlessly, you create a moving plan once your moving date is set. Planning will give you enough time to find the right moving professionals with experience in handling moves for people with special needs. Verifying the qualification and moving experience is important to find an affordable deal.

Prepare an inventory

Since you are moving, you will carry all the items in the house. But stress and emotions can affect you, and there are chances you might lose or leave something at the old place. Preparing a moving inventory will allow you to list the items you intend to move and leave behind. This will help movers while packing, lifting, and unpacking.

Create a moving checklist

The best way to ensure a seamless move is to go step by step. So, create a moving checklist and set the priority of tasks accordingly. You can download a moving checklist from Van Lines Move and modify it as you need.

Research & book professional mover

When you decide to move, you need to pick between a DIY move where you handle the move with the help of your family and friends, or hire a professional.

The best approach is hiring a professional mover, as they will be a great help to people with disabilities. They will handle each moving task with high efficiency, such as packing-unpacking, loading-unloading, and transportation. They will carry heavy items and set up for easy accessibility.

Gather packing supplies

Right packing material is important to protect the belongings during the move. People with disabilities have special equipment and supplies which require special attention while packing. So, find the right packing supplies.

Evaluate new home for accessibility

Accessibility is one major aspect to be considered when a person with disabilities is planning to move. Before moving to a new house, check if your new home is accessible and has everything you need to accommodate. If you have trouble with mobility, make sure your hallways and doorways are wide enough for the movement of the wheelchair. If there are other requirements for comfortable accommodation, make all the arrangements before the move.

Explore healthcare facilities around

Healthcare facilities are essential for everyone, whether they have any disability or not. So, before moving to a new house, explore the medical services available nearby. If you have some special requirement according to your disability, make all the necessary arrangements. Also, inform your insurance provider about the move and cross-check whether they will provide the same service even after the move. Keep your medical records safe and easily reachable.

Find storage services

A storage unit is only required when you decide to put some of your items away safely and securely during the move. Choose the right-sized storage unit for your move, and it can be done easily when you have an inventory. Also, remember that the storage unit must be accessible to you. There must be ample space for your movement. For a customized storage solution, contact Van Lines Move Storage Services and inform the representative of the storage unit that will fit your requirements.

Pack a bag of essentials

Don’t forget to pack a bag with the necessary items that you need on the moving day and the day after that. In your bag, you must have your medicines, toiletries, a pair of clothes, snacks, your medical file, important documents, and bedding. Keep this bag separate from all the other moving boxes.

Prepare for Moving Day

As moving day approaches, you might feel more worried and stressed, but proper planning can help you feel relieved. So, plan your moving day and make the following arrangements-
• Contact your mover and check the schedule of their arrival.
• Get all the appliances and furniture disassembled and uninstalled before moving.
• If you use any special equipment, prepare it before moving day.
• Get a folder containing your essential medical documents, disability certificates, and emergency contacts. Give this folder to the movers on the moving day so they can use it in an emergency.

Set up your new home

Finally, you moved into your new home, and this place needs a few modifications so that you can feel comfortable. Accessibility is vital, and all the items you need must be in the approachable range. Here are some tips to help you settle in your new home-

• Unpack the bag of essentials first, which has your medication, snacks, and toiletries.
• Set up the new house so everything you need is easily accessible and does not hinder your mobility aids.
• If you need some special arrangements like grab bars, handrails, or ramps, you can get them installed.
• Connect with your new neighbors, local authorities, and utility providers about your disability.
• If possible, explore the new neighborhood, learn about the public transportation, nearby medical facilities, and more.

Modifications required in a new home after the move

For a disabled person, it is better to have a home where they can easily reach everything and feel comfortable. Before your move, you can visit your new place and make all the necessary modifications. Here is the list of alterations that are required for disabled people in a new home-

Accessible entryway-

Make the entryway easy for the disabled person by taking the following steps-

• Modify the steps on the entryway
• Replace the steps with the ramps as it will ease the movement
• If the house has multiple floors, then a stair lift can be installed.

Accessible first floor

• Ensure that there is a bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor
• Make the bathroom more accessible by upgrading it
• Remove all the barriers and doorknobs

Modify the interiors

• If the person has mobility trouble, then widen the hallways and doorways
• Tripping can be hazardous so remove rugs and carpets
• Modify the placement of furniture, appliances, and countertops
• Lighting must be proper throughout the house

Proper planning for the move and after moves in-house modifications are important for disabled people. A professional moving company has experience handling the moves for the disabled and people with special needs. Van Lines Move has a vast network of movers who provide customized moving solutions to disabled people.


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