Moving takes careful planning, but moving with a disability can take a few extra steps to ensure a safe and comfortable transition. Making accessibility a part of your moving plan from the start can help reduce stress before, during, and after moving day.
This accessible moving checklist covers tasks to consider when planning a move with accessibility needs in mind.
Start planning for accessibility before you start packing.
Review accessibility of entrances, hallways, and bathrooms in your new home.
Share mobility needs with your moving company.
Keep essential medications and accessibility equipment with you during the move.
Set up your most important spaces first when you arrive.
One of the first steps in planning your move is ensuring accessibility at both your current and new homes.
Moving with a disability can be difficult if the home becomes cluttered or the new residence isn’t accessible. Review both homes for narrow doorways, uneven floors, poor lighting, steep steps, or cramped bathrooms. Resolving or planning around these issues early can help ensure a smoother moving day.
Measure the width of doorways and hallways and the height of countertops, railings, light switches, and door handles. If the new home needs ramps, lifts, or handrails, try to schedule installation before moving day.
For an area-by-area breakdown, review What to Check for Accessibility in Your New Home later in this article.
Coordinate with your moving company and any caregivers to make sure everyone understands their responsibilities.
A professional moving team like Allied can help you plan the logistics of your move and identify potential challenges before they become problems. Tell your movers about any medical or mobility equipment that may need special packing, and whether any of those items will need to be unloaded first.
Tell caregivers about the move as soon as you have a moving date. They may need to coordinate staffing and transport their own equipment to the new home.
Confirm that accessible transportation will be available. Plan how mobility devices will travel and where they can be charged. If you have a service animal, remember to plan for its needs as well.
Prepare a folder with important information to keep throughout the move, such as:
Before moving, confirm new medical providers, transfer records, and update any benefits to the new location.
First, downsize as much as possible. Smaller inventory can save you money and streamline the packing process.
As you pack, be careful not to let boxes block hallways, entrances, bathrooms, and routes to medications or equipment. If your movers are packing for you, create an accessible packing plan in advance.
Pack mobility devices and medical equipment last and keep them separate from your other household items. Use large labels that clearly state the item, room, and unpacking priority.
Some medical equipment and hazardous items, such as oxygen tanks, may be restricted from moving trucks, so ask your mover about any limitations in advance.
Finally, make a list of equipment that needs special handling and share it with your moving team.
If you’ll have help from caregivers or family members, make sure everyone knows their roles. Decide ahead of time who will assist with daily needs, transportation, unpacking, and setting up the new home.
Try to make the new home feel welcoming before your household items arrive. First, install any accessibility modifications or permanent medical devices.
Next, get the bedroom and bathroom ready. Creating a comfortable space as soon as possible can help reduce the stress of the transition.
As you begin unpacking, place important items where they’re easy to reach. Keep the walkways and rest areas clear.
Small details, like arranging furniture as in the previous home, can help people adjust more comfortably.
It’s always a good idea to pack a first-night kit that stays with you throughout the move. When moving with mobility issues, a few extra considerations can provide comfort and peace of mind.
Keep these items with you instead of having your movers pack and ship them:
These tips may not apply to all accessible moving situations, but they can help you identify areas that need attention.
Entrances and Exterior
Hallways
Bathrooms
Kitchen
Moving day can become busy very quickly. Keep accessibility needs front and center.
Perhaps most importantly, give yourself the time you need. Preparing for an accessible move takes careful coordination, but you don’t have to handle every detail alone. Allied Van Lines offers full-service moving solutions backed by 98 years of experience. Request a free quote today to start planning your move.
Build your moving plan around their accessibility needs. Inspect both homes for potential issues, coordinate with caregivers, and work with your moving company to develop a streamlined plan before moving day.
Make sure entrances, hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens have the proper accessibility modifications before moving in. Set up bedrooms and bathrooms, and consider using familiar furniture placement.
Keep medications, medical documents, mobility equipment, chargers, and comfort items with you throughout the move.
