Over 5.5 million Australians live with a disability, and for many, moving brings more than just logistical challenges. You might need to secure accessible transport, coordinate with new care providers, or ensure your new home meets your daily living needs. The questions come quickly: Can I physically handle this move? What if I shut down halfway through? Will I have the support I need? These aren’t just worries, they’re real concerns.
This guide was created with that reality in mind, offering practical tips and emotional preparation. If you’re moving independently, with carers, or relying on moving assistance for disabled support services, we’re here to help you plan, adapt, and feel more in control. Let’s begin!
Create a Detailed Moving Plan
Here’s what to include when making a well-thought-out moving plan:
- Medical Equipment and Supplies: Make a list of medical supplies, devices, and medications that need to be moved with special care.
- Check for Accessibility Needs: When planning your disability transition, look for features like ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and step-free access in your new home.
- Time Management: Plan ample time for packing, moving, and setting up in your new home, so you’re not rushed.
- Emergency Contacts: Have a list of local medical professionals, support services, and accessible transportation options near your new home.
- Special Considerations: If you rely on specific assistive technology, arrange to have it checked and set up in your new home.
Find Disability-Friendly Moving Services
To find the right disability moving assistance, start by searching online for movers experienced in working with people with disabilities. Reach out to friends, family, or online disability support groups. You can also contact local disability advocacy organisations or community centres for recommendations on moving companies that are experienced in accessibility needs.
Do verify that the movers have the necessary insurance coverage and any certifications related to handling medical or mobility equipment.
Prepare Your Current Home for Moving Day
Preparing your current home helps reduce potential stress on moving day and ensures that your current space is organised and ready for the transition. If you need help clearing out items you no longer want, house clearance services can handle it for you, saving you time, energy, and unnecessary stress.
Consider making the following preparations :
- Sort and pack early: Start packing well in advance. Prepare a separate “essentials box” containing everything you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as medications, mobility aids, personal hygiene items, and important documents. If this feels like a big task, hiring decluttering services can help you get organised ahead of time.
- Organise items by room: With help from family members, movers, or support services, pack and label boxes by room. Use colour-coding like red for medical equipment and green for kitchen items.
- Secure medical equipment: Ensure medical equipment is packed safely with extra padding or in custom boxes to keep it safe during transit.
- Prepare pathways: On moving day, have someone clear doorways and hallways to allow for safe, unobstructed movement, especially important if you’re using mobility aids or working alongside movers.
Ensure Your New Home is Accessible
According to a study, only 12% of people with disabilities have made modifications to their homes, leaving millions of Australians facing challenges in living independently. Before moving in, ensure your new home is properly equipped to meet your accessibility needs.
Here’s what you should check for:
- Ramps and doorways: Ensure there are ramps where needed, and that doorways and hallways are wide enough for easy wheelchair or walker access.
- Bathroom accessibility: Check that bathrooms are equipped with necessary modifications such as grab bars, low sinks, and roll-in showers.
- Flooring: Check that floors are smooth, level, and free of obstacles to reduce the risk of trips and falls, which is particularly important during retirement relocation when safety and ease of movement become critical factors in your new home.
- Medical equipment set-up: Ensure there’s enough space for your medical equipment and that it can be easily set up in your new space.
Visit the new home beforehand, if possible, and make adjustments in advance or inform your disability moving assistance of any specific requirements.
Manage Moving Day with Safety and Comfort
Moving day, with the right preparation, can go off without a hitch. Here are a few tips to manage the moving day, ensuring that the physical and emotional demands of the day are as balanced as possible.
- Have a support team: Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, having someone to help you manage the move can make a big difference.
- Communicate with your movers: Be clear with your disability help moving company about any specific needs, such as the need for extra time or care when handling things.
- Take breaks: Don’t push yourself too hard. If you’re navigating a separation relocation, taking time to pause and regroup is especially important. Schedule breaks during the day to rest and recharge.
- Stay comfortable: Set up a comfortable area in your new home, where you can rest and avoid moving too many heavy items yourself.
Settle into Your New Space with Ease
Once you’ve arrived at your new home, give yourself time to settle in without pressure. Start by unpacking essential items, things you use daily or may need urgently. This might include medications, mobility aids, chargers, toiletries, basic kitchenware, bedding, and a few changes of clothes.
Next, arrange your furniture and belongings to support ease of movement and accessibility. Unpack the rest gradually, prioritising comfort and safety as you make the space your own.
Update Legal and Personal Information
After settling, don’t forget to update your address and other legal information. Keeping all your information current ensures that you continue receiving important services and that any legal matters are handled appropriately. This includes:
- Healthcare providers: Notify your doctors and any healthcare providers of your new address so they can update their records.
- Government and legal services: Update your address with the appropriate government departments.
- Insurance companies: Make sure that your new address is reflected in your insurance policies for home, health, and medical equipment.
Moving Made Easier with Care to Move Services!
Relocating as a person with a disability demands careful planning and expert support. At Care to Move, we have extensive experience in how to move a disabled person to another state or in-state moves, providing compassionate and professional support. From tight deadlines to carefully planned transitions, Care to Move works according to your schedule. After a free initial consultation, we’ll offer a personalised time estimate for your move. Contact Care to Move today to learn how we can help you and your family with this important transition. Call 1300 242 622 for a no-obligation discussion.
