Moving is challenging for anyone. The packing. The sorting. The goodbyes. It can be emotionally, physically, and mentally strenuous. There may be more hurdles to cross for those with disabilities. However, if you have a disability and feel discouraged about your upcoming move, take a deep breath. With some proper planning, you’ll be just fine. Here are nine moving tips to help those with a disability plan their move.
1. Check Your Home’s Accessibility
Before the packing begins, plan to visit your soon-to-be home and make sure that it is fully accessible for you. Whether it’s for you or a relative that you’re helping to move, it’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself or your loved one into and what adjustments you can make before moving day. Things to look for include:
- Width of hallways
- Width of doors
- Ease of opening and closing doors
- Ramps if needed
- Countertop heights
- Bathroom aids
2. Create a Moving Checklist
Your moving checklist will become your best friend throughout the moving process. Moving inevitably creates an endless number of tasks to get done quickly. We recommend formulating a moving list to stay organized and on top of your tasks. Here’s a great way to break down your checklist.
- Belongings: Break your home down room by room by decluttering and packing.
- Phone Calls: Call moving companies and hire one that fits your needs and your budget. Arrange the details of your move, schedule installations, etc.
- Services: Create a health care facilities list, search for any new providers you’ll need, set up utilities if required, and forward your mail.
- Disability: Look into the local government to discover which disability services they offer in your area. What are the eligibility requirements, and how do you apply?
- Resources: Write down important information such as phone numbers, referrals, laws you need to know, Medicaid or social security information for your new area, etc.
3. Hire the Right Movers
The moving company you hire can make or break your experience. Consider hiring full-service movers who can pack, move, and unpack your things to make your life easier. A reputable moving company will also ensure your move is safe, efficient, and professional.
When searching for moving and storage companies in Utah, look for a company with experience helping disabled individuals move. Can they move special equipment such as mobility aids, lift chairs, CPAP machines, and wheelchairs? If they have this specialized experience, they may know how to disassemble and reassemble specialty equipment and furniture. Ask them about it.
Don’t hire the first moving company in the Yellow Pages. Reach out to a handful of companies, gather quotes, compare prices, look at their reviews, and ask questions. Take some time and keep narrowing your list until you find one you feel very comfortable with. Ask what packages they offer and what special assistance they can offer.
4. Learn Your Renter’s Rights
If you’re renting a place and have a disability, you must understand your rights and advocate for yourself when dealing with any landlord or rental company. The Fair Housing Act states that your landlord can’t discriminate against anyone due to a disability or ask discriminatory questions pertaining to it.
Under the Fair Housing Act, you’re also legally protected and able to ask for reasonable accommodations that have to do with your disability and are necessary for your everyday living. For example, you should be able to ask for an assigned parking spot closer to your home or to have a service animal in your apartment, even though no pets are generally allowed on the premises.
According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, those with intellectual, mental health, or developmental disabilities are also within their right to ask for reasonable modifications and accommodations and such as:
- Requesting help to complete paperwork while applying
- Support and live-in aide services
- Adjusting the rent due date to accommodate when you receive your disability payments (social security, disability check).
- Having a service animal live with you in a property that doesn’t allow pets
- Request for an extended move-in period due to your disability
- Requesting specific changes to the space to accommodate mobility or sensory needs
5. Apply for Financial Aid
Since those with disabilities may need more assistance doing standard moving tasks, some organizations offer financial aid to help with finding reliable movers and packing and unpacking. AUCD, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research, and ADAPT will all provide grant-based assistance. Before you reach out to any of these organizations and make a request, make sure you know what you need help with.
6. Look into Local Health Care Services
Before moving to your new home, list the nearest health care, emergency facilities, and any specialists you see regularly. Add the name of the facilities, the addresses, and phone numbers, then place that list on your refrigerator or other easily accessible place in your new space, right next to a list of emergency contacts.
It is also wise to refill your prescriptions before you move to ensure you don’t run out of vital medications before you can see your new doctor.
7. Recruit Friends and Family
Even if you hire a professional moving company to take the heaviest of burdens off during your move, you’ll still have some work to do, and you may not be able to do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. You should not have to endure the moving process without some help from some people you love and trust.
There is no way around it — moving is a long and stressful process. However, the steps above can help to make it manageable and organized. Don’t hesitate to ask your landlord for accommodations; always advocate for yourself. You are capable, and you’ve got this.