Moving Tips For People With Disabilities

Moving Tips For People With Disabilities

If you, or someone you know is moving and they have a disability, the actual moving process is pretty much the same for everyone. However, there are a few tips to bear in mind that can help a person with disabilities coordinate and plan a successful move.

Plan ahead - Whether you have a disability or not, planning ahead is a crucial aspect of moving. Start by creating a Moving Checklist to determine what tasks need to get done. Include tasks that are associated with your disability and allocate enough time to have them completed by moving day. If you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you’ll want to allow enough time to contact the Social Security Administration to inform them of your upcoming relocation. If you’re moving locally, you’ll just need to update your new address. Hopefully they’ll be no gaps in receiving your benefits. If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to find out if there are changes to any of your disability benefits.

Receive on-site estimates – Depending on the disability, scheduling an in home appointment with a professional estimator, from a reputable moving company might be the best way to receive a quote.

Financial aid – If your disability requires that you need assistance during the move, you can apply for financial aid through certain organizations such as: Administration for Community Living and AUCD(https://acl.gov/grants) (Association of University Centers on Disabilities). These organizations are able to assist and guide you with financial aspects of coordinating a move, hiring reputable moving companies and assistance with packing/unpacking. It is advised that prior to contacting the organizations, you will already know what assistance you will require for your move: hiring movers, help with packing/unpacking, cleaners or any modifications to the accessibility of your new home.

Assess the new home – If possible view the new home to make sure that it’s accessible for someone with disabilities. Whether it’s for yourself, or your helping a relative or a friend with a disability, its important to know that the new home is livable or can be adapted for someone with disabilities. Things like: ease of opening doors, width of doors, ramps if needed, countertop heights, bathroom aid, all need to be taken care of in advance of moving in.

Local health care services – Knowing where to turn to in an emergency is wise for anyone. Make a list of the nearest emergency facilities in your new city, along with information for any specialists that are used regularly and the general physician. Include addresses, phone numbers and a direct contact name when possible. This list should be easily accessible. If any medication is required, fill your prescriptions before the move, even if you’re moving locally. It could get misplaced or lost during the move.

Help unpacking - Many moving companies assist with unpacking. If you will require this service, it’s advised you be present on the day of delivery. This way you can inform the movers where to place your belongings to best suit your daily needs. Make sure to do a final walkthrough and let the movers know if you’ll need anything moved before they leave. Certain disabilities will not allow for lifting and moving of furniture.

With the help of a professional moving company, and some simple tips, making a move with a disability can be a simple and straightforward experience.

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