A Moving Guide for Wheelchair Users

Moving into a new home can be as exciting as it is overwhelming! When you factor in decluttering, packing, and the actual move itself, you may not know where to start. We put together a few helpful hints to guide your moving process so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying your new place.

1. Choose an Accessible Residence

If you are a wheelchair user searching on your own for a place to live, you likely already know what accessible features are most important to you. However, if you are looking for a residence on behalf of a friend or relative that uses a wheelchair, it is crucial that you become familiar with the accessible features that will make them feel comfortable in their new home. Are the building or home’s entrances easily accessible? Are the doorways wide enough to accommodate their chair?

Not only should you be on the lookout for necessary accessibility features inside the home but be sure to account for how you will park your wheelchair accessible vehicle outside as well. For rear-entry vehicles, ideally your driveway should be long enough to use your ramp safely without having to venture into the street. Side-entry vans are more comfortable to operate in a two-car garage or a wide driveway with plenty of space surrounding the ramp.

It may help to make a list of features to look for as you check out potential homes.

2. Make a Checklist

Speaking of lists, keeping a written record of your moving plan can help keep you from forgetting important milestones during your move! From scheduling utilities to changing your address with the post office, there will be a lot of small but important tasks to complete to ensure everything is set up and ready to go at your new home. This downloadable moving checklist from HGTV is a great resource to help you stay on track.

3. Declutter

Moving is the perfect opportunity to go through your belongings and rid yourself of clothes or items that aren’t being put to good use. Less stuff in your house means less stuff to pack! If you have items that are too heavy or bulky to clear out on your own, or in too good of condition to send to the dumpster, consider calling a donation center. Often, they can send workers to pick up items that you can’t move on your own. If you own medical equipment like an older wheelchair that you no longer use, consider reaching out to organizations like Wheelchairs for Warriors or Wheels for the World to see if you can donate it to someone in need.

4. Pack Efficiently

While it’s tempting to just start tossing things into boxes with the “I’ll figure it out later” strategy, your future self will thank you for taking the time to pack proactively. At the very least, labeling your boxes with which room they belong in will spare you from wandering around your new place every time you re-open a package.

Getting a head-start on packing will make your days right before the move less stressful. As you fill more and more boxes, however, be conscious of where you are placing them around your home. Make sure you are leaving yourself a clear path to maneuver, and if you are stacking your boxes, keep them in a corner or room where they will not accidentally be bumped.

5. Find Quality Movers (Or Enlist the Help of Some Friends)

Hiring movers is certainly the more expensive option, but it also saves you a lot of work on moving day. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can find movers to transport just your heavy furniture pieces or reserve them for the whole day if you need help packing your belongings as well. Of course, this route isn’t a realistic option for everybody. It never hurts to reach out to friends or family who may be able to help!

If you find yourself in need of a little extra cargo space versus a bulky moving truck, contact our rental department. You can rent a spacious van for a few hours, or keep it for the weekend if you need to make several trips!

6. Set Aside the Essentials

Perhaps the most universal moving tip: pack an overnight bag to take with you on moving day. After a long day of moving, the last thing you will want to do is dig through your boxes to find your pajamas! You may also want to pack a box specifically for your first night at your new home, including things like dishes and bedsheets that you may want to use once you settle in.

Although it can be a hassle, moving into a new home is also an adventure. It’s a place to call your very own where you can create a comfortable oasis! At MobilityWorks, we know how important it is to have reliable transportation so you can be there for life’s important moments, like pulling into the driveway of your new house. Contact us today to schedule an at-home test drive at your new place!

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