Moving to a Home with the Greatest of Ease

Do you or someone you know have physical disabilities?  Are you considering moving?  There are additional considerations for someone with physical disabilities or limitations.  This is a guest post written by Patrick Young an advocate for people with disabilities.  

Moving to a Home with the Greatest of Ease

Whether you are upsizing, downsizing, blending a family, or relocating for a new job, moving is a major chore.  Each person or family has their own reason for making a move and a budget.  It's hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution that will work for anyone, anywhere, at any time.  This is especially true for folks with disabilities.  Understanding some of the individualized dynamics that can impact your efforts to get you and your personal effects from one home to another can help make it at least a little less daunting.

House hunting

As you search for a new place to call home, keep your own needs in mind.  It’s easy to look at the amenities of friends, other families, or neighbors, and get confused about what you actually need.  If you are young, single, and purchasing a house because someone said it was a good investment, keep in mind the mortgage payment isn’t the only cost that comes with it. 

Homes require modifications and maintenance, no matter how big or small.  Knowing your skill set, your budget, what changes are needed, and the amount of time you want to devote to upkeep is important before you make any decisions.  If you own a service or therapy dog, you’ll need to look for a home that accommodates their needs as well as your own.  Likewise, if you have a family of six you probably already know that 1.5 baths just won’t be enough.  Take the time to establish the criteria that is important to you and your family before you even start looking. 

Setting budget constraints and specifying the needed amenities can save you time whether you are doing your own search or working with a realtor.  It will also keep you from falling in love with places that don’t meet your needs, and potentially having buyer’s remorse.  You will also want to consider the city and neighborhood accessibility features, ensuring the home is in an area that meets your needs.

The Move

Once you know where you are moving, you will need to figure out how you are going to get there.  Hiring professional movers and packers is a great way to ensure your items go from one location to another as efficiently as possible. 

This can be especially important for those with physical limitations but can help anyone expedite the process. Just be sure to compare rates and hire licensed and insured professionals to ensure your money is well spent, and your items are secure.  Be sure to do your homework on the company you hire and know their policies. 

Many companies require an itemized inventory list with declared values for each item, and that you use their labor, trucks, and drivers for end-to-end coverage on your move.  Consider transporting high-value items yourself and keep all medications and items you need regularly with you.  Note that many moving companies will not transport living things, including house plants and pets, firearms, compressed gases, flammable items, perishable items, electronics, and personal records.

Moving can be an exciting time if you plan well and execute properly, or it can be horrifically stressful.  Finding the right home for you and your family takes a little patience, but will be well worth it in the end.  Hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting and ensure your items gets from home to new home without a hitch will help reduce the stress of the move.  Finding a home in a location that meets your needs will make the end result that much more enjoyable.  

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

Patrick created AbleUSA to offer resources to people with disabilities and officer advice about navigating various aspects of life. For more information and resources, you can contact Patrick at AbleUSA.   

Additional Resources:

The Ultimate Guide to Home Accommodations for Person with Disabilities - Redfin

10 Disability Friendly Cities- Where to Live and Why- New Mobility

4-Tips for Buying a Home If You're Disabled- Realtor.com

It is our desire to provide you with relevant information in regards to real estate appraising and real estate related needs.  If you have any questions about real estate appraising or appraisals please contact us at www.dwslaterco.com.  Our thanks to Patick Young for sharing his information to help those with disabilities.