How to plan a move with a disabled child

May 30, 2022 | Disability

Preparing for a move takes a lot of consideration. When you have children, moving comes with its own set of challenges, including how to keep the process stress-free. If your child is living with a disability, it can be hard to find ways to ensure they’re safe and happy before, during, and after the big day, but there are some things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. 

Allowing them to be involved in the planning will be a big help and can ease the transition. When you’re ready to start looking for homes, make the initial search online so your child can be a part of the process, too. Here are some additional tips, courtesy of famed photographer, Tracy Main.

Know what you’re looking for

There’s a lot of info available online regarding homes for sale, so it’s helpful if you know exactly what you’re looking for. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the neighbourhood, and the price range are the three most common factors to consider when you begin your search; keep in mind that if a home is being sold “as-is”, you may need to investigate further. Think about any accessibility needs your child has and how those might affect the home search; for instance, modifications can improve accessibility, but if those changes will be costly, it might be better to keep looking until you find a home that’s a closer fit for your needs.

Research common modifications

The types of changes you might want to make will vary according to your child’s specific needs and your budget, but common modifications include widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing handrails in the bathroom, updating lighting, or adding ramps. Talk to your child about the things that would make mobility easier in a new home, and research average prices from contractors in the area, or research some simple changes

Take some precautions

Before you physically go house-hunting or speak to a contractor, you’ll need to think about safety precautions for yourself and your family. During these uncertain times, everyone should stay updated on local health guidelines, such as mask mandates and travel restrictions. If possible, set up virtual meetings with a realtor, contractor, or builder rather than talking face-to-face, and ask about a private or video tour for the homes you like instead of attending an open house. Talk to your child about the best ways to stay safe during the move; if he or she is immunocompromised, for instance, you might set them up in one room on the big day, away from the movers and activity. 

Keep mental health a priority

With so many concerns about your family’s physical health, it can be easy to overlook their mental well-being. Talk to your child often about the move so they know what to expect. Ask them to help you when it’s time to pack up their bedroom and allow them to keep a few favorite things in a special bag that they can carry close to them on the big day. 

It’s important to take care of your mental health and stress levels, as well. If you have large pieces of furniture that you’re unsure whether to keep, for instance, consider storing them rather than moving them to the new place just yet so you’ll have one less headache to worry about. 

Moving can be stressful even when you have a solid plan, so take your time. Delegate jobs to certain family members so the brunt of the work doesn’t fall on your shoulders, and keep communication open throughout the process for a smooth transition on moving day.

Tracy Main is passionate about providing my clients with an experience that they won’t forget. She takes pride in offering clients beautiful timeless images that they are able to cherish for years to come. Reach out today to get started!

Photo credits Top photo by cottonbro via Pexels

Bottom photo Tracy Main

Article written by Ed Carter http://ablefutures.org/

beautiful baby ballerina with a walker

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