Moving can feel like a whirlwind of boxes and logistical hurdles for anyone. But for people with disabilities, it’s a whole different ball game — a lot more stressful.
The challenges of accessibility, mobility, and special accommodations can make the process seem even more daunting.
…but, you don't really have to do this alone.
Whether you are relocating to a new city, state, or just across town, there are specific types of moving assistance for disabled people.
These services make the move smoother and transform a potentially overwhelming experience into an organized and empowering one.
So, let's learn about the different kinds of moving assistance that you can access for people with disabilities.
Some moves are simpler than others, especially for people with disabilities.
Moving down a street is never the same as relocating across cities or to a different state.
Without the necessary knowledge and expertise, you may find how to move a disabled person to another state a most challenging task.
However, some moving companies like Haulin’ Assets Moving & Storage specialize in assisting people with disabilities. These professionals have the training to handle mobility devices like wheelchairs, scooters, and specialized beds with care.
In fact, they also understand the importance of maintaining accessibility throughout the moving process. These companies ensure that pathways and entryways are clear and usable during the packing and unpacking stage.
Other kinds of assistance these professional movers can help with include:
Disassembling and reassembling specialized equipment.
Safely pack delicate or medical devices.
Creating a stress-free environment by managing all the heavy lifting.
Note:
Look for movers certified by organizations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you have mobility challenges, standard moving trucks or vehicles might not cut it.
Accessible transportation services cater specifically to people with disabilities. These services offer vans or vehicles equipped with lifts or ramps to accommodate wheelchairs and other similar mobility aids.
This type of moving assistance for disabled people is particularly important because they:
Ensure the safe transportation of mobility devices,
Offer the comfort of traveling in a vehicle designed for your needs.
Note:
Some companies even provide temporary accessible housing during your move. This is in case you need to vacate one place before settling into the next.
Relocating can put a strain on anyone’s budget. For individuals with disabilities, this cost can pile up quickly with all the extra services needed.
Thankfully, several organizations and programs provide financial assistance to ease the burden. Usually, this can be in the form of moving grants for disabled people.
Here are a few financial assistance available for people with disabilities:
As a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) primary focus is supporting independent living for those with disabilities.
Types of support include assisting with housing and relocation. Other times they even provide grants to local organizations that assist with housing-related needs, including moving expenses.
The ACL also offers programs like the Centers for Independent Living (CILs). These programs connect you with resources for relocation support, including financial assistance for moving costs.
Note:
They can direct you to state and local programs tailored to accessibility needs in your area.
While the Housing and Urban Development Department does not directly cover moving costs, its programs can significantly ease the financial burden of relocating.
Their Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program helps people with disabilities access affordable housing with rental assistance.
The housing choice voucher program primarily covers rental assistance and some relocation expenses in certain circumstances.
If you need help with moving for seniors, the Elderly or Disabled Living is a nonprofit organization that provides financial help to low-income elderly or disabled individuals.
Although not exclusively a moving assistance program, the Elderly or Disabled Living offers grants and financial support that’s used to alleviate the overall cost of relocating.
The assistance is specifically for low-income individuals, making it accessible to many. It also has a flexible financial support plan that’s applied to various aspects of your move.
For veterans with disabilities, the Department of Veteran Affairs offers support through housing and relocation programs.
The program is primarily committed to helping veterans live independently.
Their intervention includes assistance with moving to more accessible or suitable housing.
In most instances, their grants tend to cover not only moving expenses but also the cost of adapting your new home to be fully accessible.
When getting or enlisting moving help for disabled people, it is important to know that not everything needs to be purchased outright.
During your move, you may find it helpful to rent adaptive equipment. Equipment such as portable ramps, stair climbers, or lifting devices need not be bought for just that one-time use.
The truth is: they are expensive and will only gather dust until needed in another once-in-a-blue-moon relocation period.
Many companies provide these items to ensure accessibility during the moving process. Plus, it allows you to navigate obstacles like stairs or uneven terrain with ease.
Another type of moving assistance for disabled people is that of personal assistants or caregivers.
Sometimes, having an extra pair of hands can go a long way in easing up the relocation process.
Personal assistants or caregivers can help you pack and organize your belongings before a move and may even offer emotional support during the move.
Personal assistants or caregivers are responsible for ensuring that you are comfortable and that your specific needs are met throughout the process.
They will offer you physical assistance with tasks you can’t manage alone. It’s also great to know that someone is there to advocate for your needs.
Community volunteer programs offer moving assistance for disabled people.
For instance, many communities offer volunteer-based moving assistance programs, which are essentially groups that often provide free or low-cost services to help people with disabilities relocate.
Local disability advocacy organizations and church or neighborhood groups willing to help are examples of these groups.
Note:
These groups connect you with caring individuals who genuinely want to help you with your relocation. They help keep costs low while offering personalized support.
Relocating as a person with disabilities doesn’t have to be a mountain of stress. Moving day doesn’t have to be a pain regarding cost and ease of settling in.
Financial assistance can be a game-changer for people with disabilities facing the challenges of moving.
By leveraging programs offered by organizations like the Administration for Community Living and Elderly or Disabled Living, you can easily reduce the financial burden and focus on settling into your new home.
Or by tapping into these options of moving assistance for disabled people, you could make the process smoother.
What you should remember is this: using these specialized assistance services allows your unique needs to be met every step of the way.
