Moving house can be one of the most stressful things in life, and if you have additional requirements, this can feel especially overwhelming.
But preparation is key, and luckily there are lots of services that can help to support you through it. Below, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider and prep before moving home, to help reduce those stress levels.
Everyone’s needs are different, and it can feel overwhelming when you first begin looking for your perfect home. Dom Hyams, Head of Strategy at disability-focused marketing agency Purple Goat, has experienced this himself. He shares his advice: “There are definitely lots of things to consider when moving home, especially if you have additional access requirements or care needs. Although at times you may feel you don’t have all the answers, putting the wheels in motion, persevering and getting a solid plan in place can help you to solve most obstacles that may stand in your way.”
Dom also advises using organisations like Habinteg or Accessible PRS to find an accessible home that suits your requirements. If you find a home via a private landlord, it’s worth enquiring ahead of time about any additional adaptations needed around the home. If you’re buying your own place, you can utilise the services of home adaptation companies like Motionspot and Fine & Able – these organisations work to make your home accessible while also making them look super stylish!
Dom continues: “Once we found a place that met my needs from an accessibility perspective, we just had to go for it. Looking back now, this enabled us to create the home, environment and independence we were looking for.”
Moving house can be pricey. But according to Compare My Move, you might be able to apply for a Disabled Relocation Grant if you have a disability. These grants are assessed by an occupational therapist or community care worker, and you can head to the GOV UK website to find out more.
If you’re struggling with the costs of moving into a new rental property, Compare My Move also recommends a couple of other options to consider. If you’re receiving a means-tested benefit, you could apply for a benefit advance – though this is taken from your future benefits, so do take that into account.
You may also be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP), if you already qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit – this can be awarded to those who need help with housing expenses, including moving costs. Age UK also provides information about benefits and entitlements for older people on their website.
If you’re struggling to find the money upfront for a rental deposit, it’s also worth contacting your local council. Many boroughs offer a bond deposit initiative; an agreement between the council and your landlord which covers any deposit deductions due to damage or non-payment of rent.
Dom recommends: “At every step of the way, explain your needs and the benefit that this support will have on your life. The more you humanise the experience, the better.”
Once you’ve secured your new home, you’ll need to let your current landlord know the exact date you’re moving out.
Most landlords require at least a month’s notice, but check your rental agreement to find out how much notice you’ll need to give. It’s also good to time this with the end of your current lease, if possible, so you can avoid paying two lots of rent at the same time.
“At every step of the way, explain your needs and the benefit that this support will have on your life. The more you humanise the experience, the better.”
Moving is the perfect excuse to clear out old clutter and clothes from around the house. Unwanted items can be donated to charity, or you could even sell a few bits to get some extra money for moving day!
Finding a good removal team to help with transporting your prized possessions is an important step; they’ll play a crucial role in helping to ensure that your move runs according to plan. Be sure to choose a reliable and efficient team who are sensitive to your individual needs and will help you to get settled in your new home with minimal fuss. It’s also worth checking that the company belongs to the British Association of Removers.
If you’re moving with fewer items, and if it suits your needs, hiring a van for a couple of hours might work out cheaper – try Travelsupermarket, Enterprise Car Club or Zipcar.
“One big thing to keep in mind is how long things take with local authorities – I really underestimated this!”
This is when you’ll be grateful that you had that clear-out! Save time when you’re packing by labelling all boxes and listing what’s inside, so you know exactly what’s in each box when you’re at the other end.
Be sure to think about your moving day essentials – putting together an ‘essentials’ box to travel with you helps for a stress-free transition. If you have additional requirements, include any medication, adapted cutlery or other aids in your essentials box, as well as your mobile phone, chargers and a list of key contact numbers (and don’t forget the all-important kettle, mugs and tea bags!).
If you’re transporting any medical equipment, talk to your removal company and make sure it will be available to you when you arrive at the other end.
Just before you move, it’s a good idea to update your address details in all the important places – think at work, at your bank, the DVLA, and at your doctors and dentist. Likewise, you’ll need to talk to any local authorities and care providers that support you.
Dom says: “The more notice you give to local authorities and care providers, the better. They can help put a plan in place to ensure that your move runs as smoothly as possible. Sometimes they may suggest that you speak to other useful departments and services, such as occupational therapy or transport services, to ensure that the support you need is put in place ready for when you move.
“One big thing to keep in mind is how long things take with local authorities – I really underestimated this! They are not the fastest, so do keep chasing them and following up if you need to talk to them.”
Finally, if you receive any grants or benefits, you’ll need to let them know you’re moving. Make sure that you’re registered to be on the electoral roll at your new place – and don’t forget to give your new address to friends and family!
Remember to leave a forwarding address for your mail, just in case you’ve forgotten to update your address somewhere. Head to the Post Office’s website to sort out a redirection for 3, 6 or 12 months, starting from £33.99.
Let all of your utility suppliers know when you’re planning to move out; electricity, gas, phone and broadband suppliers will all need to know. If you’re moving your phone and broadband across to your new property, give your supplier as much notice as possible. You may have to wait for your internet to be set up at your new property, so do make sure to download anything important so you can still access it.
Moving is also a great time to shop around for new suppliers and deals on your bills – Money Saving Expert says that those on providers’ standard tariffs can usually save money by switching. Check out their Cheap Energy Club to find out whether you’re a high, medium or low user and it’ll show the cheapest tariff for you – some will even offer cashback for switching.
Finally, take a final meter reading or picture of your meter in your property and pass it on to your suppliers, to ensure you’re paying the right amount on your bills.
Ahead of moving, it’s worth signing up to any useful services that may help you to feel more safe and secure in your new home.
One service to consider is the Priority Services Register (PSR) – a free service, designed to support those who need a little extra help in the event of interruptions to their gas, water or electricity supply.
If you have extra communication, access or safety needs, signing up to the PSR will help you to access the best possible services at all times and to feel safe and independent at home. Find out more and sign up to the Priority Services Register here.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service, designed to support those who need a little extra help in the event of interruptions to their gas, water or electricity supply.
If you or someone you know has extra communication, access or safety needs, signing up to the PSR will help you to access the best possible services at all times and to feel safe and independent at home.
