1. Consider a moving labor service. This allows you to rent the moving truck and hire professionals to load/unload it. This method of moving often saves money and allows you to feel more in control of what is happening.

2. If moving to an urban environment, one should consider how accessible the city generally is. On street parking etc. Do not want to park in a tow zone.The location of where the vehicle you are loading and unloading is going to be parked. Holding the door open (is there an automatic door).

3. Asking about parking or a parking space if you need one. Visitor parking.

4. Reasonable accommodations: see number 2. What do you need for accommodations. The housing authority may be required to provide certain things if they are not already provide. Your local ILC may be able to help answer some of these questions.

5. What type of housing assistance programs does the state/city offer?

6. If you receive benefits from your state and social security, you have to contact them and let them know your change of address. The agencies may also want to know the date you are planning to move. Moving to another state? Contact the state’s disability program to set up benefits. The Social Security Administration needs your updated address.

7. Changing your address with all relevant parties. Mail etc.

8. Keep furniture to a minimum–it makes both getting around the house and moving easier. If the piece of furniture doesn’t serve two or more functions, you’re probably better off without it.

9. Is public transportation near the place of residence easily accessible? Or what kind of para transit like the RIDE is available.

10. Move medical records separately. This ensures they don’t get lost and makes them easily accessible. Once they are in the new home inform the facility manager of where they can be found if needed.

11. Is the place or residence located in an area known for manageable weather conditions?

12. If you need to, can you remove a wall or two to make rooms bigger and more accessible without compromising the structure of the house?

13. One of the requirements for apartment complexes is that if you change a bathroom physically, you must change it back. Ask to speak to an apartment manager and inquire if you have a universal design for the bathroom, if it would be acceptable to leave it in its changed condition given that it is as aesthetically pleasing as its original state.

14. Consider living with another person with attendant care needs so that you may share a P.A.

15. Make sure the closet doors are wide enough to enter using a wheelchair.

16. Look for closets large enough to house extra medical equipment so that it doesn’t have to sit out in your living space.

17. Is the place of residence close to the place of employment?

18. Test to see if you can open the doors that access the outside. If not, is there space in the threshold to install a door opener?

19. Are places of necessity (i.e. grocery stores, department stores, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, etc.) in close proximity to the place of residence?

20. Transfer any services you need – doctors, support care/assistants, etc.

21. Prepare your new home with assisting fixtures such as ramps and bars. Be sure to have all the amenities and adjustments you need. It is useful to have a blueprint or floor layout so you can plan how to place your furniture for the most convenience.

22. Is the place of residence close to a medical center specializing in neuromuscular diseases?

23. Look for a real estate investor willing to purchase and modify a home if you were to sign a long term lease (5 years or more).

24. In the event of a medical emergency, would someone be available to assist or request an ambulance? Live near a friend or good acquaintance that could come over in an emergency. If this can’t be done, introduce yourself to your neighbors and bring them baked goods often. Consider getting a lifeline button.

25. Does the place of residence share close proximity to social venues (i.e. bars, restaurants, movie theaters, churches, etc.)?

26. Research costs of tiled or laminate flooring if you use a motorized wheelchair. Carpet must be replaced frequently and an initial investment in a more durable flooring material could be more beneficial, such as hardwood flooring.

27. What type of housing assistance programs does the state/city offer?

28. Does the place of residence share close proximity to social venues (i.e. bars, restaurants, movie theaters, churches, etc.)?

29. Be sure you know your rights as renter spelled out by the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA). Under FHAA, a seller cannot refuse to negotiate the sale or rental of a living space, to process an offer, or refuse a legitimate offer on the basis of a person’s disability.

30. How close are you to emergency services such as EMS, Fire, Police etc.

31. Is there a home or apartment in the area you want to move to that will allow service animals?

32. What about your ability to get in and out of the home in the event of an emergency such as fire or natural disaster?

33. If emergency exits are difficult to access (e.g. elevators during a building fire) ask the emergency services to keep evacuation directions for your exact location flagged to the building’s address.questions about response times, security issues, how often the police are called

34. Check for curb cuts and potholes

As a renter, you must be allowed to make reasonable accommodations to your living unit.

It is illegal to require those affected by disabilities to go through a special application process, to evaluate their capability as renters on the basis of a different set of standards, and to force them to be segregated to a specific area.
1. How far is the residence from public transportation?

2. Make sure if you get a garage that you can park inside and let the ramp of your van down while still accessing the door to your home in order to prevent weather exposure.

3. Make sure the garage isn’t closed.