Moving home is always a time of mixed feelings. Excitement about the next phase of your life. Nostalgia about times gone by in your previous home. Anxiety that everything doesn’t go to plan on moving day. But for people with disabilities, the daunting aspects of moving are likely to be heightened.
Moving home presents unique challenges for people with disabilities.
In South Africa, where recent statistics show over 3.3 million individuals live with disabilities, planning a successful move requires careful consideration and the right support.
Here's how to ensure your relocation is smooth, safe, and stress-free—whether you are moving across the city, the province, or the country.
The key to a successful move lies in thorough preparation. Consider these key steps when planning your relocation:
Choose moving dates and times that allow for a relaxed pace—Avoid rush hours or busy holiday periods (if you can) and plan to arrive at your new home well before sunset.
Create a detailed timeline that includes regular rest breaks, especially for long-distance moves. Take into account traffic time, especially in major cities.
Prepare a list of emergency contacts and keep it within reach.
Arrange for necessary medical support or equipment transfers before moving day, so everything is ready when you arrive.
Choosing the right home is about more than just location—it’s about ensuring your new space supports your health, safety, and daily needs. Consider these key factors to create a comfortable and accessible living environment:
By law, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on a disability. It’s important to know that you have the right to request reasonable accommodations to meet your specific needs.
Always keep all communication with landlords in writing to ensure clarity and maintain a record of your discussions. Additionally, include any agreed-upon modifications in your rental agreement to avoid future disputes.
If you encounter challenges or need guidance, consider consulting a disability rights advocate for support and advice.
Public transport options vary across South African cities, with some offering more accessible services than others.
For example, in Cape Town, the MyCiti Dial-a-Ride service provides kerb-to-kerb transport for people with disabilities.
When planning your move, it’s essential to research local transport options in your new area to ensure they meet your accessibility needs. Additionally, book specialised transport services well in advance to secure availability and avoid last-minute stress.
Choosing the right moving company can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation, especially when specific accessibility needs are involved. To guarantee a hassle-free experience, look for movers who offer tailored services and understand the unique requirements of people with disabilities:
Experience with Specialised Equipment: Skilled in handling items like wheelchairs, mobility aids, and medical devices.
Comprehensive Door-to-Door Services: This means packing, unpacking, dismantling and assembling furniture, and providing assistance with setting up in your new home to ensure everything is accessible and ready for use.
Clear Insurance Coverage: Providing peace of mind with detailed documentation of what’s protected during the move. Specialised medical equipment may need additional insurance and it's also important to also notify your ensurer of your move if your items are already covered under your personal insurance.
Flexibility with Timing and Access: Choose a mover who is able to accommodate your schedule and offer flexibility on the day should you need it.
Wise Move is an online moving platform where you can specify your exact needs and pre-vetted professional moving companies will quote based on your requirements. Does your estate have access restrictions? No problem. Need helps dismantling your furniture? Wise Move is ready to help!
Moving into a new home often requires adjustments to make the space safe, comfortable, and accessible. While extensive renovations can be planned over time, it’s important to focus on immediate modifications that support your mobility and daily routines from day one.
These quick changes can make a significant difference in helping you settle in smoothly and maintain your independence. Consider these priorities as soon as you move in.
| Area | Immediate Modification |
| Entrance | Portable ramps or threshold ramps for access |
| Bathroom | Grab bars, non-slip mats, raised toilet seat |
| Living area | Ask your movers to help position your furniture to allow easy navigation |
| Medical Setup | Set up medical equipment with backup power |
| Emergency Prep | Visible emergency contacts, panic button if needed |
Organising your new space is key to making the settling-in process smoother and less stressful. Here’s how to get started:
Clearly label all your boxes and create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This helps you keep track of items, makes unpacking more efficient, and reduces the chances of losing important things during the move.
Prepare a box with must-have items such as toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, snacks, and any daily-use items. Keep this box within easy reach, so you can access it immediately upon arrival without digging through multiple boxes.
Plan your furniture layout ahead of time to ensure clear pathways and easy navigation—especially if you use mobility aids. Communicate this layout to your movers. This means they can position items correctly, saving you from having to rearrange things later.
Keep important documents, medications, and emergency contacts close at hand. Store them in a small bag or folder that stays with you throughout the move, so you can access them quickly when needed.
Don't hesitate to seek assistance. There are various support services that you can make use of to ensure your transition goes smoothly and safely.
A good starting point is contacting your local disability support organisations for guidance and information on your new neighbourhood. Additionally, use online platforms like Wise Move to find verified moving companies with experience in handling disability-friendly relocations.
Don’t forget to ask family and friends for help with organisation and planning. Having a reliable support network can make a big difference during the moving process.
A good place to start your research is Disability Info South Africa—an accessible housing portal.
Moving with a disability requires extra planning. With the right support and resources, you can make your transition to a new home successful and hassle-free. Take your time planning your move, communicate your needs clearly, and work with professionals who understand your specific requirements.
Consider using an online platform, like Wise Move that connects you with pre-vetted moving companies and has experience in disability-friendly moves. This can save you time and ensure you receive the specialised level of service you need at competitive rates.
We built Wise Move to make a quick and easy connection between customers and moving professionals – our platform is the stepping stone to make removals easier and more streamlined than ever before, and it all starts with one click. We’re dedicated to connecting customers with the best, most efficient and most cost-effective movers in South Africa, both at a local and at a national level.
![How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]](https://cdn.wisemove.co.za/image/blog/f402bbe3e47e09aa41a6d8370888b926.jpeg "How Many Moving Boxes Do You Need [Quick Guide]")
It's free and easy to create a request on Wise Move.
Describe, add photos and the dimensions of your shipment in your listing — anything that you think will make a difference, will make a difference.
Our platform will reach out to moving companies and movers relevant to your delivery specification in your area.
Movers may ask you a few more details about your delivery before giving you a quote.
Compare prices and get to know movers before accepting their quote by reading previous customer reviews on our platform.
Pick your preferred mover and arrange collection and delivery.
Prepare your package for collection or if you are moving home, get ready for moving day.
Meet and greet your chosen movers on your collection day.
Sit back and relax while your movers takes care of your booking.
Please notify us of any violations. This information will be kept confidential and shared only with Wise Move.
