Ways Those With Disabilities Can Settle Into A New Town
As a person with disabilities, moving home and settling into a new town can be often be difficult.
Whilst an experienced estate agent can help you get settled into your home, getting out and exploring your new town and neighbourhood will ultimately be down to you.
Below are five tips that make planning your move less of a hassle and help you get settled into your new home much faster.
Take Care of Important Tasks Before Moving In
No matter where you are moving to, you are going to need some basics to feel comfortable in your new home. So before you begin your journey, The Spruce suggests you should start setting up utilities so you will have one less thing to worry about when you are trying to get settled in. A quick online search can provide all of the information you need regarding utilities in your area, and you can usually get things set up online or with a phone call. As you set up water service to your new home, also check in with the local water authority about water quality. If you are worried about contaminants in drinking water, you can also invest in a filtration system that will remove toxins and improve taste.
If the moving process has overwhelmed you and stressed you out, consider using essential oils (lavender is a popular oil used for relaxation), but anything you can do to help reduce the stress involved with this transition will help improve the experience overall.
Also Consider Making Accessibility Changes
As you plan your move, you should also go ahead and plan to have any accessibility modifications completed before you get to your new home. Accessibility changes like adding pocket doors, replacing floors and installing ramps are much easier to complete when you don’t have bulky furniture or boxes in the way. Plus, most of these upgrades are very affordable and you may even be able to tackle them on your own.
If you do need some help with remodelling projects, know that get help to improve your home. You can always ask your estate agent for recommendations or check in with other people you know in town or on online forums for your area.
Also, if the home you’re moving to doesn’t have a smart home security system, now’s the time to consider installing one. Safety is among the most important aspects of living independently as a disabled person, and technology has come a long way in making home security accessible to everyone. Assistive technology like voice-activated locks and Ring video doorbells are a big help, as are motion sensors for lights inside the house and out.
Research Transportation Options in Your Area
When you’re new in town, it may be less stressful to take public transportation when exploring your new city. You can also check in with transportation websites to see if your city offers accommodations for passengers who are living with disabilities. Of course, driving yourself around town is also a good way to get familiar with your surroundings. Just be sure to use a reliable navigation app to avoid getting yourself lost
Make an Effort to Meet Your New Neighbours
Another way you can become familiar with your new town is to get to know your neighbours. Introducing yourself to neighbours can be a little nerve wracking, especially if this is your first big move. But Apartment Guide notes that you can break the ice and ease your anxieties by keeping a few pointers in mind. First of all, start with a smile and some small talk when you first move into your neighbourhood, and if you feel comfortable, bring your neighbours some yummy baked goods or throw a small get together.
Strike Up Conversations With People in Local Shops
If you talk with your neighbours you are likely to get more ideas about what to explore in your new city and you can also use travel guides to plan your adventures. These guides can point you in the direction of some of the most popular restaurants, shops and activities in your new area. As you get out and explore these attractions, make a real effort to meet other people. Some of the same tips that can help you meet new neighbours can also help you make new friends, but, you can also check out local meetups, volunteer opportunities and social apps.
Moving to a brand new city can be intimidating but it can also be exciting! After all, it’s not every day that you get to reinvent yourself and meet so many new people. So try to stay focused on the positives and plan your move so that you will feel like a local much faster.
Guest Post by Justin Bennett of Healthyfit.info
Photo Credit: Pexels
