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Practical Advice for Moving Homes When You Have a Child with a Disability
Moving can be a stressful experience for anyone. However, when you have a child with special needs, it can be particularly challenging. Along with figuring out your finances and choosing the right home, you must also consider your child’s needs throughout the entire process. From getting advice from Marsha Florence’s Just Ask Talk Show to planning home modifications to keeping your child safe and calm during the move, below is some practical advice for how you can make the experience as smooth as possible.
Saving for a Home
Buying a new home is a wonderful way to upgrade the lifestyle and comfort of your household. But it can also be a doorway to building your assets and laying a solid foundation for future financial security. That is, as long as you approach it the right way and make good decisions.
For example, if you accept a mortgage that is going to be difficult to meet each month, then it can put you in a worse position than you were before. Go through your finances, and figure out how much you can comfortably afford. Be sure to factor in all your expenses and leave room for the unexpected. If you’re not in a good position to land the home you want, start boosting your savings, and wait until you have the money. Also, find a reliable real estate agent to help you through the process.
Handling Debt
If you’re saddled with a substantial amount of debt, that needs to be addressed before buying a home as well. Fortunately, you have options when it comes to debt relief. Consolidation loans, debt counseling, and settlements are a few ways that you can take back control of your finances. Taking action now can save you from wage garnishment, help you boost your credit score, and get you to where you can begin saving for a down payment on your dream home.
Home Accessibility
On your house hunt, it’s essential to consider the needs of your child in every aspect. If your child lives with a physical disability, for instance, you may need to look for a single-story home with an open-floor layout. Also, opt for hard floors or short carpets, and consider the height of countertops, faucets, and light switches. If the home doesn’t have a zero-step entry, you might need to install a ramp. The more accessibility features you find in a home, the better, though you can usually make modifications when necessary.
Managing Stress During the Move
Once you’ve bought the home, take steps to keep your child safe and comfortable while you move in. For example, if your child uses a wheelchair, remember to take any precautions you normally would when getting from point A to point B. If you’ll need to stay in temporary housing for a time, be sure to confirm ahead of time that your child’s needs will be accommodated.
If your child deals with a sensory disorder, such as autism, then provide them with a quiet, safe space, even if that means staying in a hotel room until you get everything unpacked. Better yet, think long-term by equipping them with noise-cancelling headsets or earbuds.
Also, communicate with your child about what they can expect during the move, and make sure your child has access to a blanket, lovey, or any other familiar item that can bring them comfort.
Extra COVID Precautions
Finally, prepare to be extra careful during your move in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whenever you’re in public, be sure to practice social distancing and/or wear a mask. And if you’ll be using the assistance of professional movers, make sure they are following the CDC guidelines. Regardless, it’s a good idea for your family to keep hand sanitizer, disinfectant, masks, gloves, and other preventative supplies handy.
A lot is involved when moving homes. So, make sure you make sound financial decisions and do what you can to keep your child safe and comfortable in the process. Here’s to the next exciting chapter in your lives!
Interested in learning more about how to assist senior citizens and those with disabilities? See how Marsha Florence, founder of both the “Just Ask” Talk Show and the non-profit “Just Ask” Foundation, Inc., is securing life-sustaining resources for the improvement of these individuals’ financial and survival status. (800)-323-5336
Story Written By Patrick
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