Moving Tips for People with Ataxia

June 6, 2025

Guest Author: Camille Johnson

Moving is one of those life events that sits at the intersection of stress and excitement, but for people living with Ataxia, it’s a different kind of math entirely. The logistics don’t just ask for planning—they demand precision. And while well-meaning friends may offer up Pinterest checklists or reels of “hacks,” you already know those won’t cut it. When you live with Ataxia, stability, safety, and structure become the blueprint. Here’s how you do it without losing your balance—literally or figuratively.

Choose a Layout That Moves With You

Before anything gets packed, the biggest move you’ll make is choosing where you’re going. Open floor plans aren’t just trendy—they’re necessary when wide, stable turns and uncluttered pathways are part of your daily calculus. You need clear space to navigate without the constant threat of catching your toe on a coffee table. One-level living is ideal, and if there are steps, think long and hard about how often you’ll be willing or able to navigate them daily. Ask landlords or sellers for video walkthroughs, paying close attention to thresholds, flooring changes, and stair rails. Look at each room like it’s a partner in your movement, considering the cost and availability of modifications, if necessary. If it won’t keep pace with you, it’s not the right space.

Check out this home accessibility checklist for some tips.

Prioritize Balance in Packing Strategy

You know the way your body behaves best—and that wisdom needs to be applied to how you organize your belongings. Heavy boxes are a no-go. Pack light and pack smart: smaller boxes reduce the chance of needing to stabilize yourself mid-lift. Invest in bins with easy-to-grip handles and lids that pop off with little effort. Tape instructions to the top so if someone helps unpack, they’re not reinventing your system. And pack a personal kit that stays by your side: meds, balance aids, hydration, simple snacks, a weighted blanket if that helps ground you. You can also look for a packing and shipping service, which might come in handy when you need a little assistance.

Time Is More Than a Schedule—It’s Safety

Rushing is the enemy, because it exacerbates stress. Ataxia doesn’t love surprises, and moving days are full of them unless you take control of the timeline. Give yourself more days than you think you need. Build in rest breaks. Schedule major tasks at your body’s best hours—maybe that’s early morning before fatigue sets in, or maybe it’s later in the day when your coordination peaks. Avoid scheduling everything back-to-back. And most of all, block off a full recovery day after the move. You’re not just hauling boxes; you’re reorienting every part of your physical routine. That takes more than muscle—it takes recovery.

Don’t Just Delegate—Direct

Plenty of people will offer to help you move. But helping doesn’t mean they take the wheel. You need to be the project manager. Label boxes not just by room, but by use: “morning routine,” “balance gear,” “sleep setup.” Give each person a task that doesn’t interfere with your movement zones. Let someone else handle the fridge cleanout while you sit and manage checklists. Your voice is central—don’t let the noise of moving day drown it out. Direct with clarity and confidence. Your lived experience is the expertise needed here.

Medical Prep Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

Think of moving like a long-haul trip: refill prescriptions, make sure mobility aids are in top shape, and get any routine visits done before the move so you’re not scrambling in a new city to find a specialist. Put together a folder with medical contacts, diagnosis info, insurance details, and treatment plans. This folder rides with you—not in a box, not in the truck. Because if something unexpected happens, you want to be ready, not reactive.

Check out these tips for organizing your medical records.

Make the New Space Familiar, Fast

Settling in isn’t just about unpacking. With ataxia, environmental familiarity is safety. Set up core zones first—bedroom, bathroom, kitchen. Get your support tools back in place before you worry about hanging art or organizing your bookshelf. Arrange your furniture with walking routes in mind. Place grab bars or tension rods right away if needed. Don’t wait to install nightlights. And if you use sound or scent to soothe yourself, bring those into the new space immediately. That new house becomes a home the moment it starts supporting your rhythm.

Here are some ideas to make your new house feel like home.

Protect Your New Space

Once the last box is unpacked and the fridge hums to life, it’s tempting to exhale and assume the worst is behind you—but owning a home means the next surprise might already be brewing behind the walls. If you’re looking to guard your future comfort without getting nickel-and-dimed later, a home warranty is definitely worth considering, especially when you consider how fast repair bills add up for aging HVAC systems, dishwashers, or that moody water heater. Interior electrical lines and components home warranty coverage can cover repairs for hard-wired electrical lines, wiring, light switches, and outlets, which aren’t just expensive to fix—they’re a pain to even diagnose.

Ataxia doesn’t stop you from moving—it just reshapes how you do it. It demands intention, yes. But it also offers you a sharper lens on what matters most in a move: safety, agency, and sustainability. You don’t have to do it like everyone else. You just have to do it like you. And when you approach your move with that truth at the center, you don’t just survive the transition—you thrive in it.

Disclaimer: Sharing this information and/or mention of products or services does not imply endorsement of any product or company by NAF. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, exercise, treatment, or nutritional supplement.

About the Author

Camille Johnson is the creator of Bereaver.com, a site dedicated to helping people navigate grief with compassion and hope. After losing her parents and spouse in the same year, she struggled with depression until a friend’s support and a grief counselor helped her heal. Now, she shares resources and stories to support others on their path to healing.