Moving home with a disability or reduced mobility (wheelchair, walker, cane, heart conditions, COPD) — or helping a family member in that situation — adds complexities that are rarely discussed: accessibility at origin and destination, adapted transport, different timescales, specialised medical equipment. This guide explains how to plan a move adapted for people with disabilities or reduced mobility in the Canary Islands and to/from the mainland.
First step: assessing accessibility
Destination property: checklist
Before signing a rental or purchase contract, check these essential points:
- Building entrance: ramp, steps, door width (min. 80 cm for a wheelchair)
- Lift: is there one? Is it large enough for a wheelchair?
- Front door width of the flat: min. 80 cm
- Interior hallways: min. 90 cm (100 cm is better for wheelchair turns)
- Adapted bathroom: is the shower flush with the floor or does it require work? Is there turning space?
- Kitchen: accessible heights? Turning space?
- Floors: no level changes, no thick rugs, non-slip surfaces in wet areas
If adaptation works are needed
If the property requires accessibility works (installing handrails, a flush shower, an internal ramp), request them BEFORE you move:
- Works take 2–6 weeks depending on their scale
- While they are being carried out, store your furniture in a temporary storage facility (see: when to use temporary storage)
- Some accessibility works are eligible for regional grants (consult your local social services)
- In the Canary Islands, the Canary Islands Accessibility Act allows reasonable adjustments to be required in shared residential buildings
Documentation to have ready
Before the move:
- Up-to-date disability certificate
- Disabled parking permit
- Full medical history for your new doctor
- Regular medication with prescriptions for 4+ weeks
- Physiotherapy, rehabilitation or occupational therapy reports
- Catalogue of medical equipment (wheelchair models, walker, oxygen concentrator) in case any item needs replacing
Planning the moving day itself
Person with reduced mobility NOT at home during loading
The most recommended option:
- Have the person spend the day at a family member's home, day centre or temporary care home
- They return only once everything has been unloaded and the essentials assembled
- Avoids physical stress, noise, dust and the risk of falls with furniture in the way
If there is NO alternative
If the person must be in the property during the move:
- Designate one closed, comfortable room as a "safe zone" (comfortable armchair, water, medication, book, TV)
- Start with the other rooms and leave the "safe zone" until last
- Ensure an accessible path to the bathroom
- Keep a phone, blanket, water and snacks within reach
Medical equipment: specific considerations
Electric wheelchair
- Charge the battery to the maximum before moving day
- Keep the charger with you (not in boxes that could get lost)
- If it is foldable, fold it for transport
- Pack the controller and joystick separately in a padded box
- Secure it in the van so it cannot shift during transit
Walkers, canes and crutches
- Take them with you in your car (not in the removal van)
- You will need them as soon as you arrive
Oxygen concentrator
- Notify the oxygen therapy provider at least 2 weeks before the move
- They manage the transfer of equipment and activation at the new address
- Have portable cylinders fully charged to cover moving day
- If moving between regions, the supplier may change
Electric adjustable bed
- Disassemble with care (it is heavy and complex)
- Photograph the cabling before disconnecting
- Professional removal teams can assist with disassembly and reassembly at destination
- If the bed is rented from the NHS or an insurer, arrange the official transfer with the provider
Other equipment: patient hoists, electric scooters, bath lifts
- Identify each item, its dimensions and weight
- Create a specific inventory with declared value (for insurance purposes)
- Plan the largest items before the rest of the furniture
Transporting the person on moving day
If travelling in their own adapted car
No problem — a normal journey. Remember to bring the blue disabled parking badge (you can use it at your destination once you update your address registration at your new local council).
If special transport is required
- Adapted taxi: a fleet is available in all the main towns of the Canary Islands (book 24 hours in advance)
- Non-medical ambulance: for local moves, approximately 80–150 €. If the person has a recognised dependency assessment, it may be free of charge in some regions
- Flight with airport assistance: for moves from the mainland to the Canary Islands, AENA provides a free assistance service (request it when buying the ticket)
Moving to the Canary Islands with a disability
Tax benefits
- Additional regional IRPF deductions for disability
- IGIC rebates for adapted vehicles
- Registering on the local census gives access to Canary Islands social programmes
Canary Islands social services
Once you register as a local resident in the Canary Islands, contact your local council's social services to:
- Renew your dependency assessment (if applicable) through the Canary Islands system
- Access telecare programmes (free island-wide service on many islands)
- Apply for home adaptation grants
- Learn about local care resources (day centres, residential homes)
Adapted parking permit
The European disabled parking badge is valid throughout Spain and the EU. After registering as a resident in the Canary Islands, inform your new local council of your change of address so that the local register reflects your new details.
Accessible housing: where to look in the Canary Islands
Areas with the largest stock of new homes (greater built-in accessibility):
- Tenerife: Costa Adeje, Granadilla, Tamaraceite (adjacent to Las Palmas)
- Gran Canaria: Tamaraceite, Telde, Maspalomas
- Lanzarote: Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise
- Fuerteventura: Caleta de Fuste, Corralejo (new residential areas)
Avoid historic town centres (Vegueta, La Laguna, Garachico) if accessibility is a priority: many older properties have no lift, cobbled streets and interior steps.
Frequently asked questions about moving with a disability or reduced mobility
Are there grants available for moves related to health or accessibility needs?
There are no specific grants for "removals" as such, but there are grants available for:
- Accessibility works in the new home (varies by region; in the Canary Islands this is managed by the Regional Housing Department)
- Purchase of assistive products (wheelchair, walker, bath lift)
- Change of residence for medical reasons (appointments, treatments)
Consult your new local council's social services after registering as a resident.
Can my regular removal company help with medical equipment?
Yes. At Horizont Atlantic we transport adjustable beds, patient hoists, electric scooters, oxygen concentrators (empty), wheelchairs and similar items with the care and packaging they require. We coordinate with oxygen therapy providers on timelines. Contact us and we will advise you.
How long does it take to plan an adapted move?
A minimum of 3–4 weeks for a domestic move involving a person with a disability or reduced mobility. Time is needed to: assess accessibility at the destination, complete any adaptation works, coordinate with medical equipment providers and manage documentation. For an international move or a move to the Canary Islands, allow a minimum of 2 months.
Can a removal company charge more for a move involving a disabled person or medical equipment?
The standard transport service should not cost more simply because a disabled person is involved. Justified surcharges may apply for:
- Highly specific medical equipment (oxygen concentrator, adjustable bed) requiring special packaging
- Longer move times (if a slower pace is required)
- Specific assembly services at destination (adjustable bed, adapted bathroom)
Request a detailed quote and ask about each line item.
What if the person has cognitive decline (Alzheimer's, dementia)?
It is important that they are NOT present during the move (a change of environment amid chaos can trigger an acute episode of disorientation):
- Have them spend the day with a trusted family member or at a day centre
- In the new home, replicate the bedroom layout AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE to the original (it helps them orientate themselves)
- Keep family photographs and personal objects they recognise
- The first few weeks in a new home may bring increased confusion; maintain strict routines
What if the person lives alone and is moving because they can no longer manage independently?
This is very common. A move to a care home, sheltered housing or a family member's home often coincides with dissolving or downsizing the household. In these cases:
- A very careful inventory of what is being taken (limited space in a care home) and what is being distributed among family or sold
- Consideration of furniture with sentimental value for the person
- Time and patience for the person to say goodbye to their belongings (this can be a form of grief)
- Professional support if needed (psychologist, occupational therapist)
A sensitive and accessible move in the Canary Islands
At Horizont Atlantic we approach every move involving disability or reduced mobility with the sensitivity and professionalism it deserves: detailed planning, coordination with medical equipment providers, a pace adapted to your needs and full assembly at destination. Request a quote, let us know about the person's situation and we will tailor the proposal with no obligation.
