THE BRIGHT IDEAS BOOK<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Preparing For A Move” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
The lead-up to a move can bring mixed feelings. It can be exciting, but there\u2019s also a lot of logistics to work through.<\/p>\n
This section offers ideas on what can help during this time, like managing payments, building routines, practicing skills, and lining up the right supports.<\/p>\n
Jump to a section: <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Mission” module_class=”truncate-multi” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_center” custom_margin=”0vw||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” module_id=”1″ sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” admin_label=”Row” module_id=”anchor-1″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|-3px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||0px||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Understanding rights and responsibilities” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Clear information and communication can instill confidence, support decision making, and help prevent misunderstandings.<\/p>\n Here we offer tips to make rental agreements and tenant rights and responsibilities easier to understand.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” admin_label=”Accordion” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Get familiar with the housing agreement” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] Insight: <\/strong>We heard it\u2019s important for property managers, landlords, and tenants to take time to understand and familiarize themselves with the full rental agreement. It\u2019s a key legal document and knowing what\u2019s in it helps everyone understand the responsibilities, and roles from the start.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Connect with a housing advocate or legal aid service for support to understand your lease, your rights as a tenant, and fair housing laws. They can also help with resolving disputes or addressing concerns around accessibility and discrimination.<\/p>\n Application:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Check out our tips on\u00a0<\/span>Understanding Rental Agreements<\/a>, a tool that explains key elements of a rental agreement in a simple way.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Encourage clear communication about housing agreements and contracts” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]Inclusivity:<\/strong> Contracts and agreements often contain a lot of legal terms. Making these documents easy to understand by offering them in accessible formats, writing in plain language, and providing visual guides benefits everyone.<\/span>\n\nTip:<\/strong> Review lease agreements with a trusted support person or housing coordinator who can explain key terms and answer questions.<\/span>\n\nTip:<\/strong> Make sure the housing agreement explains what happens if a tenant misses a payment or ends the lease early, since these common situations can involve fees, notice periods, or legal steps.<\/span>\n\nApplication:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Check out our\u00a0<\/span>10 Tips for Communicating in Plain Language<\/a>.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-2″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|41px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nihouse.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Icon-row.jpg” title_text=”Icon-row” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”325px” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Managing housing payments” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Managing money can be one of the trickiest parts of maintaining a home. That\u2019s why it\u2019s useful to do a bit of prep before moving in, to build skills and routines. Whether it\u2019s setting up reminders, automating payments, or talking through how life changes affect budgets, these strategies build confidence and reduce stress.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Create a plan for rent and bill payments” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] Inclusivity:<\/strong> Having a plan for paying bills before taking on that responsibility can prepare people for managing future bills, avoiding late fees, and keeping essential services like heat and water running.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Create a visual guide to understand the amount, timing, and method of each payment. For example, identify whether the bill is paid online, in-person, or through a service provider.<\/p>\n <\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Talk about how life changes can affect budgets” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> We heard that life events like starting a new job, going back to school, or changes to benefits can impact income and monthly costs.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Discuss how income, bills, and other essential supports might change. Using real-life examples can make it easier and more relevant to talk about.<\/p>\n Application:<\/strong> Check out our Starting a \u201cJust in Case\u201d Fund<\/a> conversation prompts to help you think through and talk about building a small emergency fund.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-3″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto|41px|auto||” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nihouse.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Icon-row.jpg” title_text=”Icon-row” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”325px” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Building confidence with everyday tasks” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] Daily routines like cooking, laundry, and cleaning can feel more manageable when they\u2019re broken into smaller steps. Practicing ahead of time can build comfort and confidence, making the move into a new home feel smoother and less stressful. Here are practical ways to build those everyday skills and routines. Insight:<\/strong> We heard that building comfort with day-to-day tasks can ease stress during housing transitions. This might look like practicing meal planning, building a grocery list or learning to use an appliance.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Break tasks into steps and practice them in the current living space.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Try the Pomodoro technique to break tasks into focused work and rest periods. It involves choosing one task to work on for a set time, like 25 minutes, followed by a short 5-minute break. You can use a visual timer or search \u201cPomodoro timer\u201d online to help keep track.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Talk through what daily activities might look like in the new space” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Insight:<\/strong> We learned that it can be helpful to discuss what might be new or different in a new environment. Part of this should include talking about daily activities like cooking, getting ready, or managing chores.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> If possible, visit the new space and plan how to set it up to make daily routines easier. For example, when thinking about cooking, consider what supplies are needed and where to store them to support the flow of the task.<\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” module_id=”anchor-4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”50px||||false|false” border_color_top=”#004976″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display: flex;||flex-direction: column;||justify-content: center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/nihouse.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Icon-row.jpg” title_text=”Icon-row” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”325px” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Setting up support systems ahead of time” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h3″ custom_padding=”||31px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”] Moving to a new home often means setting up or adjusting supports. Here we offer practical ways to make sure the right services are in place, from healthcare and transportation to meal prep or daily living. Planning ahead can prevent gaps and reduce stress.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Make a checklist of support services to transition to the new home” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”] Insight:<\/strong> We learned that not all supports automatically transfer to the new home location. That means that gaps in supports might happen if they are not coordinated in advance.<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> Ask current support providers about what needs to happen to ensure a smooth transition of the services.<\/p>\n Application:<\/strong> Check out our fillable template, Keeping Track of Your Supports During a Move<\/a>, to stay organized and connected with supports.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Add supports to match the needs in the new home” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Inclusivity:<\/strong> A new home often means new routines and new support needs to help with daily tasks. This can be especially true in the first few months of the transition.<\/p>\n Example:<\/strong> We spent a lot of time with Autistic people talking about supports when moving into a new home to make sure that daily living and household needs were being met.<\/p>\n Autistic person: \u201cI can\u2019t use meal delivery services anymore, and I can\u2019t always find someone to drive me to the grocery store, so someone who comes in and stops you from falling through the cracks is integral.\u201d They also shared that a local community program geared towards independent living taught them how to use the bus system, organise their house, and cook simple meals.<\/p>\n Autistic person: \u201cA friend of mine who just stays next door and in case of any issues which need fixing like maybe under the sink, or furniture and such, that friend of mine is there and can help me.\u201d They shared how having someone to assist with small household maintenance tasks was very helpful when they moved out on their own for the first time.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Talk to health professionals who support people in their home” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] Inclusivity:<\/strong> Some health and support professionals can help people set up their home in ways that work better for their daily routines. For example, occupational therapists can spot areas where changes or tools can make a big difference in day-to-day life.<\/p>\n
Understanding rights and responsibilities<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Managing housing payments<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Building confidence with everyday tasks<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Setting up support systems ahead of time\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” closed_toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” closed_toggle_background_color=”#e7f6ff” toggle_icon=”C||divi||400″ icon_color=”#426c8e” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”24px” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#426c8e” toggle_line_height=”2em” closed_toggle_line_height=”2em” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”40px||80px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|30px|20px|false|false” custom_css_free_form=”display: none;” border_radii=”on|15px|15px|15px|15px” border_color_all=”#426c8e” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Practice skills like cooking, cleaning, or laundry before the move” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” background_enable_color=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]