SDA Checklist – 10 Things to Check Before Moving into Your New Home
Starting a new chapter in a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) home is a big step, one that’s filled with excitement, and understandably, a few questions. Whether you’re seeking more accessible housing, looking to live independently, or require a higher level of support, moving into SDA is not something to be rushed. It’s about finding the right fit, having the right support team, and ensuring your new home truly feels like home.
At My Guardian, we’ve helped many individuals and families through this process, and we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way. Here’s a practical checklist to help guide your move.
1. Bring Your Support Team Together
It all starts with the right people around you.
- Find a support coordinator who understands SDA, NDIS support, and the paperwork involved.
- Involve your loved ones – family, friends, carers who can help you make important decisions and attend meetings.
- Your team is your foundation
2. Set Your Home Goals
Ask yourself:
- Do you want to live solo or share with others?
- Will you need SIL (Supported Independent Living) or OOA (Overnight Onsite Assistance)?
- Are there cultural, sensory, or location-based needs that matter to you?
These answers will shape the type of SDA design category you’re eligible for: Improved Liveability, Robust, Fully Accessible, or High Physical Support.
3. Get SDA-Ready
Before you can move, you’ll need documentation:
- Occupational Therapist Functional Capacity Assessment
- Home and Living Supports Request Form
- Participant Housing Statement (your personal goals and preferences)
- Reports from GPs, psychologists, speech therapists (if needed)
Your support coordinator and allied health professionals will help put this together.
4. Understand What SDA Homes Must Include
These aren’t just any homes they’re purpose-built with your safety and comfort in mind.
Here’s a quick look at must-have features in most SDA homes:
Area | Requirements |
Entrances | Step-free access, ramped entries, 1200mm+ wide doorways |
Bathrooms | Hobless showers, reinforced walls for grabrails, non-slip floors (P3 or R10) |
Kitchens | Height-adjustable benchtops, lever taps, drawer-style dishwashers |
Bedrooms | Minimum 3100mm x 3100mm, power for assistive tech, reinforced ceilings (if hoist needed) |
Hallways | At least 1000–1200mm wide, smooth flooring, no raised thresholds |
Tech Ready | GPOs at key locations, Wi-Fi access, video intercoms or communication systems |
Common Areas | Accessible letterboxes, compliant car parks, emergency egress plans |
Ensure your future SDA home meets the standards of your NDIS approved category.
5. Plan Your Daily Supports
Remember: SDA covers your home, not your personal care.
- Work with your coordinator to set up SIL or ILO (Individualised Living Options)
- Identify your support worker needs and ensure they’re trained before move-in
- Include OOA if you need support overnight
6. Start Preparing 3–6 Months Out
Time to get moving, slowly and smartly.
- Visit your new place, take photos, and measure key areas
- Begin collecting essentials: kitchenware, bedding, etc.
- Finalise your support agreements with your disability care service provider
- Apply for Centrelink rent assistance if eligible
7. Approval & Final Checks (1–3 Months Before)
- Confirm your SDA funding approval
- Make sure any home modifications are underway (if it’s not a ready-built SDA)
- Introduce your team to your new home, prepare training materials for your support workers
- Organise movers, notify utilities, and prepare for the big day
8. Final Week Before the Move
- Pack your daily essentials bag (medications, ID, care plan)
- Stock up on groceries and any consumables
- Transfer health services and update important contacts
- Visit your new home a couple more times to feel comfortable
- Set up assistive tech like alarms or call systems
9. Moving Day
- Take your time unpacking
- Keep your home care team nearby to support the transition
- Use reminders or whiteboards to adjust to your new routines
- Meet your new neighbours and explore your new community
10. After You’ve Settled In
The journey doesn’t stop once the boxes are unpacked.
- Stay in touch with your coordinator
- Review how your SIL/SDA supports are working
- Adjust plans and services if needed
- Join a local hobby or social group to build connections
Need Assistance with Your Move to a New Home?
We understand that moving into SDA isn’t just about relocating, it’s about rebuilding your independence, confidence, and quality of life. As a leading disability care and SIL provider, we can support you with:
- Expert guidance on SDA and NDIS services
- Purpose-built homes that meet SDA standards
- Access to SIL, OOA, and home care services
- A dedicated team that genuinely cares
A well-prepared move into an SDA property can be life-changing. Use this checklist to stay on track, lean on your support circle, and remember you’re not alone.
Reach out to our friendly team today for a free, no-obligation consultation, if you’re looking for a trusted SIL Provider or SDA housing support in NSW. We’d love to chat and help you navigate the next step. Click here to get in touch.
Browse our preferred SIL/SDA Homes across NSW here.
