Plan the home and the support together before setting a moving date. You need somewhere suitable to live, help that fits your daily needs and a budget for expenses you pay yourself.

Moving out does not automatically require supported independent living (SIL). The NDIS home and living guide describes different supports, including assistance with daily life, individualised living options and SIL. The relevant option depends on your circumstances and assessed needs. Our SIL, SDA and in-home support comparison explains the main differences.

Decide what you want from the move

Write down where you would like to live, whether you want housemates and what you want to keep doing. Consider work, friends, family visits, hobbies and the places you use regularly.

Choose who you want involved in planning. A family member may help you compare options without making the decision for you. Ask for pictures, visits or explanations in your preferred format if written information is difficult to use.

Record the help currently happening at home

List the tasks other people assist with, including the small things that may go unnoticed. Someone may remind you about appointments, sort the laundry, prepare food or be available during the night.

For each task, note whether you want to do it yourself, practise with support or have someone assist. Identify anything that needs to be ready from the first day, such as a safe way to request help.

Check funding before committing

Discuss your needs with your my NDIS contact. Do not assume your existing plan covers the proposed arrangement or sign an agreement based on expected funding alone.

Use the NDIS home and living request guidance if you need to ask about different supports. Ask what evidence is needed before paying for assessments or making commitments.

Look at the practical costs

Prepare a personal budget for rent, groceries, bills, transport and ordinary household items. Separate those expenses from funded disability support. Check who will buy shared items and how shared bills will be divided. Use our SIL costs guide if SIL is being considered.

If a family member currently manages purchases or payments, discuss what you want to manage yourself and which parts need assistance. Practise using a shopping list or checking a bill before the move if that would help.

Visit and test the routine

Check the route to your usual activities and the areas of the home you need to use. Consider storage, laundry, kitchen equipment, noise and space for visitors, as well as access features.

If a gradual introduction or trial stay is proposed, confirm its purpose, support, costs and end date first. Agree how you will give feedback and what happens if the arrangement does not suit you.

Prepare the first week

Before collecting the keys, check:

  • The housing agreement and confirmed move-in date.
  • The first support visits and who is expected to attend.
  • Food, bedding and equipment needed on arrival.
  • Instructions the support team needs, shared with your consent.
  • Contacts for a missed visit, urgent concern or household problem.

Book a time to discuss how the first week went. You may notice a task takes longer than expected or that a familiar routine needs changing. Record those details and discuss them with the relevant support or housing provider.

If you are considering a shared home, take our SIL home viewing and housemate questions to your visit. Read about the support we offer on our supported independent living page.