Settling into your new NDIS home
How to settle into a new SIL, SDA or ILO home in the first weeks, build good routines with your support, and address issues early
What should I focus on in the first weeks?
How do I build good routines with support?
What if something isn't working?
A rough timeline for settling in
Making a new home feel like yours
Admin and address changes to update after you move
Looking after yourself through the change
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to settle into a new NDIS home?
There's no fixed time — settling in takes as long as it takes, and an adjustment period is normal after a big change like a move. The first few weeks are about building routines with your support, getting comfortable in the space, and sorting anything that isn't working.
How do I build good routines with my support workers?
Communicate clearly about how you like things done and what you need, be specific, and give feedback as you go. Good routines come from support settling into a rhythm that fits your life, and it's fine to refine how support works as you settle in.
What should I do in my first weeks in a new home?
Establish daily routines with your support workers, learn the home's appliances, safety features and local area, sort any practical gaps, start building relationships with housemates and neighbours, and notice what's working and what isn't so you can adjust early.
What if my support or home isn't working after I move in?
Raise it early — addressing issues in the first weeks is far easier than after they become entrenched. Talk to your provider or support coordinator, and use the complaints process if needed. Small issues are much easier to fix promptly.
Is it normal to feel unsettled after moving into a new home?
Yes. A move is a big change, so feeling unsettled at first is completely normal. Give yourself time, build routines gradually, get to know your housemates and neighbourhood at your own pace, and lean on your support as you adjust.
What admin do I need to update when I move into a new NDIS home?
Update your address with the NDIS, your plan manager and support coordinator, and tell Centrelink or Services Australia, especially if Commonwealth Rent Assistance is affected. Also update your GP, pharmacy, allied health, Medicare, bank, insurance and the electoral roll, and redirect your mail. Ask a support worker or…
How can I make a shared or SDA home feel like mine?
Bring your own belongings, put up photos and familiar things, and set up your room and any assistive technology to suit how you live. Keep the things you use daily within easy reach and build your own routines for meals, rest and downtime. In a shared home, agreeing how the common spaces work helps you feel at ease in…
Is it normal to feel homesick or anxious after moving?
Yes — moving is a big change, so feeling unsettled, tired or low for a while is completely normal, and an adjustment period is to be expected. Keep the routines that ground you, stay connected to the people who matter, and give the place time. If low mood or anxiety lingers rather than easing, talk to your GP or a…