How to use this resource

Introduction

Moving Out is made up of three levels of information:

Stages – these represent the ‘phase’ you are in on your journey to your new living situation: planning, preparing, actioning or maintaining.

Within each stage are chapters – these break down the important topics that need to be considered when creating or actioning an effective plan.

Each chapter will have one or more worksheets – these will help you take the ideas from the chapter and translate them into your unique situation. This is where you will define your values, goals and strategies.

The final chapter in each stage will include worksheets that are designed to help you consolidate your ideas. This is where you will develop an action plan for your next steps.

Working with your support team

Moving Out has been designed to be worked through with a support team of people who can help you on this journey. You may already know who would make up your support team. If not, Stage 1 – Preparing for Change will guide you through the process of gathering a support team and sharing your goals and values.

As you work through the content, you may choose to have your whole support team involved for some steps of the journey. At other times, you may choose to do things by yourself or with a particular member of your support team. We encourage you to follow the approach that feels right for you.

The final chapter of each stage offers an opportunity to reflect and create your plan for moving forward. This can be a valuable time to bring your whole support team together, so they are better able to support you in turning your plan into a reality.

Flexibility in the process

Moving Out follows a step-by-step structure designed to take you from early planning through to actioning your move. Depending on your situation, however, it may be more relevant for you to work through the chapters in a different order or only focus on certain sections.

It is common for people to go back and forth between chapters or stages as they work out what they need and the best steps forward. We encourage you to use this resource in whatever way best supports you on your journey.

Expected timelines for completing Moving Out

There is no set timeline for completing the stages or chapters of Moving Out. Timelines can be influenced by:

external factors – e.g. other people or financial considerations

internal factors – e.g. how much time you need to work through and process information.

Regardless of your timelines, the information in this resource can be used to complement your current situation while you move towards your goals.

Wherever possible, we recommend you factor in time for reflection, information gathering and skill-building between stages. If time is limited, however, you can progress through stages quickly – just ensure you give yourself time to talk with your key support team along the way.