Over 100 ways to improve access at home
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Ways to improve access at home
Cupboards, wardrobes and drawers
This section offers solutions to the following access barriers:
- The shelves/hanging rails are either too high or low
- The shelving in the cupboard/pantry is too deep
- The drawers and cupboard doors are hard to open and close
1. The shelves/hanging rails are either too high or low
- Use a long-handled pick-up stick to reach the items you want.
- Install pull-down baskets if the shelves are too high.
Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. for information.
- Move the hanging rail to a lower position in the wardrobe.
- Install a second hanging rail in the wardrobe that is below the standard rail.
These may require tradesperson assistance for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
- Use a piece of dowel/timber rod with a hook on the end to reach the required items.
2. The shelving in the cupboard/pantry is too deep
- Store regularly-used items on a kitchen bench top or a trolley.
- Install small wire baskets on the inside of cupboard doors to store regularly used items.
- Install a lazy susan (rotating shelf) to store regularly used items.
- Install 180 degree hinges on the doors. The doors fold back and provide extra space.
- Lower or raise shelves to make them easier to reach.
- Use baskets to store regularly-used items and place on top of cupboards, shelves or the pantry floor.
- Install pull-down baskets.
- Consider using drawers to store grocery items.
- Install a pull-out pantry.
These items are available at hardware, furniture and discount department stores. These may require tradesperson assistance for installation. Contact LifeTec Queensland Inc. or your local Home Assist Secure for information and assistance.
3. The drawers and cupboard doors are hard to open and close
- Install vertical or horizontal easy-pull D handles. These can also be used on sliding doors.
- Install open shelving for easy access to regularly used items.
- Replace difficult-to-open drawers with drawers on easy-glide runners with stops.
- Place 180 degree hinges on the cupboard doors to allow them to be pulled back easily.
- Remove the cupboard door and install a curtain.
- Arrange for the cupboards or drawers to be checked and, if necessary, repaired for easy opening and closing.
These items are available at hardware stores. These may require tradesperson assistance for installation. Contact your local Home Assist Secure for assistance.
Last updated 25 July 2007
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