With 2026 just a few days away, everyone is scribbling their “big plans” for the year. Some might be thinking about knitting that sweater they’ve been procrastinating on since 2019, others might be obsessing over sticking to a consistent skincare routine, or expanding their social circles.
Meanwhile, you’re over here thinking, “Will my chair survive another grocery trip? Can I improve shoulder strength without joining a CrossFit club? Is there a way to actually enjoy going out without stressing about accessibility?
New Year’s resolutions can be challenging when accessibility is part of the equation. But don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll share different mobility resolutions and wheelchair-friendly home ideas to help you reclaim your independence and enjoy a more accessible life.
Why Mobility Matters for a More Accessible Life
For most people, mobility is just moving around and going about their day. But that’s not the full picture. Mobility is one of those things that can mean the difference between feeling stuck or fully in control of your life.
When you’re dealing with limited mobility — whether due to arthritis, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, a temporary injury, or age-related issues — everyday tasks like shopping, commuting, or even cooking can become difficult.
But here’s the good news: mobility doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Regardless of the cause, there are a variety of solutions, such as manual or power wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, modified vehicles, rollators, or adaptive tools designed to make transfers, reaching, and moving around easier. Each option helps people stay active, maintain social connections, and reclaim the control that limited mobility can take away.
How to Set Meaningful and Doable Mobility Goals
When it comes to mobility goals, you can’t just declare, “I’m going to be unstoppable this year!” and suddenly do a complete accessibility overhaul. Real mobility goals are about achievable steps that make your life easier and more independent every single day.
Reflect on Challenges
Start by looking at your daily routines. Where do you hit friction? Is it getting in and out of bed, pushing up a ramp, or carrying groceries from the car? These are the exact spots where a tiny adjustment or a new tool can make a huge difference.
Turn Issues into SMART Goals
Once you identify the issue, jot down your goals. Use the SMART method: make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. Instead of a vague “move more,” try “practice pushing up mild inclines once a week to build strength” or “stretch my shoulders for five minutes every morning before breakfast.” Small wins like these add up, building confidence, strength, and energy over time.
Be Flexible
Finally, give yourself permission to adjust your goals as you go. Some days your body or energy might not cooperate, and that’s okay. You can always scale back, take a break, or try again tomorrow.
Mobility Resolutions for Exploring New Places
Limited mobility can restrict you to one place. Even if you want to try a new café or visit a friend across town, you end up staying home because you don’t feel like navigating crowds or dealing with accessibility hurdles. When an outing feels like a little too much, we just need to take small, intentional steps. This includes:
Remove Travel Anxiety
Travel anxiety stems from uncertainty, so our mobility resolution is to overcome that fear. To do so:
- Plan Smarter: Check accessibility before you go. Map routes, entrances, and rest spots in advance so you’re not discovering missing ramps halfway through your trip.
- Pack Wisely: Regardless of the trip, keep a mobility bag ready with essentials such as chargers, medication, snacks, and a small first-aid kit.
- Test New Tech: Try apps, GPS features, or mobility trackers that help you navigate unfamiliar areas. Test them at home first to avoid surprises.
Start Local, Dream Global
Exploring doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane. Begin with nearby spots like grocery stores, shopping malls, museums, or national parks. Once you get comfortable, you can plan international trips. When at the airport, request pre-boarding and gate-change alerts and ensure the airline is aware of any mobility devices you may need to bring on the plane.
Track Your Wins
Keep a small journal or app to log your trips and what worked. Over time, you’ll build a personal guide for future adventures.
Mobility Resolutions for Visiting Family More Often
A 2020 systematic review shows that reduced mobility contributes to social isolation, which in turn increases the risk of depression and anxiety. If you’ve been skipping family gatherings, it’s time to make a mobility resolution for staying connected.
Schedule Consistently
Pick a recurring day or weekend to visit family. Having a routine reduces the mental load of last-minute planning and makes trips feel manageable.
Coordinate Accessibility in Advance
Call ahead to ask about entrances, furniture layout, parking, and pathways. Don’t be afraid to request a portable ramp or a grab bar in the bathroom. After all, they’re your family and would be more than happy to accommodate these changes.
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Home Accessibility Resolutions
Let’s be honest: most “home organization hacks” are written by people who have never tried to grab something from a top shelf while seated. If you want to make your home accessible, here are some realistic resolutions you can actually stick to this year:
Adjust Furniture Layout
If you bump something more than twice a week, that’s your cue to change the layout. This year, commit to rearranging with your wheels, cane, walker, or crutches in mind:
- Push larger furniture against walls to widen pathways.
- Mark your chair’s turning radius with tape on the floor and adjust everything until you can glide through the room without awkward pivots or backup maneuvers.
- Keep heavier items on the side of your dominant hand so you’re not constantly reaching across your body.
Install Adaptive Equipment
You don’t need a full renovation to make home life easier. Instead, go for the following micro upgrades:
- Bed rails or transfer poles
- Portable ramp
- Shower benches and handheld showerheads
- Grab bars
- Non-slip mats
- Reach-friendly cabinet organizers, including pull-out drawers, lazy Susans, or slide-out shelves
- Rolling cart for the kitchen, bathroom, or bedside
Try Smart Home Mobility Solutions
Smart home tools can be a lifesaver, especially on days when fatigue hits hard or mobility is more limited than usual. Some smart home solutions include:
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- Smart plugs: Turn on lamps, fans, or heaters through a phone or voice command so you’re not stretching for switches.
- Video doorbells: So you can see who’s at the door without rushing over.
- Smart locks: No fumbling with keys, especially in tight doorways.
- Voice assistants (Alexa, Google): For reminders, to-do lists, medication timers, controlling home devices, or just changing the TV channel.
- Motion-sensing lights: Hallways and bathrooms become easier and safer at night.
- Fall detectors: Handy wearables that automatically ping your caregiver or chosen contact if you take a tumble.
Audit and Replace Mobility Equipment
A lot of people push their mobility gear way past its expiration date because repairs are annoying, replacements take forever, and insurance is… well, insurance. But damaged equipment can cause injuries, affect posture, and limit independence without you even noticing.
This year, build a habit of checking your equipment every month and replacing it.
Tips to Improve Physical Mobility and Confidence
Mobility issues can lead to stiffness, joint pain, unsteady balance, pressure sores, and muscle fatigue. But your mobility doesn’t improve by punishing yourself in January and burning out by February. We’re not doing that routine again next year.
Instead, set attainable goals to rebuild strength and confidence:
- Start with micro-movements: Gentle stretches, ankle circles, wrist rolls, and shoulder shrugs that wake up your joints and reduce stiffness.
- Strengthen core muscles: Focus on the muscles that support your mobility: core, back, arms, and glutes. Chair yoga on the couch? Yes. That counts. Resistance bands during Netflix? Also counts. If possible, schedule physical therapy for pain management and stability.
- Boost confidence: If you’ve recently started using a new mobility aid, you might feel awkward, but that’s just the adjustment phase. However, if you still don’t feel comfortable after a while, try practicing in familiar spaces first or bring a friend along until using it feels natural.
How to Stay on Track Through the Year
No matter how much you try, it can be hard to stick to goals. If you don’t want to fall off track by May, try the following strategies:
- Pairing for Persistence: Attach new habits to existing ones. Want to do “micro-strength”? Do your resistance band work while your kettle boils. Want to file paperwork? Log one receipt every time you wait for your phone to charge.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Even tiny progress matters. Rolled a little further today? Got through a crowded store without stress? That counts. But never compare your growth with others.
- Schedule Check-ins: Don’t wait until December 31st. Set a weekly alarm or calendar note to review how you’re doing. Adjust your plan if it’s too much or too little.
Secure Your New Year Ride with Clock Mobility
Mobility is all about freedom, independence, and confidence. Clock Mobility provides vehicles and solutions that let you run errands, visit family, or take spontaneous trips without worrying about accessibility.
We offer new and used accessible vehicles from top brands like Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler, with major conversions to meet your specific needs. Our team also helps buyers with leasing, grant assistance, and insurance support that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Beyond the sale, Clock Mobility has certified technicians for maintenance, repair, and adaptive equipment installation like hand controls, steering knobs, left-foot accelerators, and pedal extensions, ensuring a safe and reliable ride.
If you’d rather skip the long-term commitment, we even rent accessible vehicles or mobility solutions like portable ramps and scooters so you can travel comfortably whenever needed. Call us today at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our four locations in Michigan to start your year on a high note.