When I redesigned my life to fit the body I have now, I quickly learned that independence doesn’t come from big, flashy changes—it comes from being able to move freely in my own home.

After I adjusted to life with limited mobility on one side, coming home from rehab was supposed to be a victory.

I’d worked hard.

I was ready.

But my house had other ideas.

Every room became a slow-motion obstacle course. I couldn’t glide from one space to the next. The doors were too narrow. The turns were too tight. My momentum vanished—and so did my energy.

That’s when I realized that accessibility isn’t just about wheelchairs—it’s about doorways, thresholds, and the freedom to move without friction.

Let’s break it down:

• 28–30 inches: Common in older homes. These feel more like barricades than entries when you’re trying to roll through.

• 32 inches: This is often the bare minimum to get through without crashing your knuckles.

• 36 inches: Now we’re talking. This gives enough space for a clean, confident pass—even if you’re turning slightly or coming in at an angle.

And that’s the key—real life doesn’t happen in straight lines.

We don’t always roll up to a doorway at the perfect angle. Sometimes we’re coming in sideways, maneuvering around furniture, or trying to open the door while holding a bag, a drink, or even just our balance. Other times, we’re worn out from the day and don’t have the extra energy to reverse and readjust five times just to get into a room.

Movement becomes less predictable, especially when you’re using only one side of your body or adapting to new rhythms.

That’s where wider doors make a real difference. They give you more space to turn, more room to breathe, and more freedom to move without having to constantly slow down and recalculate. You stop second-guessing every entry.

You don’t have to brace yourself before going through a tight squeeze. Instead, you glide through with confidence.

If there’s one upgrade I recommend to just about everyone, it’s offset hinges.

Also known as swing-clear hinges, these small but powerful devices are designed to move the door completely out of the doorway when it’s open. Unlike standard hinges that keep part of the door sitting inside the frame, swing-clear hinges shift the entire door off to the side, clearing the full width of the opening.

It’s a simple swap, but one that can make a major difference—especially in tight spots like bathrooms, bedrooms, or narrow hallways where every inch counts.

It might not sound like a big change, but this one adjustment can give you up to 2 extra inches of usable space. And when you’re navigating the world in a wheelchair, 2 inches can mean the difference between bumping your wheels or hands on the frame—or gliding through without a second thought. That extra space reduces strain, saves energy, and brings a sense of ease back into daily movement. It’s one of those small upgrades that makes your home feel less like an obstacle course and more like it was actually made for you.

• Low-cost: Most offset hinge sets cost less than $30. No permits. No contractors.

• Quick upgrade: You can swap out hinges yourself with a screwdriver and 30 minutes.

• No structural changes: Your frame stays intact. No drywall dust. No patching. No painting.

• Perfect for problem spots: Especially helpful in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any room with zero turn radius.

Pro tip: Choose heavy-duty steel if it’s for a door you use daily. It’ll handle more wear and swing smoothly without squeaking or catching.

This one surprised me. Sometimes the problem isn’t the door at all—it’s the trim around the door.

Decorative moldings, door stops, and thick framing can rob you of an inch or more. And if you’re using a wheelchair? That inch makes a huge difference.

• Remove the stop molding (the piece the door closes against):
  This narrow strip of wood inside the frame might seem insignificant, but taking it off can instantly free up ¾ to 1 inch of space. That’s often just enough to stop your wheels from catching or to make a tight entry finally feel manageable. It’s an especially helpful tweak for doors you don’t need to latch—like closets, pantries, or laundry rooms.

• Replace thick casing with sleek trim:
  Wide, decorative casings may look nice, but they take up room. By switching to slim, beveled trim, you create a cleaner line and open up more usable width. It keeps the doorway looking polished while giving you smoother access. Plus, it’s a subtle change that most guests won’t even notice—but you’ll feel it every time you roll through.

• Sand down rough or square corners:
  Sharp edges on door frames are a magnet for bruises, chipped paint, and scratched knuckles. If you move through spaces one-handed like I do, it’s easy to clip a corner. A quick sanding job can round out the edges and make them safer for your arms and wheels. It’s a small effort that prevents a lot of wear and tear—on both you and your home.

These small changes added up. I stopped catching my knuckles on the doorframe every time I entered my laundry area. My closet finally felt usable again.

And I didn’t spend more than a weekend doing it.

Some doors just can’t be salvaged. If you’ve tried hinges and trim and you’re still stuck, it might be time to upgrade the door entirely.

The good news?

This doesn’t mean tearing apart your entire home.

• Size up: Swap a 28” door for a 32” or 36” one. This can often be done without full framing replacement if your walls allow.

• Use pre-hung doors: These come with the frame already attached. It makes installation smoother, especially if you're hiring help.

• Go hollow-core: These doors are lightweight and easier to open with one hand or an elbow.

• Change the swing direction: Having a door swing outward instead of inward can open up critical turning space inside the room.

• Keep a consistent look: If you’re replacing one door, think about future ones too. A uniform look gives your space a clean, cohesive feel.

For me, upgrading my bedroom door meant I no longer had to roll in like I was docking a boat—lining up, reversing, pivoting.

I could just move forward. That one change restored part of my rhythm.

If space is really tight, swinging doors might never be the best option. That’s where sliding, pocket, or flexible alternatives can be a lifesaver.

• Sliding barn doors: Stylish, easy to install, and perfect for spaces like bedrooms, offices, or living areas.

• Pocket doors: These slide into the wall and disappear. They look great and save space, but they require more construction up front.

• Curtains or bifold doors: These can work well for closets or utility rooms where full privacy isn’t essential.

• Install low-resistance glide hardware so you’re not yanking with full strength

• Use grip handles or loops that are reachable with one hand

• Make sure the door doesn’t swing or slide out of control—controlled closing is safer

I added a barn door to my office and didn’t realize how freeing it would feel to just roll by and slide it shut with my elbow. It’s quiet, smooth, and doesn’t eat up precious space.

There are times when all the creative solutions in the world won’t cut it. That’s when it’s time to break out the big tools—or call someone who can.

Widening the doorway involves some actual framing work, but if you’re doing a renovation anyway, it’s smart to do it once and do it right.

• Remove drywall around the frame

• Adjust the header beam and vertical supports to fit a wider opening

• Install new framing and finish with drywall or casing

• Paint and finish so it matches the rest of your space

This might sound like a lot, but with a skilled contractor, it’s a one-day job for most doors.

Look for someone who understands ADA standards, turning radius, and how your reach and movement patterns affect real-world use.

Think long-term: If you plan to stay in your home, this kind of change pays off in safety, confidence, and peace of mind.

Not every fix has to involve tools and drywall. Some of the biggest wins come from little changes you can make today.

• Replace round knobs with lever handles: Easier for elbows, wrists, or when you only have one working hand

• Add slim vertical handles to sliding or barn doors for a more secure grip

• Mount mirrors at tight corners so you can spot oncoming foot traffic

• Paint doorframes or trim with contrasting colors to make entry points easier to see, especially in low light

I wasn’t looking for perfection—I just wanted to stop getting hurt in my own home.

Wider doors, better hardware, and small adjustments gave me back something I’d been missing: ease. I didn’t have to plan every movement. I didn’t have to hesitate. My home started working with me—not against me.

You don’t have to wait for a major remodel to make a major difference. Start small. Try a hinge, change a handle, or tweak a trim. It adds up.

Because accessibility isn’t about luxury; it’s about living fully, safely, and on your terms.