Packing up everything you own and moving to a new home is stressful enough—but add to it the challenges of pregnancy or life with a newborn? Overwhelming. Nonetheless, expecting parents often consider moving for more space, to get in a certain school system, to be near family or for more opportunities. While taking on the stress of a big move while adjusting to pregnancy or newborn life may not be your first choice, it is definitely doable.
If you’re gearing up to move to a new home during or shortly after pregnancy, don’t panic. Even when you’ve got a new baby in the mix, here are a few tips to set you up for moving success.
Hire Experienced Movers
Perhaps the best moving gift you can give yourself as an expecting or new parent is to hire good movers. Professional movers can dramatically change the moving experience. You can hire them to simply load up and transport your possessions, or you can go full-service, letting them pack and unpack everything, too. Either way, having experienced movers on your side removes a lot of stress from the transition. Read reviews, compare prices and book in advance for the best service.
Accept Help
Now is not the time to grit your teeth and go it alone. In addition to hiring movers, take any and all help that is offered, from trusted family members who want to babysit older kids, to caring friends who want to drop off a meal while you’re getting ready to go. You have a lot to manage already, so let yourself receive help wherever you can!
Stay Healthy and Hydrated
From the initial days of packing to all of the tasks on your actual moving day, remember to take care of yourself and your little one by staying hydrated and well-nourished. Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or dealing with sleep deprivation in the early baby days, getting enough water and nutrients is more important than ever, so keep water, fresh fruit and popsicles on hand. Likewise, have a range of healthy snacks available to fend off morning sickness or the munchies as needed.
Plan for Stress Relief
Moving during pregnancy or with a new baby demands a lot of you, so counteract the pressure by remembering to have fun and let off some stream. Amidst all the packing and planning, turn up some tunes and have a dance party in the kitchen, for example. It’s not only a stress release, but also a way to keep your body moving. Get together with friends. You could also stir up some warm feelings by making a scrapbook of memories from your old place and/or spending a day visiting all your favorite local spots. Love and laughter goes a long way towards mentally getting you through a stressful move.
Pack an Overnight Bag
Before the movers come, make sure you have an overnight bag of any and all essentials to keep with you. It should include not only important toiletries, vitamins, clothes, snacks, etc., but also any documentation you could need to access right away. Do the same for your baby, packing diapers, bottles, blankets and clothes—any must-haves for your little one.
Change Your Address
If you’re expecting, it’s especially important to change your address, so important documents such as your baby’s birth certificate and social security card go to the right place. Processing an address change can take seven days or more, so do it early if possible.
Moving is stressful—but you can minimize the extra pressures that come from moving during pregnancy by following the steps above. Make your move less of a burden, and smoothly settle into your new home with these tips.
Author Bio
Brian Slater is the founder and President of New City Moving, a moving company in Chicago. Slater has more than 10 years of experience in the industry and focuses on providing top-notch customer service as well as a stress-free moving environment.
