Moving home while pregnant
Moving is stressful enough, but when you’re pregnant, it can feel quite overwhelming. The physical and emotional stress of moving can take its toll on your body. When life-changing events seem to happen at once, you must adequately prepare. Read our tips for moving home while pregnant.
- Take care and proceed with caution
A lot of physical and mental energy is required for a move. No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, make sure to take extra time for yourself. Minimize stress and enjoy activities that relax and calm you. Make sure to take many breaks when planning and organizing for your move. Do not take on too much, because moving home while pregnant can be very overwhelming. Most importantly, NO HEAVY LIFTING whatsoever!
- Find a new doctor
If you are moving to another state or across town, moving home while pregnant will most likely require you to change your healthcare provider. You should ask your current doctor for recommendations and contact them well in advance of your move. Be sure to also have you’re your current medical office fax over copies of your prenatal file over to your new doctor.
- Hire Professional Movers
You should be taking it easy on your moving day, hiring professional movers will allow you to do as little work as possible. Movers can do the packing for you. If you like to do it yourself in advance, they can deliver materials to your door. You cannot lift or carry anything heavy, therefore hiring professional movers will make your entire moving experience so much easier.
- Start Early
You should begin to plan for your move as soon as you learn that you are moving. Start packing weeks before moving day. The earlier you start in your pregnancy the better for you and the baby. Set aside time throughout the weeks to come to pack at least few boxes a day. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and cool, and if you absolutely must lift, please do so with caution.
- Pack essentials separately
Being in a new home the first few nights can be tricky, especially when you are pregnant. You will need to pack essentials, such as toiletries, utensils, bed sheets, and whatever else you have become attached to throughout your pregnancy. Whether it’s a body pillow, cozy blanket, or specific food. When you arrive at your new home, you can unpack these essentials first, slowly unpacking the rest of the stuff without being pressured to find what you need right away.
- Get familiar with your new neighborhood before you move
Whether you are moving across town or cross-country, learn as much as you can about your new neighborhood prior to moving. You can do this both online and in person. Being able to maintain important aspects of your daily routine in a new environment allows for a much smoother transition into your new life. Check out the local grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, and activities. Learn of any mommy groups that may be available in the area. This is also a great way to meet soon to be moms in the area, because it is never too early to start planning play dates.
- Take your time unpacking
Unpack the essentials you have prepared first and then proceed to everything else. Giving yourself enough time to get settled in your new home will guarantee your safety and health during moving while pregnant.
- The “Nesting Instinct”
Once you have moved into your new home and began unpacking, you may benefit from what is known as the “nesting instinct”. Mama cats and dogs do it. Expectant birds do it and many human moms-to-be do it as well. It is an act of “preparing your nest” before the baby arrives, occurring usually in the third trimester. Moms-to-be experience strong urges to clean, organize, and organize some more. This may make the daunting task of unpacking and organizing your new home that more pleasant. Make sure to do so with much care and caution. You don’t want to overdo it so close to delivery. Don’t climb, overreach or lift anything too heavy. Be sure to take frequent breaks and snack often.