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As much as you may try to avoid it, sometimes life throws us curve balls, and planning a move when you’re pregnant may become a necessity. Whether the impending arrival means you need a bigger space or want to move closer to your family, or you’re buying a house for the first time, the move doesn’t need to be a stressful one. Plan ahead to ensure you don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself or your family when you’re moving house.
Should I move before or after?
Pregnancy and having a newborn are different for everyone, so a hard-and-fast answer is impossible because odds are your pros and cons list for each will change by the day. As long as you are not experiencing serious complications or severe morning sickness, moving ahead of the baby’s arrival and setting up your home for a newborn is more often than not the best course of action. In either case, it’s a good idea to get your doctor’s opinion before you make the final call.
Tops tips for a seamless move
Plan accordingly
Reality check: this move will not be like your others. With a bump and all that baby gear to consider, you need to factor in additional packing time and moving time to allow for things to move a little more slowly. Creating a moving out checklist will be a great help.
Label everything
Baby brain is real, so labelling your moving boxes is more important than ever for a move when expecting. The clearer the better in this scenario, so very carefully box things up by room and label which room the items have come from, and what they are, on each box. Research where to find cheap moving boxes and packaging supplies.
Get moving
If you’ve never hired professional movers before, now is the time. Whether pregnant or juggling a newborn, every expecting individual or couple will benefit from help with heavy lifting and packing up the home. Get a couple of quotes from moving companies to make sure you get the best deal. With a new baby due, this could be one of the best ways to save money on the move. If you’re hesitant to spend the money, recruit a team of friends and family to pitch in and help you move house the DIY way. They’ll be all the more willing given your circumstances.
Find a doctor
It is preferable, of course, to have consistency with your prenatal care. If you’re moving a considerable distance, this may not be possible, so the best course of action is to ask for recommendations and find a new doctor well ahead of time.
Familiarise yourself with the new neighbourhood
If you’re relocating to a new city or suburb, birthing classes and mothers’ groups are a great way to make friends and get support during this major life transition. Look into the options in your new neighbourhood and scope out your local grocery store, playground, library, coffee haunt and walking trails to establish some semblance of a routine when you’ll need it most. If you’re moving interstate, check out our quick guide.
Take time out
Don’t be a hero. You’re expecting a child and moving house, two things that are physically and mentally draining on their own, much less together. Take time out for yourself and schedule in breaks for naps, walks and snacks to keep your energy as high as possible.
If you’re moving into a new house, don’t forget to connect your electricity and gas. We can help you find the right plan for your new home.
