If you’re pregnant or have a new born, moving is probably the last thing on your mind, but events such as job promotions, military deployments, and other exciting life changes may require you to uproot. Below are some of the first steps you should think about before moving.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are moving to a different state or country, don’t forget to organize your healthcare provider before you go. Speak with your current provider to see if they can refer you to any reputable providers close to your new home. Do this as soon as possible to ensure you receive continuous care throughout your pregnancy.
Always check with your doctor to make sure that you are safe to participate in a move. Most doctors will discourage pregnant women from standing and lifting for long periods of time. Flying during a pregnancy can also be very dangerous. If your pregnancy has been classified as high risk, your healthcare provider may advise you to push out your move date or to stay close to home until you give birth.
Plan Ahead
The best way to reduce stress, is to plan the move thoroughly. Although you might not be able to help with packing or lifting, you can help by creating a move schedule. Keeping everyone on track will help ensure that your move goes as seamlessly as possible. Three key things to remember when creating this schedule are:
- Make sure your hospital bag is easily accessible at all times. You never know when you might go into labor, but if it does happens, the last thing you need is to find that your hospital bag to be packed away in a box!
- Give yourself plenty of time to pack and unpack! Work out what you can pack in advance, and start packing it. When unpacking prioritize important rooms such as the nursery and kitchen, and leave the spare rooms and garage for last.
- Call in favors. Pregnancy is no time to be moving home single-handedly. Call in reinforcements in the form of friends and family. Whether you need help packing, filling boxes, or choosing new furniture for your house, your friends and family will be more than happy to help.
Leave it to the Professionals
If your budget allows we recommend hiring a professional moving company to do all of the heavy lifting, packing, and unpacking. They will take care of everything, and leave you feeling Stress-free.
Listen to Your Body
Moving day will probably be long – an early start, a late finish, and lots of hard work and stress between. You need more rest during pregnancy, and may find yourself exhausted on moving day. Listen to your body, and rest when you feel you need to. Make sure you have somewhere comfy to rest, and that you can rest undisturbed in a quiet room if necessary.
It may be hard for you to take it easy, especially if you live an active lifestyle throughout the year, but over exerting the body may cause issues with the pregnancy. Any task that requires you to stand for long periods of time should be avoided especially closer to the due date.
Sit back, relax, and consider yourself more of a project manager than a mover. Good luck with your move and enjoy your new family and home!
