- Find a Babysitter
Before you move, you will need to find a childcare provider in your new area. Looking beforehand will reduce stress and give you enough time to thoroughly search for the perfect person for the job. Use friend references and local ads to start the interviewing process early.
Once you find someone you feel comfortable with, have the person watch your children on moving day. This will act as a test run for the new babysitter and give you a chance to organize and pack without the distraction of your little ones.
If everything goes well with the new babysitter on moving day, you will have someone you can call when the baby comes.
- Start to Pack Early
If you can, start to pack six to eight weeks before moving day. Set a goal to pack two boxes a day and start with items you won’t need within the next few weeks.
Be extra careful when moving items as pregnancy shifts your center of balance. Your hormones also loosen ligaments, which can put extra pressure on joints. To avoid straining your back, place boxes on tables and countertops so you won’t need to bend all the way over to put items in them.
You may also want to hold a packing party with your family and friends. This will reduce the stress on you and allow you to spend quality time together.
- Arrange a New Doctor
Closer to the move, you will need to find a doctor in your new area. Talk to your current doctor and ask if he or she has any suggestions for a doctor you may want to contact. You can also look online for doctor reviews to help you narrow your search.
Find a doctor who is covered by your health insurance network and has high approval scores from patients. Once you find the right doctor, have your current doctor’s office transfer your prenatal and medical records to the new hospital.
- Pack a Personal Moving-Day Bag
You may have specific items that you like to have with you during your pregnancy. On moving day, pack a bag with any prescriptions, food, lotion, or books that will keep you calm and organized. Pack enough to last you at least a few days while you’re in between homes. These items will reduce stress and help you avoid digging through boxes trying to find your needed prescriptions.
If you’re in your last trimester, keep your hospital bag packed and ready to go. You will need all those items on-hand just in case the baby comes early.
- Ask For Help
As you go through moving while pregnant, never hesitate to ask for help. You shouldn’t risk your baby because you’re afraid to ask. Even though you may not normally ask for help, consider pregnancy an exception. On the same note, if your friends or family offer help, feel free to accept.
- Be Cautious Around Chemicals
Most moves involve deep cleaning and/or painting the old or new house. Be extra cautious around strong chemicals. Use nontoxic cleaning products such as white distilled vinegar or baking soda. If someone else paints or cleans for you, avoid the areas where you can smell these chemicals.
- Expect the Unexpected
Pregnancy is an emotional time. To avoid unnecessary stress expect the unexpected. Things may go wrong – deliveries may not come on time and things may break. If things do go wrong, don’t feel bad if you feel overwhelmed, cranky, or weepy. You may need to take a few moments to yourself to cry and then feel better afterword. Take a break and try to think of the positive.
Your number one goal through the moving process should be to take care of yourself and the baby. Drink plenty of water, rest if you feel dizzy, and stay out of the hot sun. You should also consider hiring a moving company to handle the heavy objects.
Now that you know the basics of moving while pregnant, check out our other blogs for more moving tips and tricks.
