Expecting? Then you might be thinking about moving into a bigger space to accommodate your growing family. While this is an exciting time, you need to think about how to move safely, prioritize your health, and reduce risks. Mike the Mover has 6 tips to make moving while pregnant less stressful, and give you the best start to your new family.
Plan ahead
As with all moves, you need to plan ahead. This is even more important if you are pregnant. Allowing yourself the time to organize, even months before, will help avoid headaches later. Start with a list of all necessary talks. To ensure you don’t miss anything, check out Mike the Mover’s handy Moving Checklist. The checklist will help you organize and prepare as efficiently as possible.
Find a doctor
Moving to a new city? Make finding a new doctor one of your highest priorities. As a first-time patient knows that it can take weeks before you’re able to get your first appointment. So plan well in advance. Start by researching local hospitals and doctors in the area. Once you’ve found a few that meet your criteria, call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. It may also help to ask your current doctor if they have any recommendations or know of any good doctors in your new city. Once you have an appointment, call your current doctor’s office to a) let them know you’re moving and b)have them send all medical records to your new doctor.
Reduce stress
As stressful as the moving process can be, it’s of the utmost importance that you try your best to reduce any and all anxiety. Taking care of yourself and your growing baby takes priority over the typical relocation stresses. A few tips to help you keep stress in check while moving:
- Stay active! Make time for daily walks, yoga or whatever kind of exercise you prefer. This will help keep your mind off of the stress.
- Read a book, do a puzzle, find a way to distract your mind.
- Treat yourself Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a prenatal massage at the spa, you deserve a treat every now and then.
- Sleep – Aim for at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
Recruit helpers
I highly recommend recruiting as many helpers as possible. If it’s in your budget to do so, hire professional packers to help with the upcoming move. Most professional moving companies offer packing services.
If you’re planning to do the packing yourself contact friends and family to see if they can help out. Good friends will be happy to help. Choose a night to invite a handful of friends over for a “packing party.” Have boxes and moving supplies on-hand. Assign friends to various rooms. Offer guidance on what goes where, and let your friends do the rest.
Hire professional movers
Call several recommended moving companies in your area and have them give you a free quote. Once you’ve chosen a moving company for the job, make sure to pick a moving date and time that works best for your entire family. Depending on the season, moving companies can book up quickly so confirm your date as early as possible.
Wait on purchasing baby supplies
Anything that you can purchase after moving will save you time and money! Depending on the distance of your move, the overall cost of your relocation will be based on either the weight of your things or the number of hours it takes to move. This means that less stuff means less cost. As well, waiting to purchase baby supplies means you’ll spend less time packing which will reduce your stress level.
Make a moving day kit!
Make sure you have somewhere to sit on the day of so you can take plenty of breaks. Pack snacks and electrolytes to keep your blood sugar and hydration levels high, an overnight bag with clothes, medications, toiletries, and a phone charger. Don’t forget toilet paper for the million times you’ll need to pee during the day! Plus make sure you have somewhere to sleep that isn’t an air mattress! Moving is tiring work, and you can hurt yourself if you don’t sleep properly before or after the move while pregnant thanks to hormones.
No matter how far along you are, you can always benefit from having the assistance of professionals. Contact us today for your free quote and happy Moving!