How to Navigate Your Move While Expecting

On the day we embarked on our big move, the first thing I did was hurl my breakfast. At nine weeks pregnant and battling a relentless wave of morning sickness, I clutched the keys to our new home while the lease on our old place reminded me it was time to vacate. My husband, ever the hero, handed me my Saltines and a trusty barf bag, gently guided me into the car, and then deposited me on the floor of our new abode—furniture still en route—armed with my crackers.

Moving is a daunting task under any circumstances, but doing so while pregnant adds a unique twist. However, you can tackle this challenge and even emerge victorious by adhering to a few key strategies.

1. Make a Game Plan

Jot down every little detail to combat that infamous pregnancy brain. Outline a schedule for essential moving tasks like renting a truck, setting up utilities, and signing contracts. Compile a list of supplies you’ll need and consider the strengths and availability of your family members, assigning them specific tasks. If you have any flexibility in timing, aim for your second trimester when you’ll likely feel more energetic and less nauseous, making it easier to lift boxes without feeling like a beached whale.

2. Be Prepared for Surprises

If this is your first move, be realistic about your capabilities. You may find yourself doing significantly less than you used to. Instead of racing to load boxes, you might be waddling to the bathroom. Give yourself plenty of extra time in your moving schedule—start packing non-essentials well in advance when you’re feeling good.

3. Accept Help

You’re pregnant and moving; it’s time to cash in on those favors! Don’t hesitate to ask family for help or to bribe friends with pizza and drinks. If you usually pride yourself on handling everything solo, consider hiring professional movers to lighten the load. Whether it’s having them pack up your belongings or just getting your furniture into the truck, it’s worth the investment. And for cleaning? Hire a service to handle that post-move deep clean so you don’t inhale any harsh chemicals while scrubbing.

4. Stay Seated

While moving involves a lot of physical activity, there are plenty of tasks you can tackle from the comfort of a chair. Focus on things that don’t require heavy lifting, like making lists, labeling boxes, and setting up utilities. Don’t forget to find a new OB in your area and request that your current doctor send over your medical records—a crucial step in your moving process.

5. Order Takeout

Once you finally settle into your new home, the last thing you’ll want to do is rummage through boxes for kitchen essentials. If your friends don’t bring a casserole, keep menus for local restaurants handy. Order a feast, ensuring you have leftovers for later, and eat off paper plates. And if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the local cuisine—just make sure your belly can fit in that booth!

6. Don’t Be a Hero

There’s no prize for trying to manage your move all on your own while pregnant. Your health—and that of your little one—is paramount. Consult your doctor about how much you can safely lift and how long you should be on your feet. Listen to your body when it signals hunger or fatigue. Remember to hydrate, eat regularly, and take breaks. And don’t stress about unpacking everything right away; two years later, I still have a box or two I haven’t opened!

For more tips on navigating pregnancy, check out our other blog post about home insemination, which offers helpful insights as you prepare for this exciting journey.

In summary, moving while pregnant can be a significant challenge, but with careful planning, accepting help, and taking care of yourself, you can make the process manageable and even enjoyable.