Deciding whether to move before baby arrives can be a challenging decision. Many parents-to-be wonder if relocating before the baby is born will make things easier or add more stress. There are pros and cons to consider, from preparing the perfect nursery to managing the physical demands of a move during pregnancy.
Picture this: I’m 30 weeks pregnant, scrubbing out the empty fridge of our soon-to-be-old home.
My back is screaming, my arms are heavy, and my little toddler is tugging at my shirt, demanding attention.
The cleaning list is endless — and that’s just to wrap up the old place! Not to mention all the mopping and dusting that awaits at the new digs.
Every piece of pregnancy advice in my inbox warned me against moving with all these raging hormones.
They said it would be too exhausting and mentally taxing when all I wanted to focus on was the baby.
Yet, here I was, right in the thick of it!
The Post-Baby Move: A Change of Plans
Originally, my husband and I planned to move after the baby arrived, but chatting with our realtor, turned things around.
She advised us to snag a place before the baby came — a smart move to avoid the chaotic spring real estate market.
So, in the chilly month of February, we jumped at a house that ticked all our boxes.
She sees many families buying homes with newborns but she believes moving during pregnancy is much smoother. Trust us: house hunting is way more challenging amidst the post-delivery haze!
Two years ago, I moved when my first baby was just six weeks old. Sure, it cut into precious snuggle time, but looking back, I’m glad we decided to move before delivery this time around. Some folks swear by the postpartum move, though.
Curious why? Read on!
The Bright Side of Moving While Pregnant
- No Waiting Around for Open Houses: When you're nursing, napping, or juggling diaper changes, you can't afford to miss a beat!
Every second counts when deciding on a new home.
You don’t want to miss out on that dream house just because you had to take a break for baby duties! - The Nesting Instinct is Real: When that nesting instinct hits, you’ll find yourself scrubbing every corner of your new kitchen.
Better to already be settled in your new home than to sort baby onesies twice! - Protecting Your Baby’s Sleep Patterns: If your little one finally settles into a sleep routine, you’ll want to preserve it!
Moving after they’re born could disrupt those precious patterns, and let’s be real — who needs more sleepless nights? - Postnatal Recovery Takes Time: After childbirth, many women face lingering discomfort, making moving a challenge.
Moving while pregnant might be tough, but think about the alternative! - Cost-Effective Moves: We made a strategic move from renting to owning, and it saved us a bunch of cash.
Just imagine a lower mortgage payment instead of high rent. - Less Baby Gear Clutter: With a clean slate in your new home, you can manage baby gear chaos before it even begins.
The baby shower gifts won’t overwhelm you if you can sift through what you really need before you pack!
But Wait — Here’s Why You Might Want to Move After Baby Comes
- Aching Backs Beware: Pregnancy and moving aren’t the best combo. The American Pregnancy Association says, “Let someone else handle the heavy lifting.” There’s a reason for that!
- Say Goodbye to Harsh Cleaners: You’ll need to swap out your heavy-duty cleaning products for safer alternatives, like vinegar.
Some green cleaners may not tackle those tough messes as well as we’d like. - Get a Clearer Idea of Your Needs: Spend a little time with your baby in your current home, and you'll quickly learn what you truly need.
After living with the kiddo, you’ll know whether you need a bigger kitchen or a dedicated laundry room. - Bye-bye Baby Bump: Even if you’re recovering from childbirth, you won’t have that bump getting in the way as you set up your new space!
- Make Mommy Friends Faster: Having a baby is a great way to connect with other parents.
Moving with a newborn can enhance your social circle — hello, new mommy groups and storytimes! - Newborns are Surprisingly Manageable: They mainly sleep and eat! As long as they’re fed and comfortable, they won’t even notice they’ve moved.
- Save Time for What Matters: Once the baby arrives, your time becomes incredibly precious.
Moving after the baby is born means you can enjoy those early moments without worrying about unpacking boxes right away.
Tips for Moving with a Baby
When you’re ready to make a move with your little one, planning ahead is key. Here are some
BBX tips for a smooth transition:
● Pack Strategically: Box up non-essentials first, label everything, and keep those must-haves (like diapers and favorite toys) handy until the last minute.
● Prioritize Unpacking the Nursery: Make your baby’s new space a top priority along with the kitchen. A calm, comfy nursery is essential!
● Stick to the Routine: Try to maintain your baby’s feeding and sleeping schedule as much as possible during the move.
Keeping things familiar can help everyone’s sanity!
● Keep Your Baby Safe in Transit: Ensure you have a car seat and a safe way to transport your little one. Safety first!
● Get Help: Whether it’s family or friends, having someone watch your baby during the move can be a lifesaver.
● Babyproof Your New Home: Install smoke detectors, secure furniture, and get the space ready for your little explorer before they start crawling.
● Stay Calm: Stress can be contagious. If you stay relaxed, your baby will pick up on that vibe. A chill atmosphere benefits everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving While Pregnant or with a Baby
Should I move during pregnancy or after?
It depends on your situation, how your pregnancy is going, and your timeline. Listen to your gut — it knows best!
Is it better to move after the baby arrives?
There are pros and cons to both options. Post-baby moves can be tricky, but you might have a clearer idea of your space needs and can connect with other parents in your new neighborhood.
How long after giving birth can you move?
Light chores can resume around two weeks postpartum, but everyone heals differently.
If you’re outsourcing the heavy lifting, you can move sooner, but always prioritize your health!
The Bottom Line
No matter what you choose, remember this: Someone will always have an opinion about your decision.
The secret? Trust your instincts, even if they’re buried under your baby bump.
Ready to Move?
If you're gearing up for a move, BBX Moving is here to help. With our extensive experience and commitment to delivering Peace of Mind, we’ve got your back.
From packing to moving, we make it easy! Let’s get started on your smoothest move yet.
Happy moving!