Should You Move Before or After the Baby Arrives?

So, you are having a baby, and you are scheduled to move around the same time. The birth of a baby is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences a couple can have. Usually, you have an opportunity to decide whether to move before or after.

Moving before the baby comes is the right choice for some.  You have the opportunity to set up your new home, including the nursery. That makes a lot of sense, but there are pros and cons to consider.

The one thing that is certain is that the one subject is a very personal one.  Before the baby comes, you could experience a lot of physical and emotional stress but the same can be true if you move and you and your newborn have to figure out life and schedules in the middle of unpacking overload.

One client said, “A couple of years ago, I moved when my first baby was six weeks old, which cut into precious time together, newborn snuggle time, and getting a sleeping routine established. While I’m happy I moved pre-delivery, some say the postpartum move is the way to go.”

Below, we have given you a list of pros and cons to consider so you can decide what is best for you and your family.

Moving while You are Pregnant.

Moving is stressful enough, but add to it the need to pack and to move. If you are selling your home, you will need to be able to keep it in good order while movers pack. And if you’re looking to buy a home, you need to be ready to take advantage of a good deal at a moment’s notice. Nursing, napping, and diaper changes make this hard.

The Nesting Instinct is Real. “You might reorganize the closets and cupboards, get the linens in order, and even defrost the fridge. You won’t be able to curb the instinct. Research shows that the nesting instinct peaks in the third trimester — better to already be settled in the new place so you don’t have to sort all the baby onesies by color and size twice.”

Postnatal recovery takes longer than you think. Having a baby and then moving into your new home can be stressful because you may not feel “at home.” Change and adjustment take time. Some women require weeks to recover — some face serious problems that can affect daily activity for months. Moving boxes around and unpacking may not be the best decision. You must decide on pregnancy or recovery.

Move Before Baby Comes, and You May Save Money One mom wrote: “I moved while pregnant from a rental into our own house, where our mortgage was cheaper than our monthly rent. We saved money. Yes, the extra effort was worth it. We moved from a place with high rent into our home and saved a total of about $3,000 by moving.

Move after the Baby Comes?

Baby bumps and moving are a difficult mix. The American Pregnancy Association advises women who are expecting a baby not to do any heavy lifting. Also, moving carries a heightened risk of premature labor and even a hernia. Be sure to talk things through with your doctor and follow his or her advice.

Even if you are recovering from childbirth, you still need to be very careful. Moving after the baby comes provides plenty of time for you to be with your baby to bond. You have time to enjoy your new home as you recoup and dream for the future. Time could be on your side!

Big No, No: Don’t use chemicals. Even after the baby arrives, you want to ditch the chemicals and go with natural, nontoxic cleaners. These are the safest for pregnant and new moms to use. As much as most of us hate to admit it, heavy chemical cleaners do a much better job, but women who are pregnant or just home from the hospital with their newborn need to avoid products that contain ammonia and bleach.

You’ll make friends faster. In a distant way, babies are like puppies. Don’t laugh! Both provide a great way to get to know people. They are conversation starters! Once your newborn is older, you will discover “mommy” groups in your area that will fill you with satisfaction.

If you wait to move until after the baby Is born, you will still meet new friends, but you will have a lot more on your plate to get done, like unpacking. So, opting to move first can make sense.

Regardless, when the baby arrives, time will be even more precious to you and your family. Time also will seem to speed up. This means you will want to treasure every moment you have with your baby. If you’re blessed enough to have maternity leave, you can use your leave to bond with your baby instead of rearranging the flatware or troubleshooting those inevitable kinks in your new house.

Tips for Moving with a Baby

To ensure a successful move with a baby, plan all of your relocation logistics and baby-proofing strategies ahead of time. Here are some tips to consider when moving with a baby. Moving.com has a checklist for moving with kids that is super helpful.

• Babyproof your new home. Always and forever babyproof your new home as soon as possible, even if it will be a while till your baby starts walking. Install smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and locks for cabinets, drawers, and closets. This also works for the family pet and even older children who like to explore.
• Unpack Your Nursery First, Along with the Kitchen. Unpacking the nursery is a priority so you and your baby will have a safe place to nap and sleep at night. Make it as settled as possible. Unpacking the kitchen only makes sense so you can provide for yourself and your newborn.
• Establish a Routine for Your Baby and Stick to It. As much as possible establish a sleep routine. Babies are usually flexible, but when it comes to sleep at night and nap time, a routine is a must for you and your baby. Remember, moving can is stressful for everyone, so keeping your baby on a schedule will also help you stay on schedule, too.
• Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to run up the “help needed” flag. Make sure you have a babysitter, family member, or friend on call to watch your baby during the move – whether at your old home, new home, or somewhere separate altogether. This will make everything easier.
• Keep Your Calm. Cool heads prevail. This may be easier said than done. However, babies, young children, and even pets pick up on our stressful emotions. Changes in the routine, like sleep and eating, can be disruptive. But if you manage to plan and remain calm, your baby will pick up on that, and it will lead to a less stressful time.

Most of us would not choose to move while expecting a baby, but life happens, and sometimes, you end up doing something that you otherwise would not plan. The best game plan is to do what you feel is best for you and your baby.

One of the many factors that set Lambert Moving Systems apart is its partnership with North American Van Lines. As an authorized agent of this renowned moving network, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast. Call or Schedule an Appointment to get started with your moving journey!