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Being pregnant

Moving when pregnant: 8 ways to make it easier

Moving is always stressful, but moving when pregnant is extra stressful. Make it easier with these tips.

By Annabel Fitzsimmons
MovingCouple Photo: iStockphoto

Moving is a stressful event at the best of times. When you’re three, five or even eight months pregnant, moving can feel entirely overwhelming.

Here are eight tips to keep the stress down and the spirits high for a smooth move.

1. Get organized Procrastination may have worked in college or at work — you may even like the adrenaline of the last-minute scramble — but there’s never a better time to be organized. Your hormones are already raging, so keep your anxiety as low as possible by making a list of all the things you need to do (and be prepared for it to be long). Establish realistic deadlines, and tick off those tasks one at a time.

2) Pack in advance It may feel weird packing up the kitchen or the office eight to 10 weeks before moving day, but you’ll be relieved when moving week comes and all you need to do is pack away your toiletries. If you’re hiring movers to pack for you, save yourself stress by making sure everything is organized according to the rooms they’ll be going into.

3) Label it You might feel certain you’ll remember boxing up grandma’s silver with your living room picture frames, but "pregnancy brain" afflicts us all, so label your boxes clearly. It also helps to write which room they’ll be going in at your new place.

4) Accept help When your family and friends offer to lend a hand, do not be a "moving martyr" and pretend you can handle it all yourself. Whether it’s in the form of moral or physical support, let them help you.

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5) Research your new neighbourhood Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, find out information about your new neighbourhood online or in person. Scope out the local grocery store, coffee shop, restaurants, bank, walking trails, fitness clubs, mommy groups and activities. Being able to maintain important aspects of your daily routine in a new environment makes a move far less stressful.

6) Doctor, doctor If you are changing your healthcare provider during your pregnancy, aim to have consistency in your prenatal care. Ask your current doctor/midwife if they have contacts or recommendations in your new area, and make the appropriate contact well in advance of your move. Be sure to have copies of your medical records and your prenatal file.

7)The three-day bag When we’re pregnant, we become attached to things — whether it’s a body pillow, a special cozy blanket, or a specific food. In order to avoid tearing apart sealed boxes in search of your favourite unscented hand cream, pack a three-day bag (or bags!) with all immediate necessities for your pregnant body.

8)Take care of yourself Regardless of where you are in your pregnancy, a lot of physical and mental energy is required for a move. As moving week approaches, make sure to take extra time for yourself. Book yourself a prenatal massage, block off some nap-times, go for walks or plan to attend your favourite prenatal yoga class.

This article was originally published in 2012. 

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This article was originally published on Sep 30, 2015

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