Your Essential Tips for Moving House During Pregnancy
So, you’re growing a tiny human and moving house? Wow, talk about a big life moment! Right now, it might feel less like “a fresh start” and more like “total chaos,” but hang in there, because I promise there's so much to look forward to (even if you can’t see it just yet).
Let's be real, though: moving house is stressful even when you're not creating a tiny human. Add pregnancy hormones, needing to pee every 10 minutes, and the fact that bending over to pack boxes feels like an Olympic sport, and you've got yourself a proper challenge. But not an impossible challenge.
Whether you’re moving for more space or just to get a little closer to Mum because you can’t bear the thought of doing night feeds without her secret recipe cookies, then don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. So, make yourself an extra-large cup of tea, put your feet up (doctor's orders), and relax. Here are your essential tips for moving whilst expecting.
Step 1: Accept That You Can't Do Everything (And That's Okay)
We know that taking a backseat can be hard, especially when you’re used to being in control, but here’s the thing - when you’re pregnant, you just can’t do it all. Your body is literally building organs for another human being. That takes energy and lots of it. The energy you'd normally use for things like "lifting heavy objects" and "staying awake past 7pm" is currently being redirected to creating eyeballs, fingernails, and a functioning digestive system.
You’ve already got one pretty huge job on your plate, and it’s one only you can do. So, take this as a chance to focus your energy into that. Instead of thinking you should be helping, think of it this way- this is probably the only time you’ll have the perfect excuse to avoid all that dreaded packing and moving. So, take it!
Step 2: Hire Professionals to do The Heavy Lifting
Whilst we’re on the topic of accepting help, here’s what might just save your sanity, your back, and possibly your relationship - hiring professional removalists.
With a new life to prepare for and a lot of extra safety precautions in place, the last thing you need as a family is to be bickering over which box the blender went into and what’s the correct way to pack your plants.
Like we’ve said - this is the time to be taking a backseat. Lifting heavy objects is out of the question for you and while you may not trust your partner to get a king-size bed down the stairs without scratching the walls, there are people you can rely on come rain, hail, and shine.
Finding local Brisbane removalists who understand the physical and mental complexities of moving whilst pregnant (as you know, those hormones are no joke) is an essential part of a successful and stress-free pregnancy move.
Reliable removals companies like Holloway Removals not only take over the heavy lifting, but they can also pack your belongings, give fantastic moving advice, and can even help set up the DIY cot you’ve been ignoring for months (if asked kindly). All you need to do is point and supervise from a comfortable chair. The rest is up to them.
Step 3: Try and Time it Right(ish)
Of course, there’s never a “perfect” time to move, and every stage comes with challenges. However, during pregnancy, the second trimester is generally your golden window. The morning sickness has (hopefully) subsided, you've got more energy than you did in the first trimester, and you're not yet at the "can't see my own feet and everything makes me cry" stage of the third trimester.
If you can schedule your move between weeks 14-28, you should hopefully be moving in the sweet spot between having enough energy to move out of your old home and giving you enough time to settle into your new home before the baby comes. Booking your removalists early will give you much more flexibility with dates, and they will often do their best to accommodate your date needs.
Step 4: Take a Look at Hospitals in Your New Area
Getting to know your local area is pretty important, but getting to know the hospital you may be giving birth in is…well… that’s essential. So, before you rush ahead with the minor details, make sure to check out the maternity facilities in your area. Find out which hospitals nearby have birthing suites (not all do, especially in regional areas), how far the drive is, and if you feel comfortable there. If you're switching healthcare providers, get your medical records transferred early so your new doctor or midwife has your complete history.
Also, don’t be scared to jump into local mums' groups on Facebook and ask for recommendations. Real reviews from other parents are absolute gold. Getting this sorted early means one less thing to worry about, and you can focus on the exciting stuff like decorating the nursery and arguing with your partner about baby names.
Step 5: Set Up the Essentials First
Once you're in your new place, the urge to nest and create a homely space is only normal. But unfortunately, these things take time. So, to avoid becoming overwhelmed, focus on the essentials first.
The good news is, if you’re using removalists, then a lot of the main prep can be done for you. With furniture in place and any DIY items constructed, all you need to set up are the personal touches like your pregnancy pillow and a large water bottle at the bedside to keep hydrated. Of course, you may not want removalists rifling through your wide array of pregnancy and postpartum toiletries, so it’s a good idea to also keep those to the side and in close reach if you need them.
If you're past 30 weeks, it’s also good to prioritise getting the nursery somewhat functional too. It doesn’t need to be Instagram-perfect, but having the cot built, a change table set up, and baby clothes washed and put away will give you peace of mind.
Apart from that, once the basics are set up by your handy removalists and the kitchen is at a point where you can make tea and toast, everything else can wait.
Extra Tip: Know When to Call It a Day
Here's the thing about moving while pregnant: some days you'll feel great and get heaps done. Other days, you'll wake up exhausted, everything will hurt, and the thought of unpacking one more box will make you want to cry. Both are completely normal and understandable.
That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body. If you're tired, rest; you probably need it. And if you're experiencing any concerning symptoms or you’re just a little worried, stop what you’re doing and call your doctor or midwife. Nothing is more important than your health and the health of your baby.
Just Remember
Throughout this period, it’s important to give yourself grace. So, whilst you may be feeling frustrated by being unable to help, it’s important to remember you're doing something really hard (growing a human) while doing something else really hard (moving house). That deserves acknowledgment, not self-criticism.
By not being afraid to ask for (and accept) help, undergoing proper planning, and setting realistic expectations, you can begin to enjoy this exciting new chapter in life. And in a few months, when you're settled in your new home with your new baby, this whole stressful experience will be a distant memory. Better yet, pregnancy brain might make you forget it entirely, which, honestly, may be a blessing.
