Moving is near the top of the list when it comes to stressful life events. Add in being pregnant and stress levels can double or even triple with so much to do. While planning can help make the logistics of the process go more smoothly, it’s also important to take extra precautions for the mom-to-be. Avoid these mistakes to ensure safety and a less stressful experience:
1. Not Asking for Help
Pregnancy can drain your energy and put extra stress on the body. For this reason, you should plan to ask for extra help during the moving process. Think of yourself as a bystander and lean on other people to do things for you. This is the perfect time to hire a licensed moving company! While you can still help in many ways, it’s best to leave most of the work to others so you can stay less stressed.
2. Not Packing Snacks
Your body needs extra nourishment while you’re pregnant, so make sure you have a cooler of snacks and easy-to-prepare foods for moving day. You should also make sure you have extra water readily available, especially if it’s hot outside. Without proper nourishment, you might find yourself getting fatigued more easily. It’s better to pack more than you need just in case you find you’re extra hungry or thirsty while moving.
3. Trying to Lift Heavy Boxes
Whether you’re a few months pregnant or nearing delivery day, you should avoid lifting heavy boxes. Ask others to do the work for you and pitch in by carrying lightweight items. If you end up lifting something too heavy, you could pull a muscle or put unnecessary strain on your body.
4. Not Stretching Out
Even if you keep activity to a minimum, you’ll likely end up moving more than usual when you move. To prepare your body and prevent risk of injury, it’s important to stretch before the day. Even simple yoga moves or stretching on the floor can help make a big difference.
5. Not Writing a List
It’s easy to forget small things that you need to do while moving when you’re pregnant (thanks, baby brain!). You can beat this memory trouble by writing a list of things you need to do ahead of time. The best part about this, aside from making moving easier, is that it can greatly help reduce your stress, so your hormones stay in check.
6. Not Mapping Out Your New Terrain
One of the most helpful things you can do before moving day is mapping out your journey. This should include how you’ll get to the new home as well as how you want each room laid out. If there are stairs or hidden steps, mark these with blue tape, so you don’t accidentally miss them and fall.
7. Not Talking to Your Doctor
Even if your pregnancy isn’t high risk, it’s a good idea to discuss moving with your doctor. They’ll give you personalized advice and let you know movements to avoid, keeping yourself and the baby safe.
Are You Ready to Move?
By planning, moving while pregnant can go much more smoothly. In addition to avoiding the mistakes above, you’ll also be able to anticipate any issues you might face. With that, you can simply enjoy the fact that you’ll be in a new home with your new baby before you know it.