Having a new addition to your family will
affect so many parts of your life...obviously! But one thing that always seems
to take people by surprise is just how much having a baby can make your home
feel too small so suddenly.
Of course, there’s the issue of setting up their own room and crib, but soon there’ll be an abundance of toys, Jumperoos, and diapers—so much so that you’ll start to feel that your house is no longer big enough for the whole family.
Because of this, you might succumb to the idea of moving house. Sure it’s something that no one really enjoys doing, but for the sake of your family, it might be necessary.
So if you’ve recently made the decision to move house with a baby, here are a a few tips to keep you sane and your precious one happy during this crazy time.
● Take a day off from work to pack We all know that packing is one of the worst things about moving. The mad rush to get everything boxed or wrapped up, trying to decide which items to sell, donate, or toss in the bin, and living in a house full of boxes...these are just a few of the things you’ll have to deal with!
Packing boxes with a baby is very different than without one. You have to manage your time between caring for your child and packing, which means less time for other important tasks. You might think the best time to pack is when the baby is asleep. However, if you’re place is small, the noise of packing could disrupt their sleep.
This is why it’s a good idea to take a day off from work, have your child looked after by someone else, and get a large majority of your packing done. You’ll be free to completely pack your stuff without having to worry about your baby. You’ll be glad you did this!
● Give yourself plenty of time Even if you’re not able to get all your packing done in a day—let’s face it, this is nearly impossible unless you adhere to a strict minimalist lifestyle—there’s always more time. That is, if you’ve given yourself enough time in the buildup to your move.
As is the case in any move, you’ll need to start the process well in advance. Usually this ranges from 3 to 6 months before your moving day and can even be earlier. Packing takes time and so do all the tasks you need to do for your move: finalising the purchase of your home, hiring a removal company, reviewing your insurance policies, etc…
Start getting ready for your move and make sure you have lots of time to get everything done. This way you won’t have to stress out about any last-minute tasks the day before your move.
● Find a pediatrician before you move One of the most important things you need to do regarding your baby is to secure a pediatrician. In the chaos of moving house, it is easy to forget doing so.
Imagine this: you finish moving into your new pad and the next morning, your baby has a terrible fever. Instead of being able to call your trusty pediatrician for help or to make an appointment, you need to desperately find one.
So how do you avoid the trouble of asking for recommendations, looking online, figuring out if you were covered, and calling if offices are accepting new patients? By getting this all done before you move!
● Pack a box of necessities for you and your baby You should pack a box of all the things you’ll need right away during your first few nights at your new home. These aren’t just items for you, such as toiletries, tea, and linen, but also for your baby.
Pack a box with the items they’ll need for at least the first 24 hours at your new place. This includes, diapers, wipes, a few outfits, formula, shampoo, body, and anything else that is necessary.
The last thing you want after a long, tiring day of loading, driving, and unloading is to go on a hunt for something. With a “survival box,” you won’t have to unpack a bunch of boxes or go out and make a quick trip to the shops.
● Maintain their schedule The great thing about moving house with a baby (compared to older kids) is that it won’t have such a strong emotional effect on them. Usually, the physical turmoil is much more prevalent since babies rely on routines.
This is why it’s super important to maintain their schedule. As much as possible, avoid disrupting their nap and mealtimes, and ensure that you keep bedtime rituals the same.
● Get your baby out of there I don’t mean leaving your child out of the house for a long period of time. Rather, get your baby out of the way when it’s actually time to move. This is where movers can be very helpful.
The easiest way is to get someone to watch over your baby on your moving day—either hire a babysitter or pull in a favour from a friend or family member. Another option is to leave a few last-minute errands for the day and take your baby with you.
This way, your child will be safely out of the way of the chaos and the movers will be able to quickly finish their job. You’ll save yourself a ton of hassle and speed up the whole moving process!
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