Moving is a stressful process. Whether you’re headed down the street or across the country, packing up your entire life and hauling it where it needs to be is unquestionably taxing. Add in the hassles of a newborn baby, and you’ve got a serious metaphorical mountain to climb. If you’re looking for some guidance as you stare down the barrel of moving with an infant, check out the following tips.
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Planning ahead is extremely important in a move when you don’t have kids to worry about, so when moving with an infant, this counts double. Although it is best to get started at least eight weeks out, there’s nothing wrong with beginning even earlier. Pack nonessential items first (remember to label your boxes!), saving the baby’s pacifiers and toys for last — after all, you don’t want to have to undo your amazing work because you got overzealous and accidentally packed Mr. Snuffles!
If you remember to add an extra 25% more moving materials than you think you’ll need, you’ll find that the arduous experience runs quite smoothly.
This applies to the new home as well. If you’re able to gain access to the home before moving day, take the time to baby-proof the area and prepare any additional arrangements. For example, if you know that your home’s square footage is a little bit tighter than the previous home, consider investing in a wooden shed (they last between 15 and 20 years) so you have extra storage space waiting for when you arrive.
Remember to Stick to the Schedule
Babies need routine. Although it will be difficult to maintain a strict napping and feeding schedule while packing up your entire life, do your best to keep the baby’s day-to-day schedule as consistent as possible. This will give your child a much-needed sense of security and help you keep yourself sane from being under stress.
Staying consistent goes for parents, too. Whether you’ve just discovered that replacing meat with plant-based foods can reduce mortality rates by 20% or are interested in joining that gym that just opened up, everything can wait until after your family is settled in their new home. Remember, people can only tolerate so much change at once.
Enlist Help When Moving with an Infant
When it comes to moving with an infant, remember that you’re not Superwoman (or Superman). Expecting to do all of this work on your own while also caring for a needy newborn is impractical. In fact, over 35% of women who have babies in America are over the age of 30, but even the youngest and fittest moms can’t handle such an overwhelming experience. Ask for babysitting help from friends and family members. This way you’ll be able to pack in peace and focus exclusively on the task at hand without needing to check on your little one every half an hour.
Moving with an infant is a difficult experience, but it isn’t impossible. As long as you are well prepared for the job, you’ll be able to tackle it with ease.