Moving home while pregnant

Are you pregnant or planning to start a family? If so, your instincts will probably drive you to prepare your home for your new baby. That might mean redecorating, renovating, or repurposing rooms to create a nursery, or baby-proofing the house from top to bottom.

It may also become clear that your current home is not suitable once you have a child. This often leads to an important question: is it better to move house during pregnancy, or wait until after your baby arrives?

Some people choose to use moving house storage during a move to reduce pressure and avoid rushing decisions.

Reasons people move house during pregnancy

Few people actively plan to move house while pregnant. Moving home and having a baby are two major life events, and managing both at the same time can feel overwhelming.

For families with older children, it may feel easier to move before the baby arrives rather than juggling a house move with caring for a newborn. Others may need more space, outdoor access, or a safer environment for a growing family.

Financial pressures can also play a role. Rising housing costs, changes in income due to parental leave, or the desire to be closer to family for support may all influence the decision to move during pregnancy.

Health considerations when moving house during pregnancy

Stress and physical exertion can affect pregnancy. Research shared by the Nursing Times in the UK has highlighted a link between moving house during the first and final trimesters and premature birth or low birthweight.

Pregnancy brings physical changes that can limit what you are able to do safely. Fluid retention, reduced circulation, and increased joint flexibility can lead to swelling, nerve pressure, and a higher risk of injury. Tasks that once felt routine may cause back strain, joint pain, or other complications.

It is also important to avoid exposure to chemicals and fumes such as bleach, ammonia, and paint. Decorating and deep cleaning should be handled by someone else, although you can still plan and supervise how you would like things to look.

Moving before or after your baby arrives

Early pregnancy may bring nausea and fatigue, while later stages can involve discomfort, swelling, heartburn, and poor sleep. Decluttering, packing, and organising a move require energy, and your body will naturally prioritise your baby’s needs.

Health complications can arise unexpectedly during pregnancy, meaning you may be advised to rest or limit activity. If this happens, moving plans may need to change quickly.

Waiting until after your baby arrives also presents challenges. Caring for a newborn while organising a move can be exhausting, with frequent interruptions for feeding, changing, and rest. Recovery after birth also takes time, so heavy lifting and physical work should still be avoided.

Every family’s situation is different. The key is to allow flexibility, pace yourself, and accept help whenever it is available.

Practical steps for moving house during pregnancy

Once you have decided whether to move, there are practical steps you can take to make the process safer and less stressful.

Managing healthcare and admin during the move

Before moving, you will already be registered with a GP, midwife, and possibly a health visiting service. Even short moves can place you outside your current GP’s catchment area, so it is important to update your address and register with a new practice if needed.

If you change GP, you may also need to transfer midwifery or health visiting services. These often cover wider areas, so you may be able to keep your current midwife depending on where you move.

You will also need to confirm which hospital or maternity unit will provide your antenatal care and delivery. Your GP can advise on available services, and in some cases you can self-refer.

Preparing for labour while you are between homes

As you approach your due date, keep your hospital bag with you at all times. This should include essentials such as a nightie, maternity pads, nappies, breast pads, underwear, and baby clothing.

If you are moving close to your due date, take this bag with you in your car rather than packing it in the removal van. Using a mattress protector can also reduce stress in case labour starts unexpectedly.

Buying baby items when you are planning to move

It is sensible to focus on essentials your baby will need immediately, such as a car seat for travelling home from hospital.

Larger items like cots, prams, and changing units can often wait until you have moved and confirmed they fit comfortably in your new home. If space is limited or timings overlap, these items can be stored securely until you are ready to unpack them.

Reducing stress and physical strain during your move

Support from a partner, family, or friends can make a significant difference. You may choose to stay with family for part of the move to reduce disruption and allow yourself to rest.

Using a full removal service can also help, as professionals can handle packing, organising, and heavy lifting.

If you know early in your pregnancy that you will be moving, consider decluttering in stages. Moving non-essential items such as seasonal decorations, books, or out-of-season clothing into a self storage unit can make moving day much simpler.

By reducing what needs to be packed and transported, you may also lower removal costs and make unpacking more manageable once you are settled.

If you think self storage could help you prepare for moving house during pregnancy, please get in touch with our team for advice on suitable options.

For a more comprehensive guide, see our full Moving House Checklist, which covers every stage of the process.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to move house while pregnant?

Moving house while pregnant is possible, but it requires careful planning and sensible precautions. Some studies suggest links between moving during early or late pregnancy and increased stress, which can be associated with premature birth or low birthweight. Reducing physical strain and avoiding unnecessary stress is important.

Should I lift heavy items when moving while pregnant?

No. You should avoid lifting heavy items during pregnancy, as physical exertion can lead to back strain, joint pain, or other complications. Ask your partner, family, friends, or professional movers to handle lifting and other strenuous tasks.

When should I update my GP and midwife about my move?

You should update your GP surgery with your new address as soon as you know you are moving. Even short moves can place you outside your current GP’s catchment area, meaning you may need to register with a new GP, midwife, and health visiting service.

How can self storage help when moving house during pregnancy?

Self storage can help you declutter early by moving non-essential items such as seasonal decorations, camping equipment, or out-of-season clothing before moving day. This reduces the amount you need to pack and transport, and some storage providers can accept deliveries of baby items to store until you are fully settled.

What baby items should I buy before moving house?

It is best to focus on essentials your baby will need immediately, such as a car seat for travelling home from hospital. Larger items like cots, prams, and changing units can often wait until you have moved and can confirm they fit comfortably in your new space.

Should I avoid certain tasks when moving while pregnant?

Yes. You should avoid exposure to chemicals and fumes such as bleach, ammonia, and paint fumes. It is advisable to ask someone else to handle decorating, deep cleaning, and any tasks involving strong cleaning products.

What should I pack in my hospital bag if moving close to my due date?

Keep your hospital bag with you at all times, containing essentials such as a nightie, maternity pads, nappies, breast pads, underwear, and baby clothing. If you are moving close to your due date, take this bag in your car rather than packing it into a removal van.

How can I reduce stress when moving house during pregnancy?

Using a full removal service can reduce physical and mental strain. Decluttering early, storing non-essentials, staying temporarily with family if possible, and clearly labelling boxes so you can unpack in priority order can all help make the move less stressful. Remember to take regular breaks and rest when needed.