skip to content link

A Guide to Moving With a Baby and Keeping Your Sanity

We’ve all been there. You’re pregnant, moving across the country, and trying not to lose your mind. But it’s possible! I’ve done it three times. The first time, while traveling abroad with a baby. Another time while flying back and forth across the country multiple times throughout my son’s first year. And, most recently, in our brand-new house. So let me share some helpful tips for making sure moving with a baby is as easy as possible for you and your little one.

Pack early


It’s easier to pack when you don’t have a million deadlines and commitments hanging over your head. You should remove things you don’t need, organize what’s left, and buy the missing stuff. If you don’t have time to pack correctly, you can always ask professional packers for help. Plus, if there are things you’re unsure how they will fit in your new place (or if they’ll even be allowed), then having time to plan out their placement is essential.

Get rid of stuff


That is essential because you can’t make room for the things you want if your house is full of things weighing you down. You’ll be amazed at how much space you have when you remove everything that’s not important to you.

baby covered with a blanket
Moving with a baby is all about having a good plan.


Don’t worry about getting rid of sentimental items. If there’s anything in your home that makes you happy when looking at it and thinking about it, keep it! But if it doesn’t do either of those things – seeing or touching an item is like being punched in the gut with a cinder block – it needs to go.

Ask for help


If you are moving to Tampa as a family, asking for help is one of the best things you can do to keep your sanity during a move. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and asking for assistance is not selfish!

When asking for help, remember that people want to help you – they just need an invitation. Offer something in return for their services, whether dinner or drinks later on or maybe even just a simple thank-you note. That will ensure everyone feels good about giving and receiving aid. If you don’t have people you can rely on, you should consider hiring professional movers.

Set up the nursery first


Once you find a new home in a family-friendly neighborhood, you should prepare the baby’s room first. Setting up the nursery first is essential to make the transition from one house to another as smooth as possible for your little one. This way, you’ll be able to get her settled in and comfortable before she has to start dealing with all of the chaos of moving day.

a mother holding a baby on the plane
Make a list of things you need to pack for a moving day.


Here are some steps you can take:

  • Put together the crib and other furniture that will go in the baby’s room, but only after assembling all the other items that will go in there, so they’re ready when you need them. You don’t want any last-minute trips out shopping if you can help!

  • Fill up drawers with clothes and toys; put diapers, wipes, blankets, etc., into cabinets; pack a diaper bag full of everything else (food). Don’t forget a blanket or two, too—you never know what might happen during a move!


Turn on some music while unpacking boxes, so it doesn’t feel like such hard work (but don’t let little ears hear loud music!). Set up changing table by placing diapers nearby along with wet wipes/bottle warmer/nipples etc., if applicable.

Make sure the baby has a clean and safe place to sleep


When your baby is a newborn, you want to ensure they have a safe place to sleep. While the crib may look tempting, it is not recommended to use it until your baby is four months old, as your baby can become trapped between the bars. Instead, opt for a bassinet or co-sleeper until your little one reaches the right age and size. You should also check the mattress regularly for any tears or holes that could cause SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Make sure there are no loose parts of the bedding and no gaps where your baby could get stuck!

Don’t worry about boxes


I know they are staring at you, waiting to be packed away and hauled to your new home. Don’t worry about them now – there’s plenty of time for that later.

a person holding baby's feet
When moving into a new home, preparing the baby’s room first is essential.


Instead, focus on getting the job done: packing all your belongings and moving them out of your living space. Once transferred, it’s time to put all those boxes and find a secure unit in Florida. Renting storage can help you unpack properly without worrying about making clutter.

How to make moving with a baby easier on you and your baby


There are practical ways to make moving with a baby easier on you and your baby:

  • There should be a safe place for the baby to sleep. Babies need quiet, dark places where they can sleep undisturbed. The last thing you want is for them to be woken up by noise or light while trying to rest in their new home.

  • Create a clean place to eat and drink. The food and water your child uses must be clean, so check those items off of your list before packing up for moving day!



  • Make sure there are places for the baby to play. Once you settle into your new home, find some toys or other things that will keep your child entertained as he gets used to his new surroundings. You don’t want him getting bored quickly because he might start crying uncontrollably – not exactly what anyone wants when moving!


Conclusion


Moving with a baby is not easy, but it doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming. You can make the process much smoother with the correct planning and preparation. By packing early and purging old belongings, you’ll have less stuff to deal with during your move. And by setting up a nursery first thing after moving in, you can have everything ready for your little one’s arrival.