Moving Home During Pregnancy Tips

by Movivan | Aug 23, 2024

Moving home is a major life event — but when you’re expecting, it can feel especially overwhelming. Between doctor appointments, nesting plans, and fatigue, the thought of packing boxes and lifting furniture might seem impossible.

The good news? With careful planning and a little extra help, moving while pregnant can be smooth, safe, and even enjoyable. At Movivan Removals, we’ve helped many expectant families relocate across London and the UK with care and professionalism. This guide will show you how to move safely during pregnancy and avoid unnecessary stress.

Moving Home While Pregnant Challenges

Moving house is physically and emotionally demanding, and pregnancy can make it even more so. Here are some common challenges expectant mothers face during a move:

Increased fatigue: Pregnancy naturally reduces energy levels, especially in the first and third trimesters.
Physical limitations: Lifting, bending, or standing for long periods can strain your body.
Emotional stress: Moving is one of life’s most stressful events — and pregnancy hormones can intensify anxiety.
Safety concerns: Overexertion can pose risks for both mother and baby.

💡 Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professional London movers like Movivan, who can handle everything from packing to transportation safely and efficiently.

When Is the Best Time to Move During Pregnancy?

The second trimester (weeks 14–28) is generally considered the safest and most comfortable time for home relocation. During this period:

Morning sickness often eases.
Energy levels tend to increase.
There’s less risk of complications compared to early or late pregnancy.

Moving in the third trimester can be more challenging due to limited mobility and increased fatigue, so try to plan your relocation earlier if possible.

⚕️ Always check with your doctor before making big moving plans to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby.

Moving between properties during pregnancy can be risky. Hire us to get it done quickly and safely.

Which Pregnancy Stage Is Safest To Move Home?

The safest stage to move home during pregnancy is typically the second trimester, which is between 14 and 28 weeks. During this time, most women have more energy and experience fewer pregnancy-related symptoms like nausea and fatigue compared to the first trimester. Additionally, the risks of complications are lower compared to the third trimester when the baby is larger, and physical strain can be more challenging. Generally, it’s considered safe to move up to around 36 weeks of pregnancy, but it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby, especially if you have any health concerns.

Safe Packing Tips for Expectant Mothers

Packing can be manageable if approached strategically. Follow these safe and simple guidelines:

✅ Do’s

Use small boxes for books and heavier items.
Label boxes clearly to make unpacking easier.
Sit while packing light items.
Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.

🚫 Don’ts

Don’t lift anything heavier than 9–11 kilograms.
Avoid standing or bending for long periods.
Don’t use strong cleaning or packing chemicals.

If you’d rather not pack at all, Movivan offers a complete packing and unpacking service, where our trained team safely packs, labels, and unpacks your belongings — leaving you free to rest and prepare for your baby’s arrival.

👉 Learn more about our Packing Services

Hire Professional Movers To Move Home During Pregnancy

Hiring professional movers can greatly reduce physical stress during your move, especially when you’re pregnant, as they handle the heavy lifting and transportation of your belongings. Movivan Removals and Storage can help you move all your furniture, boxes and baby equipment to any destination locally in London or the UK.

You don`t need to struggle with preparing for the move, as we can send packers to pack the boxes, label everything for quick unpacking and dismantle any large furniture. We can even unpack all boxes once we reach your new home!

How Much Weight Can You Move While Pregnant?

When you’re pregnant, it’s generally recommended to avoid lifting anything heavier than 9 to 11 kilograms. Lifting heavier weights can strain your back, increase the risk of injury, and potentially lead to complications. Always listen to your body and ask for help with anything that feels too heavy. Read more about weight lifting and exercises while being pregnant by checking the NHS official page.

Managing Stress and Anxiety During the Move

Moving while pregnant can be stressful, so it’s important to find ways to stay calm and manage anxiety. Simple techniques like deep breathing, taking short breaks, and staying organized can help you feel more in control. Remember, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, so don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or even a professional if you feel overwhelmed. Staying connected with loved ones and asking for help when needed can make a big difference in reducing stress during the move.

Travel Considerations: Moving Long-Distance While Pregnant

If your move involves a longer journey, plan carefully to avoid discomfort or exhaustion.

Tips for long-distance moves during pregnancy:

Get medical clearance before travelling.
Schedule regular breaks if driving.
Keep essentials—snacks, water, and medication — close.
Avoid long days on the road — consider an overnight stop.

Movivan’s long-distance removals service ensures your belongings arrive safely anywhere in the UK, while you travel comfortably at your own pace.

Should You Buy Baby Equipment And Furniture Before You Move Or After?

It’s usually better to buy baby equipment and furniture after you move. This way, you won’t have to worry about packing and moving large items, which can be difficult and add extra stress. Once you’re settled in your new home, you can set up everything in the right place and make sure it fits well. Waiting also helps you avoid damage during the move and lets you focus on creating a safe, organized space for your baby.

Using Movivan is the easiest way to move home during pregnancy. We do the heavy lifting so you don`t have to.

What Is The Most Critical Week Of Pregnancy?

The most critical week of pregnancy is often considered to be around the 8th week, as this is when major organs and body systems are developing rapidly. During this time, the embryo is especially vulnerable to factors like infections, toxins, and other risks that could affect its growth and development.

Health Considerations During the Move

Your health and your baby’s well-being should always come first when planning a house move during pregnancy. Even small tasks can feel more tiring than usual, so it’s important to listen to your body and make safety your top priority.

Here are some key health considerations to keep in mind:

🧘‍♀️ 1. Avoid Overexertion

Pregnancy naturally affects balance and flexibility, so lifting or stretching awkwardly can cause strain or injury. Let others handle all heavy items — especially boxes, furniture, and appliances.

💧 2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Regularly

It’s easy to forget meals or water breaks when you’re busy packing. Keep a water bottle nearby and snack on healthy foods to maintain your energy and blood sugar levels.

💤 3. Get Plenty of Rest

Fatigue is common, particularly in the first and third trimesters. Schedule rest breaks every hour and don’t be afraid to step away while others finish the physical work.

🌡️ 4. Manage Temperature and Air Quality

Avoid overheating, especially during summer moves. Keep windows open for ventilation, and stay away from strong cleaning chemicals or dusty areas.

⚕️ 5. Listen to Your Body

If you experience dizziness, pain, or contractions, stop immediately and contact your healthcare provider. Don’t push yourself — moving can always be paused or rescheduled.

👩‍⚕️ 6. Consult Your Midwife or GP

Before the move, check with your doctor or midwife for personalized advice, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any health concerns.

Religious Considerations Of Moving House During Pregnancy In Different Cultures

In various cultures, there are religious and spiritual beliefs surrounding moving house during pregnancy. For example, in some Hindu traditions, it is believed that moving house during pregnancy can disrupt the spiritual harmony of the mother and unborn child, and it’s often advised to avoid such moves until after the baby is born. In certain Chinese cultures, moving during pregnancy is considered inauspicious, and families may consult feng shui experts to choose an optimal time if a move is necessary. Similarly, some Jewish traditions advise against setting up the baby’s nursery or making major life changes, like moving, before the birth to avoid inviting bad luck.

Summary

Moving home during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning and support, it can be safe and manageable.
The second trimester is generally the best time to move, as energy levels are higher and the risk of complications is lower.
Avoid lifting heavy boxes or furniture — always ask for help or hire professionals to handle physical tasks.
Take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body throughout the moving process.
Hiring trusted movers like Movivan Removals ensures a stress-free experience with safe packing, loading, and transport.
Focus on your health and your growing family — Movivan will take care of the heavy lifting and logistics.