Moving to a new home is never easy. Neither is being a new parent! Trying to handle a move with a newborn baby may seem like you're asking for double trouble, and indeed, it is not an easy task. However, many new parents move successfully without risking their health or sanity, and you can do the same if you follow these tips.

Put the baby things in easy-open totes.

When your baby is new and growing, you never quite know what you'll need from one day to the next. You might pack a certain outfit or bottle away, only to realize a few days later that you do indeed need it. Having to dig through boxes you've already packed is no fun at all, and frankly, it's a waste of time. So, instead of using cardboard boxes, pack all of your baby-related items neatly into plastic totes. Lifting the lid off a packed tote box is so much easier than un-taping a box.

Ask friends and family members to help watch the baby.

There's no shame in asking for help. But you may not be sure whether to ask friends to watch your baby so you can pack, or whether to ask them to help pack. In most cases, you're better off asking for help watching the baby so you can do some of the packing yourself. Friends will usually be delighted to spend time with your little one, and you won't have to worry about explaining to them just how to pack your dishes or which decorations go in which box. You can have them watch the baby right in your own home so that you are there and available if they need you.

Have someone else drive the moving truck.

Trying to drive a moving truck with a baby is just not a good idea. Even if you can fit a car seat in the moving truck, it's probably not the safest vehicle for your little one. And it's not safe for you to try to drive a new, larger, unfamiliar vehicle while also supervising your loved one. So, ask a friend or family member to drive your moving truck for you, while you (and the baby's other parent) drive to the new home in your personal car. If the baby's other parent is not in the picture, have someone else ride with you in your personal car. With as tired as you'll be after packing and adapting to life with a newborn, you'll appreciate having someone else there to keep you awake and focused during the drive.

Consider unpacking the nursery ahead of time.

If you can possibly go to your new home and unpack the nursery items before you officially move in, do so. This way, your baby will at least have a settled, decorated place to stay when you move in. A helpful friend or family member may even be willing to go unpack the nursery for you, getting it all set up in preparation for your arrival. They can also go through the home and tackle any babyproofing tasks, like locking the toilet and putting caps on electrical sockets.

Don't do anything non-essential.

There are essential moving tasks -- like packing things into boxes and wrapping mugs in plastic wrap. Then, there are non-essential moving tasks -- like organizing everything by color and going through your entire collection of shoes to cull out the extras. In your case, since you are likely short on time and energy, just focus on getting everything packed, into the truck, and then into your new home. You do not have to sort through everything and set aside items to donate right now. There will be plenty of time for that later. You don't have to go overboard on the labeling, either. You will find everything eventually, even if its name is not listed on the box.

With the tips above, you can avoid making moving with a newborn any harder than it has to be. For more information, contact companies like Bell Moving & Storage.

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