Alongside the arrival of our third baby, another big change is ahead of us—we are moving. These two things are closely connected.
We have been living on the upper floor of my partner’s parents’ house for five years now, together with our four-year-old daughter and our two-year-old son, who has Down syndrome. Our third baby is due in April. These five years have been full of life. We brought two children into this home, experienced endless joyful moments, arguments, exhaustion, chaos, loud laughter, and so much love.
I’m looking forward to the move, but there’s also a lump in my throat. The memories here feel heavy, as if we had lived here for more than a decade. So why are we moving—and where to? What will moving with young children be like?
Why We’re Moving: Space Matters
The first and most obvious reason is lack of space. Our upstairs area is very small: two tiny rooms filled with beds and almost no room for play. Until now, we’ve managed by having the children spend a lot of time downstairs with their grandparents. But they are older and often tired, and when we spend hours in this small space, the children simply get bored.
In cold and muddy weather, outdoor time is limited too. We need more room. Right now, many areas are off-limits, and the children are constantly being told what they cannot do. I want a home where we can add climbing and movement-friendly furniture—where our children can safely release their energy. Both of them are active by nature.
When the third baby arrives, nighttime movement between rooms will be unavoidable, just as it was with the first two. I plan to breastfeed on demand, which means we need more sleeping options. We also need more high cabinets and shelves so that I don’t have to monitor my son every second. He wants to touch everything and put it in his mouth—especially dirt from the floor, bits of paper, anything within reach.
Recovery and Practical Living
Another important reason is my upcoming delivery. With our third baby, there will most likely be a planned C-section. From experience, recovery is not easy.
Right now, we constantly go up and down steep stairs, carrying our son because he doesn’t walk independently yet. The kitchen and washing area are downstairs, and bathing involves pouring water from canisters into a basin. For recovery, it will be much better to live in a space with fewer stairs and proper washing facilities—where the kitchen, living room, and sleeping areas are closer together.
This will also make everyday life with the children easier in the long run. Until now, my partner has carried much of the physical load, but in spring his work will increase and he’ll be away from home more often.
Living Independently
The third reason is living with extended family. Our relationship with my partner’s parents goes up and down. Sometimes it’s fine, sometimes it’s difficult. Parenting rules differ, and navigating life with seven people in one house can be exhausting.
It feels healthier for us to live independently.
Where We’re Going
We found an apartment just a five-minute drive away. It’s significantly larger than our current upstairs space. The children will still spend plenty of time here—they’re close to their grandparents, and our outdoor cat will stay behind.
Our cat is part of the family. We got him when I was pregnant with our daughter, and he’s turning five this year. He’s used to living in a house and spending time outdoors, so moving him to an apartment wouldn’t be fair. She’ll stay here with the grandparents, and the children will continue visiting often, as they’re very close to them.
In addition, my partner will still come here regularly, as there is a cattle herd to take care of and the grandparents will sometimes need help. Even though we’re moving, this place will remain an important part of our everyday life.
Worries That Come With Change
Of course, moving brings worries too.
Helping Our Daughter Adjust
Our son is only two and, despite his Down syndrome, understands his surroundings well. I don’t expect the move to be especially difficult for him. Our daughter, however, is four, very observant, and emotionally sensitive.
How do we make this easier for her?
I explain that her grandparents and the cat will stay close and that she can visit often. We’ll bring her familiar bed and mattress. She’ll choose which toys and stuffed animals come with us. She’ll have more space to play.
I can explain all of this—but if even I feel bittersweet emotions, I know she will too. We already plan to visit new neighbors where one of her kindergarten classmates lives. It’s a big change, but I hope it will be a smooth one. Thankfully, there are a few months before the baby arrives. Two big changes at once would be too much.
Starting From an Empty Apartment
The second worry is furnishing the new place. The apartment is completely empty. We’ll need to get everything, which is both financially demanding and logistically exhausting.
Carrying and assembling will be my partner’s and his friends’ task, thankfully. We’ll look for second-hand items where possible, but there’s still a long list: washing machine, refrigerator, stove, curtains and rods, beds, sofa, table, chairs, cabinets, desk, vacuum cleaner, and more.
We’ll bring some things with us, but much still needs to be purchased. We’ll take it step by step.
Moving Forward
I’m grateful for my health. I eat well, sleep well, and have the energy needed for this season of life. There’s a lot to do, but we’ll manage—together.
Change is never easy, especially when it’s layered on top of pregnancy, parenting, and letting go of a place filled with memories. Still, this move feels like the right step forward for our family.
You are not alone.
If this story resonated with you and you’d like to go deeper, you can explore my e-book Our Journey – A Different Path. It offers honest reflections and lived experience beyond this post.
If you’re looking for practical support, I’ve created Routine Templates to help parents and children navigate daily life with more clarity, structure, and understanding.
You can also read my previous posts or follow along on Instagram @parentguidancehub, where I share everyday reflections on parenting, family life, and finding balance.
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