Moving and going back to work in the same week - advice please

[Dopeyduck]

Unfortunately I am in the situation where I am returning to work (after 13 months) and moving home in the first week of Jan. I’m incredibly stressed about it all and I feel so guilty my DS is going to lose his mum back to work and the familiarity of home in the same week.

I have done everything in my power for this not to happen at the same time, I mean literally everything but the timing is now not under our control and this is happening.

I go back to work on the Monday and we move on the Friday.

Does anyone have any advice / ideas to try and make this the lowest stress that it has to be?

We will book removals as soon as we’ve exchanged (been delayed a number of times due to issues at the bottom of the chain - not ideal) we’re going to have a packing service to help.

DS is 13 months.

I can’t take any more leave from work - I’ve been granted the moving day and the following 4 days. So in total I’m off Friday - Thursday inclusive but I have been refused any time before the move.

DH is around to help. Unfortunately we have today been moved to tier 4 so no other family will be able to help us.

Get DH to take a week off to be at home with kiddo and get used to the new place before he goes to nursery/childminder?

Make getting his room sorted your priority. Pack his stuff yourself and make sure it's all easily accessible in the car, not the moving van.

Conversely, would it be possible for you to go back to work sooner? So he's got nursery as a base he's familiar with before you move? Might be too late for that now though.

I'm sure someone will be along with practical help, but my top tip would be to try to remain calm and on a level yourself. In my experience, going back to work was a lot more traumatic for me than for DS(although he was much younger). You being in a flap will only make him more unsettled so try to look at the positives and point these out to DS.

Unfortunately DP can’t get time off work either - we both work in the same place and we’re front line emergency services. Work have been as flexible as they can but they just can’t spare people atm with all the covid absences and stuff.

Good idea re packing his stuff in the car. I will make sure I pack a few days worth and all the essentials with us in the car.

I will try to stay calm for him. DP is a good egg and will no doubt pick up the moving stress and do the vast majority of it so DS and I can be less stressed.

I must try to focus on the bonus of having a few days off with him after it to settle in.