Hellobee Boards

What an exciting time! I haven't experienced it myself in my adult life but this happened to my family a few times growing up. My dad lived in a different state for a year while we stayed behind so that my brother could finish HS. He came home on the weekends. That doesn't really help you much as we were a bit older but we just all figured it out. That's great that you have local family! My suggestion is to lean on them as much as you are comfortable and outsource what you can so that you stay sane!

I did this! My DH moved to HI (active duty Army at the time) and I was teaching SPED in CT (while finishing my Ed.D). I was EXHAUSTED the entire 9 mos and I wasn't even pregnant (* please note that wasn't meant to make you feel bad ... I have 3 AI disorders). My daughter was 3 at the time. We spent 9 mos apart while I completed the school year with my students. My mother watched DD while I taught upper elementary SPED. He went ahead and selected housing and worked and I sent items to him (UPS, FEDEX) for immediate use. Also, he was alotted to return for our move (as it was off of the mainland) but had to return his to command immediately after our arrival on-island. While the details may differ, activies during the duration may be the same as you may incur. If you would like to, feel free to wall me as I don't wish to monopolize the board with the the details. Good luck!

Last year DH got a new position with his company so that we could move to our home state near our family. It was only about three hours away but he moved four months before we did. He was also house hunting for us in a crazy market. He came to see us a few times and we went to stay with family once a month. None of our family members had room for us to all stay for an extended time - so DH stayed with his mom and stepdad for four months, while DD and I stayed at my mom and stepdad's when we came up.

I would batch cook meals - I made one meal for my lunches each week and ate that every day. I made two dinners per week that DD and I would have on alternating nights. For her lunches I just stuck with super easy and quick.

We hired movers who also packed for us. That was the best choice ever. While I packed some things prior to the move it felt impossible to pack solo with a three year old. They did our whole place in one day.

Amazon was my friend. It was easier to not drag DD on a lot of errands so I tried to order as much as possible.

I let some chores go, which is hard for me. I stayed on top of as much as possible but when DD's bedtime came around I let myself relax. I'd say that will be a big thing for you - make sure you take care of yourself!

Good luck! It will be hard but you can do it and it sounds like it will be worth it in the end! Where are you headed?

I haven’t personally done this, but I know a lot of people who have. It’s good that you have family nearby to help with childcare, but I would Not hesitate to help (babysitter, house cleaner, etc.) when you need it. I would also try to visit your DH in the new location with your child at least once, maybe over a long weekend or spring break?

Also, like @Anagram: mentioned, see if there is a relocation bonus. For our last 3 moves (all international) we’ve been give a relocation bonus, the physical move was separate from the bonus and paid by the company (packing, shipping, and unpacking), and all plane tickets were covered.