Moving Is Stressful: Six Ways to Take Care of Yourself During a Move
June is Pride Month, and while it's a time to celebrate the queer community, it's also a reminder of the importance of community support.
As Tacoma's Lesbian Realtor, one of my favorite things about our area is the incredible network of queer-owned and affirming businesses creating welcoming spaces for people to heal, grow, recharge, and be themselves.
And because moving is one of life's biggest transitions, I thought Pride Month was the perfect time to share a few ways to take care of yourself during a move, while also highlighting some amazing local queer-owned (and affirming!) businesses that can help along the way.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling your current one, or starting a brand-new chapter, here's your reminder: your well-being matters, too.
One: Take a Break From Moving
When you’re preparing for a move, it’s SO easy to let it take over your ENTIRE life.
Suddenly, every conversation is about packing, time is filled with sorting through drawers and closets, and your “To-Do” app is filled with moving checklists.
As important as all that is, you’re allowed to take a night off.
Go grab dinner with friends.
Visit your new neighborhood pub.
Stroll your favorite bookstore.
Maybe that's sharing a pizza at Hank's Bar and Pizza, grabbing a drink at The Mule Tavern, or getting lost among the shelves at King's Books.
Spend an afternoon doing something that makes you feel like yourself. Because while moving is a HUGE transition, it’s not the only thing happening in your life.
Two: Remember That Moving Is Emotional - Prioritize Your Mental Health
Moving isn't just about signing what feels like a billion pieces of paper and moving boxes from one place to another.
You may be leaving behind familiar routines to create new ones. You may be saying goodbye to neighbors, favorite coffee shops, or a home filled with memories. Even when a move is exciting, it's completely normal to feel anxious, stressed, uncertain, and even a little sad.
I've worked with first-time buyers, growing families, people relocating across the country, and folks starting over after major life changes. Every move comes with a wide range of emotions, so give yourself permission to feel all of them.
Huge life transitions like moving can bring up a lot.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained during the process, talking with someone can make a huge difference. Tacoma is home to several incredible mental health professionals and practices, including Connect Counseling and Consulting and Divergent Minds Collective.
Sometimes having someone in your corner can make all the difference. Not just in getting through a move, but in helping you navigate whatever comes next.
Three: Create One Space That Feels Like Home
When you first move in, it can feel a little weird.
New creaking noises. New light switches. New neighbors. A new routine.
Even when you're excited about the move, it can take time for a house to start feeling like your home.
My advice? Don't try to unpack the entire house right away.
Instead, focus on creating one space that feels like home.
Maybe that's your bedroom with fresh sheets and a cozy bedside lamp. Maybe it's a reading corner with your favorite plant. Maybe it's your back patio, your home office, or simply a spot on the couch where you can relax at the end of a long day.
Having one finished space can make a new house feel like home much faster, even when the rest of it is still filled with moving boxes.
And if you're looking to add a little personality to your new space, consider supporting local businesses like A Gift of Serenity and Earthshine Apothacary and Botanica. Whether it's meaningful décor, a special gift, or something that simply makes you smile every time you see it, surrounding yourself with things you love can help you settle into this new chapter.
After all, home isn't about having every box unpacked. It's about creating a space where you can exhale, be yourself, and feel at peace.
Four: Take Care of Your Body, Too.
Stress doesn't just live in your mind. It can seriously impact your physical well-being, too.
Tight shoulders. Headaches. Poor sleep. Exhaustion.
Sound familiar?
If you're carrying the stress of a move, this is a great time to prioritize recovery and self-care.
Whether that means scheduling a massage, treating yourself to a facial, or simply taking an hour to slow down, investing in your well-being can make a huge difference during a stressful season.
Local businesses like 2 Hands Studio, Radiant Skincare, Plunge + Resore, and Absolute Relaxation Skincare & Massage offer opportunities to pause, recharge, and give your body the care it deserves.
Don't wait until after the move is complete to take care of yourself.
You deserve rest and recovery now, too.
Five: Make Time for Things That Bring You Joy
One of the easiest mistakes peple make during a move is putting their entire life on hold.
Don’t.
Your move is important, but so is your happiness.
Maybe that means booking an adventure with FemmePowerAdventures, or catching a show at The Grand Cinema or Ethereal Chaos Productions.
Life doesn’t stop becuase you’re buying or selling a home.
The boxes will still be there tomorrow.
Six: Lean on Your Community
One of the BEST parts about living in the Tacoma area is the incredible sense of community.
Whether that's friends helping you pack, neighbors sharing recommendations, or local business owners creating welcoming spaces, you don't have to navigate a move alone.
As someone who believes homes are about more than just four walls, I've always believed community is one of the most important parts of feeling at home.
And that's exactly why I created QueerOwnedWA - to make it easier for people to discover queer-owned businesses throughout Washington.
Throughout this article, I've highlighted just a handful of the incredible local businesses helping people care for themselves, build connections, and create spaces that feel like home. These businesses help make our communities stronger.
If you're looking for ways to support local this Pride Month (and any time of year) I encourage you to explore QueerOwnedWA and discover some of the amazing LGBTQ+ owned businesses right here in our backyard.
Final Thoughts
Buying or selling a home is exciting. But it can also be stressful!
As you navigate inspections, packing, contracts, moving trucks, and unpacking - don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Take the break.
Book the massage.
Talk to the therapist.
Spend time with friends.
Cozy in.
Your move matters. But so does your well-being. After all, real estate is about MORE than houses.
It’s about finding HOME.