Change is Hard - Even at Home

2/28/25

Do you like change? Most people say they do… until they actually have to go through it.

This past week, I’ve been helping my mom and her husband start the process of decluttering their home of 50 years as they prepare to move into a Senior Independent Living facility. My mom is ready—she sees the benefits and is looking forward to a simpler life. Her husband? Not so much. He’s really struggling with the idea of leaving the place they’ve called home for so long.

As we started this process, I realized I was applying my Change Management skills without even thinking about it. Because honestly? This is a textbook example of navigating resistance to change—just in a much more personal setting.

Step 1: Identifying Stakeholders (Yes, Even in Family Moves)

In any change initiative, the first step is understanding who’s involved and where they stand. Here’s what I’m working with:

✅ Mom – 100% on board, already making lists.
✅ One sibling – Fully supportive and ready to help.
⚖️ One sibling – On the fence, seeing both sides.
❌ One sibling & my stepfather – Digging in their heels.

Does this sound familiar? This is exactly what happens in organizations. Some people are excited and ready, some need a little convincing, and others will resist no matter what—until you help them work through it.

Step 2: Creating a Plan (Because Winging It Doesn’t Work)

To keep everyone on the same page (and prevent endless debates), I put together a spreadsheet. It includes:

• Goals for the move

• Pros and cons of each facility

• Key decision points

• A realistic timeline (because this won’t happen overnight)

Why? Because transparency is key to managing change. When people feel informed and included, they’re less likely to resist.

Step 3: Managing Resistance (A.K.A. Navigating the Emotional Side of Change)

Here’s the tough part—change is never just about logistics. It’s emotional. My stepfather isn’t resisting the move because he loves packing boxes (he doesn’t). He’s resisting because:

• He’s losing the familiarity of a home he’s lived in for decades.

• He’s afraid of the unknown—a new place, new people, a different routine.

• He feels like the decision is being made for him, not with him.

These are the same concerns employees have in corporate change initiatives. The key is acknowledging the emotions, not just pushing through the plan. So, I’ve been approaching this with:

• Active listening – Letting him voice his concerns without shutting him down.

• Involvement in decisions – Making sure he feels like he has a say in where they move.

• Focusing on the “why” – Reminding him this isn’t about taking something away; it’s about making life easier and better.

Step 4: Letting Go (Because You Can’t Move Forward While Holding Onto the Past)

After 50 years in one home, you accumulate a lot of stuff—some sentimental, some just… stuff. We’ve fond some real interesting things (like 5 Walkman’s with radio!) and sorting through it? It’s overwhelming and emotional. I’ve been here a week but it feels like a month.

But here’s a lesson from Change Management: you can’t move forward if you’re holding onto everything from the past.

Organizations deal with this all the time—hanging onto outdated processes, legacy systems, or even old ways of thinking. Sometimes, you have to let go of what no longer serves you to make room for what’s next.

Final Thoughts: Change Management Is Everywhere

This whole experience has reinforced something I already knew: Change Management isn’t just for businesses—it’s for life. Whether you’re leading a major transformation at work or helping your family navigate a big life transition, the same principles apply:

• Understand who’s involved and how they feel about the change.

• Communicate openly and provide structure to reduce uncertainty.

• Acknowledge emotions and resistance—because logic alone won’t win.

• Help people see the benefits and take small steps toward the new normal.

At the end of the day, this move is about giving my mom and her husband the best quality of life in their later years. It’s hard, but we’re getting through it—one step (and one decluttered room) at a time.

How Do You Handle Big Life Changes?

I’d love to hear how you navigate transitions—whether at work or in life. Have you ever applied Change Management principles outside of the office? Let me know in the comments!

#ChangeManagement #LifeTransitions #Family #Leadership #Adaptability #Decluttering #StakeholderEngagement #Empathy