Change isn’t just about the big things—it’s about the hundreds of little decisions you have to make every day when life throws something new at you. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? One day you think you’ve got everything under control, and the next, you’re staring at a half-packed box, wondering how it all spiraled into chaos.
But here’s the thing about change: it’s not supposed to be smooth or perfect. It’s messy because that’s where the growth happens. If you’re in the thick of it right now, take a deep breath, grab a coffee (or tea, no judgment), and let’s talk about how to make this whole process a little less daunting.
1. Feel All the Feelings—Even the Ugly Ones
Here’s the part no one really tells you: you’re allowed to freak out. Cry, scream into a pillow, binge-watch a terrible sitcom—whatever you need to do. Change is emotional, and bottling it all up is like shaking a soda can and pretending it won’t explode.
A tip that works? Talk it out. Whether it’s with a friend, your parents, or a therapist, saying it out loud makes it less scary. If no one’s around, voice memos or journaling can work wonders too.
2. Stop Trying to Do It All at Once
We’ve all been there: staring at a mountain of tasks and feeling paralyzed. The truth is, you’re not going to finish it all today—and you don’t have to.
Start by unpacking just one room first. Choose the bedroom because having a functional space to sleep immediately may make you feel more settled. Once that’s done, the rest will feel a little less impossible.
Break things into bite-sized pieces. And if you’re not sure where to start, pick something ridiculously small, like organizing one drawer. Momentum builds faster than you think.
3. Ask for Help
The people who love you want to help. You just have to let them. If you’re moving, for example, there’s no shame in calling in the pros. Services like movers NYC can take a huge load off your plate. They’ll deal with the logistics so you can focus on finding the nearest coffee shop or meeting the neighbors.
And help doesn’t have to be physical. Emotional support counts just as much. Even a quick text to a friend saying, “Hey, today’s rough. Can we chat?” can shift your whole mindset.
4. Build a Tiny Routine
Change throws your usual rhythm out of whack. It’s like trying to dance to a song you’ve never heard before—awkward and frustrating. But you don’t need to rewrite your entire playbook overnight.
Start small and create a routine that works for you and your current lifestyle. It could even look something like this: coffee, a five-minute stretch, and writing down three things you want to accomplish that day.
Find one thing that makes you feel grounded, whether it’s a nightly walk, a favorite playlist, or just eating breakfast without staring at your phone. Stability doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just has to feel like you.
5. Stop Expecting the Plan to Work
Here’s a hard truth: no plan survives first contact with reality. You can map out every detail, and life will still throw you curveballs. That’s not failure; that’s normal.
Be flexible. If Plan A doesn’t work, there’s always Plan B—or Plan Q. Change isn’t about sticking to the script; it’s about improvising.
6. Celebrate the Tiny Wins
You got out of bed today? That’s a win. Finished unpacking one box? Another win. Celebrating small victories isn’t cheesy—it’s necessary.
And don’t be afraid to reward yourself with a home cooked meal in your new kitchen or a fancy candle for finishing each room. At the end, your apartment will smell like a restaurant or a spa, and you will get the feeling that you’ve Iconquered the world.
Find your version of a “fancy candle.” Maybe it’s a favorite snack, a long bath, or just taking a guilt-free nap. Whatever it is, let yourself feel proud of the progress you’re making.
7. Find Your Helpers
In the middle of major life changes, the people you surround yourself with can make all the difference. It could be a close friend who helps you brainstorm solutions or a neighbor who lends you a ladder, having a solid support system eases the weight of uncertainty.
And don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt “thank you” to the people who show up for you. The key is to let people in and accept that you don’t have to do everything alone.
Change isn’t linear. Some days, you’ll feel unstoppable; others, you’ll feel like everything’s falling apart. That’s normal. The goal isn’t to handle it perfectly—it’s to handle it in a way that feels manageable for you. So give yourself grace. Lean on your people. And remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is a win.
