Moving to a new home or relocating your office should be exciting — but let’s be honest, it often comes with its share of headaches. From figuring out how to get your couch through the door to keeping costs under control, there are plenty of opportunities for stress. The good news? With the right planning (and the right moving company), these common problems can be avoided or solved before they ruin your big day.
At Big Lake Movers, we’ve helped countless families and businesses across West Michigan — from Grand Rapids to Holland, Kalamazoo to Lansing — navigate tricky moving situations with ease. Below, we’ll explore some of the most common moving snafus and give you practical solutions to keep your move on track.
Furniture Doesn’t Fit
How to Move Large Furniture Through Tight Doorways and Hallways
Few things are as frustrating as discovering your sectional sofa, oversized dresser, or office desk doesn’t fit through the doorway of your new place. This is one of the most common (and preventable) moving challenges.
The Problem:
- Older homes in Grand Rapids neighborhoods like Eastown or Heritage Hill often have narrow hallways and small entryways.
- Apartment complexes in places like Downtown Holland or Kentwood may have tight stairwells and low ceilings.
- Large, bulky furniture simply wasn’t designed with easy moving in mind.
Solutions:
- Measure everything ahead of time — both your furniture and the doorways/staircases of your new home.
- Disassemble when possible — remove sofa legs, take doors off appliances, or break down modular office desks.
- Protect furniture and walls — use moving blankets, padding, and corner guards.
- Use professional moving labor — trained movers know the right angles, lifts, and turns to get awkward items inside without damage.
👉 If you’re facing a tricky entryway in your new home in Wyoming, MI, or a three-story walk-up apartment in Kalamazoo, hiring residential movers like Big Lake Movers will save you time and frustration.
Travel Arrangements Fall Through
Avoid Last-Minute Travel Issues When Moving Long Distance
Not all moves are local. If you’re relocating from Grand Rapids to another city — say, Detroit, Chicago, or even across the country — travel arrangements become just as important as packing boxes. Too often, people forget to lock down their flights, hotels, or rental cars until the last minute.
The Problem:
- Moving is stressful, and travel planning often takes a backseat.
- Unexpected schedule changes (like a delayed closing on a home in Ada or Rockford) can throw off your timeline.
- Hotel availability near popular destinations like Lake Michigan beaches in Holland or Grand Haven can be limited during the summer.
Solutions:
- Book early: As soon as you know your move date, reserve flights, hotel rooms, or Airbnbs.
- Have a backup plan: If your home closing gets delayed, know your short-term rental or extended-stay hotel options.
- Keep essentials handy: Pack a “moving survival bag” with clothes, medications, toiletries, and important documents.
👉 Long-distance moves require careful coordination. Hiring a Grand Rapids moving company like Big Lake Movers ensures that while we handle the heavy lifting, you can focus on arriving at your new destination without panic.
Your Belongings Get Ruined on the Road
Protecting Your Belongings from Damage During a Move
One of the most heartbreaking moving problems is opening a box only to find shattered glassware, scratched furniture, or water-damaged electronics. Whether you’re moving across town to Kentwood or relocating your office from Holland to Grand Rapids, protecting your belongings is crucial.
The Problem:
- Using cheap boxes that collapse under weight.
- Poor packing techniques (too much empty space inside boxes).
- Rain, snow, or humid weather in Michigan damaging unprotected items.
- Loading and unloading mistakes during moving day rush.
Solutions:
- Invest in quality packing materials: Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and plenty of tape.
- Consider professional packing services: Movers can securely wrap fragile items, electronics, and office equipment.
- Label everything clearly: Mark “fragile” and “this side up” on boxes to avoid careless handling.
- Weatherproof your move: Cover items with plastic or shrink wrap during rainy West Michigan springs.
👉 At Big Lake Movers, our packing services are designed to protect your belongings from start to finish. Whether it’s grandma’s china cabinet in Muskegon or expensive office electronics in Downtown Grand Rapids, we handle items with care.
Your Budget is Getting Out of Control
How to Keep Moving Costs Under Control in West Michigan
Budget overruns are one of the most common moving stressors. It’s easy to underestimate how much a move will cost, especially when hidden expenses pop up.
The Problem:
- Renting trucks, buying supplies, and hiring last-minute help adds up quickly.
- Underestimating the size of your move (especially for large homes in Cascade Township or Forest Hills).
- Forgetting about fuel, mileage fees, or additional storage costs.
Solutions:
- Get multiple estimates: Compare moving quotes from reputable companies.
- Be honest about your inventory: Accurately describe the size and scope of your move for a fair estimate.
- Declutter before moving: Donate or sell items in places like Holland’s Habitat ReStore or Grand Rapids’ Goodwill.
- Choose local movers with transparent pricing: Hidden fees can blow your budget.
👉 At Big Lake Movers, we’re known as one of the most affordable West Michigan movers — offering competitive prices without cutting corners. From apartment movers in Grand Rapids to office movers in Holland, we provide clear, upfront pricing.
Hire Trusted Grand Rapids Movers for a Stress-Free Move
Moving doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right planning, the right packing, and the right moving company, you can avoid the most common moving snafus altogether.
Big Lake Movers is your trusted partner for stress-free moves across Grand Rapids, Holland, and all of West Michigan. Whether you’re moving into a new apartment near Downtown Grand Rapids, relocating your office to a larger space in Holland, or simply need moving labor for a local move, we’re here to help.
Why Choose Big Lake Movers?
- Licensed and insured professionals.
- Experienced in both residential movers and commercial movers.
- Competitive pricing with no hidden fees.
- Knowledge of West Michigan neighborhoods, traffic, and housing styles.
- Packing services available for added convenience.
📞 Ready to make your next move stress-free? Contact Big Lake Movers today for a free estimate and discover why we’re the go-to choice for families and businesses across West Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most common problems people face during a move?
The most common moving issues include furniture not fitting through doorways, last-minute travel problems, damaged belongings, and going over budget. Hiring professional movers in Grand Rapids helps avoid these problems.
2. How can I move large furniture through tight spaces?
Measure doorways and hallways in advance, disassemble furniture when possible, and use protective padding. Professional residential movers in West Michigan know the best techniques for navigating tight spaces.
3. How do I protect my belongings from damage during a move?
Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and professional packing services. Licensed movers in Grand Rapids also use protective blankets and shrink wrap to keep items safe.
4. How can I keep moving costs under control?
Plan ahead, get multiple moving quotes, declutter before packing, and choose a Grand Rapids moving company with transparent pricing. Local movers like Big Lake Movers offer affordable moving options without hidden fees.
5. Do moving companies in West Michigan offer packing services?
Yes. Many professional movers, including Big Lake Movers, offer full-service packing to protect fragile items, electronics, and furniture, ensuring everything arrives safely.
6. What areas of West Michigan does Big Lake Movers serve?
Big Lake Movers provides moving services in Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Rockford, Ada, Cascade Township, and throughout West Michigan.
7. Why should I hire licensed and insured movers?
Hiring licensed and insured movers ensures your belongings are protected, your move is handled professionally, and you’re covered in case of accidental damage. Big Lake Movers is fully licensed and insured for peace of mind.
