Relocation Resources & Information

We're happy to have you as part of our campus community. This is, without a doubt, a time of excitement as well as uncertainty as you plan for your many upcoming changes. In order to make your transition to our area easier, Grand Valley State University offers a Relocation Assistance Program to support you in your move.

Grand Valley's Relocation Assistance Program provides an array of information and assistance to help with the many facets of moving, from using a professional moving carrier to finding the right location in which to reside. Our goal is to make your move as easy as possible.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this webpage, please contact us at (616) 331-2215 or [email protected] and we'll be happy to assist you. Good luck with your move and we look forward to seeing you at Grand Valley!


Relocation Resources & Contacts

If you are in need of housing for one night or a few months, we recommend:

  • Contact Tabitha Slomiany at Residence Inn Grand Rapids West at [email protected] or (616) 538-1100. Visit www.residenceinngrandville.com for hotel details.
  • Staybridge Suites also offers special discount rates for GVSU. Contact Eileen Suarez-Soto at (616) 464-3200 or [email protected].
  • For one & two bedroom flats, contact Ashleigh Fanning at West Wind Place, located at 5399 Pierce Street, Allendale, MI 49401, at (616) 895-6000 or [email protected].

For additional options, visit the Austin Relocation website or contact Terri Velting at (616) 318-4814 or [email protected], or Jessica Heeringa at (616) 633-1130 or [email protected].

Relocating to a new area can be a challenging and stressful experience. To make your move smooth and satisfying, you will need expert information and proper planning. Austin Relocation offers FREE comprehensive national and international relocation service. They also can assist you with selling your current home while purchasing your new home. As part of Grand Valley’s preferred partnership with Austin Relocation, we offer a credit up to $400 on your home inspection when working with one of our assigned agents. Austin Relocation has partnered with a broad and diverse network of real estate agents and relocation professionals who understand the needs of relocating families and may also offer preferred benefits.

Austin Relocation will provide you with the necessary information pertinent to the needs of your family, which includes information on selecting a community, rental homes, apartments and short-term housing, spousal employment assistance, cost of living analysis, school comparisons, day care, elder care.

For more information about the services provided by Austin Relocation Resources, home searches, community profiles and more, please visit the Austin Relocation website or contact Terri Velting at (616) 318-4814 or [email protected], or Jessica Heeringa at (616) 633-1130 or [email protected].

Are you curious about interest rates and property taxes in west Michigan? Are you wondering how you’re going to do all the paperwork necessary to buy a home when you live in another location? Can you qualify for a mortgage loan here if you still have a mortgage there? These questions and more can all be answered by:

Jared Dykstra / Macatawa Bank
Phone: (616) 662-5425
Email:  [email protected]
Website: macatawabank.com

Pete Humphreys / Independent Bank
Phone: (616) 447-3931
Email: [email protected]

Curt Stuck / TCF Bank
Phone: (616) 822-2077
Email: [email protected]
Website: tcfbank.com/bio/curt-stuck

Mike Whyte / Fifth Third Bank
Phone: (616) 653-5224
Email: [email protected]
Website:  53.com

These banks give GVSU faculty and staff preferred treatment, reduced closing costs, arrange pre-approved home financing, and handle mortgage applications quickly and efficiently.

We probably all agree that the worst part of moving may be getting you and your belongings from there to here. It’s only when we move that we fully realize how many possessions we’ve accumulated.

Grand Valley State University recommends the use of Powell Moving & Storage as well as Corrigan Moving Company who have special discounts to assist you in relocating your household goods. A special rate has been established for GVSU faculty and staff to make your move both cost effective and well planned. They will provide pre-move information, cost estimates and scheduling assistance at no cost or obligation.

To utilize Powell’s services, contact:

Kelli Sabowski
Personal Move Counselor
Phone: (616) 988-5037
Email:  [email protected]

LaDonna Cannon
Corporate Relocation Coordinator
Phone: (616) 988-8574
Email: [email protected]

To utilize Corrigan’s services, contact:

Steve Wayward
Office Phone: (616) 827-9304
Mobile Phone: (616) 262-6870
Email: [email protected]

Brad Steensma
Phone:
 (616) 827-9318
Email:  [email protected]


Note to Current GVSU Faculty & Staff Members

You don't have to be a new faculty or staff member at Grand Valley to make the most of the Relocation Assistance Program.

Austin Relocation is ready and willing to help you with both short and long distance relocation. Corrigan Moving/United Van Lines and Powell Moving and Storage provides discounts for all local moves for current faculty and staff, as well as free boxes. The qualified area for local moving is determined by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Your Corrigan or Powell representative can assist you in determining eligibility based on State regulated guidelines. So, if a move is in your future, be sure to take advantage of these special services. In addition, various local banks offer the same expedited mortgage approval services to current faculty and staff as they do for new faculty and staff.

Whether you're a new or current faculty/staff member, the Relocation Assistance Program is here to help you with the transitions in your life.



Page last modified August 24, 2022