First Last

A Friendly & Affordable Mover

As the Managing Member of A Friendly & Affordable Mover, Stephanie Summerlin combines decades of executive business management expertise with a deeply personal, people-first approach to relocation. Leading one of Hampton Roads’ most trusted, woman-owned moving companies, Stephanie has helped build an organization where operational excellence and genuine compassion go hand in hand.


Under her leadership, A Friendly & Affordable Mover has operated on a simple core philosophy: moving is more than just transporting belongings from point A to point B—it is about guiding families and businesses through major life transitions with empathy, reliability, and respect.

Expertise: Strategic Business Management and Operational Excellence

In an industry often challenged by high turnover and unpredictable service quality, Stephanie’s background in strategic business management has been the cornerstone of A Friendly & Affordable Mover’s long-standing success since 1999. She oversees organizational strategy, customer experience standards, and day-to-day operational integrity across residential, commercial, and long-distance divisions.


Core Areas of Leadership

  • Operational Workflow and Logistics: Stephanie designs and refines rigorous quality-control systems that govern everything from initial estimate accuracy to on-site packing, furniture handling, and final delivery.
  • SWaM-Certified Leadership: As a leader of a certified Small, Women- and Minority-Owned (SWaM) business, she champions diversity, accountability, and hands-on executive involvement in every move.
  • Workforce Development and Crew Training: Recognizing that a moving company is only as good as the team in the field, Stephanie invests heavily in ongoing employee training, safety protocols, and professional growth—fostering a loyal, long-tenured staff.
  • Transparent and Honest Commerce: She advocates for straightforward, surprise-free pricing models and accessible support, ensuring clients receive accurate in-home estimates and 24/7/365 customer responsiveness.


Through her commitment to ethical management, the company has earned distinction across Virginia, including recognition by Expertise.com as one of the Best Moving Companies in Virginia Beach, the Angi Super Service Award, and the Best of Hampton Roads Gold Winner.

A Hands-On Philosophy

Unlike traditional corporate executives who manage from a distance, Stephanie believes that authentic business leadership requires active participation. She remains closely connected to daily customer operations, working alongside her team to resolve complex relocation logistics—whether coordinating an office transition with zero operational downtime, organizing a delicate senior relocation, or managing a cross-country household move.

Beyond the Trucks: Compassion and Animal Advocacy

Outside of her professional management role, Stephanie is a lifelong animal lover and passionate advocate for pet welfare. Her deep connection to animals directly informs the company’s holistic approach to relocation planning:

  • Pet-Friendly Relocation Guidance: Stephanie knows firsthand that pets are family members who experience stress during environmental disruptions. She regularly shares expert advice and resources to help homeowners keep dogs, cats, and companion animals calm, secure, and comfortable throughout the moving process.
  • Community and Charitable Impact: Her empathy extends beyond animals to community enrichment. She actively supports community service initiatives, including the company's partnership with Move for Hunger, helping to fight food insecurity across Hampton Roads by rescuing and donating non-perishable food during client relocations.


Authoritative Voice and Industry Education

As an author and thought leader for A Friendly & Affordable Mover’s digital resources, Stephanie translates complex logistics into actionable, stress-free advice. Her writing covers everything from:

  • Room-by-room decluttering strategies and packing checklists
  • Business and commercial relocation planning
  • Safe handling of specialty items (pianos, fine art, and antiques)
  • Senior transition planning and compassionate downsizing


Whenever you read a guide, checklist, or article published by A Friendly & Affordable Mover, you are benefiting from Stephanie’s practical, real-world experience and her commitment to making every relocation seamless.


Ready for a Stress-Free Move?

Whether you are relocating across Hampton Roads or across the country, Stephanie and her team are ready to show you why they have been "Your Friend in the Moving Business Since 1999."


Experience the difference that woman-owned, family-operated care makes.