"I like to move it, move it ... "

While traipsing around the neighborhood, Luke and I saw three moving vans. "Madagascar's" soundtrack ramped up the volume in my head.

I Like To Move It Move It
I Like To Move It Move It
I Like To Move It Move It
Ya Like To (MOVE IT!)

During the musical playing in my head, I decided it was time to publish a series of help with the moving of your household. Today, let's start with my friend, Mary's Moving Checklist:

COUNTDOWN TO MOVING DAY... The following is a timeline to help ensure a smooth move, based on the American Moving and Storage Association's suggestions. Some guidelines may not be applicable, depending on how far you're moving and whether or not professional movers are hired.

EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Obtain a floor plan of your new home deciding what household items you want to keep from your current residence. Begin an inventory of all household goods you are keeping.
• Solicit estimates from several moving companies and contract with a mover.
• Contact your insurance agent, and ask about your homeowner's policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
• Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts. Begin gathering valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Fill out post office change-of-address cards.
• Send your new address to anyone who might need it -- insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives.
• Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not be taking with you by holding a moving/garage sale or donating items to charity.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, newsprint, bubble wrap.
• Start packing (if you are doing it yourself.) If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as needed.
• Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
• Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer and notify the State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for child-care on moving day.

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Arrange to move pets.
• Check with mover about moving house plants and chemicals, etc.
• If your move is an interstate move, have your automobile serviced and ready for the trip.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Make arrangements to pay for your move.  (Goods can not be unloaded on delivery day until the bill is paid.)
• Transfer all bank accounts.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new destination.
• Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.

TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE

• Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself.)
• Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
• Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.

MOVING DAY

• Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.
• Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
• Complete information on bill of lading (the document evidencing the receipt of goods for shipment, issued by the mover.) Carefully read the document before you sign it, making sure you keep a copy of it and the mover's inventory list with you until your possessions are delivered and any claims are settled.
• Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house to make certain nothing has been left behind.
• Give the driver directions to your new home and notify the driver and the moving company how you can be reached during the move.

If you plan on selling or buying home, don't forget to visit www.kchomes.com for the online property search and "kchomes" Magazine to find great buys!