Choosing your moving date
The northeast monsoon, roughly October to December, brings heavy rain to both cities but especially to Chennai, where streets can flood for a while. Chennai is also very hot from about April to June. January to March is usually the most comfortable time for this move.
Pongal in mid-January brings several holiday days across Tamil Nadu. Check the dates with the mover and both buildings if you plan to move around then.
Leaving Coimbatore
Tell the mover the floor and stair width at your Coimbatore home; many are independent houses without lifts. If you run a business, keep any stock or equipment off the household quote and list it separately.
Chennai homes in newer complexes are often smaller than Coimbatore houses, so measure the new rooms and lift before deciding on large furniture.
Across Tamil Nadu
The usual road heads east on NH 544 to Salem, then on towards Chennai through the plains of central Tamil Nadu. The approach into Chennai is usually the slowest part, and heavy rain in the northeast monsoon slows the last stretch.
Ask whether the truck is dedicated to your goods or shared, and get the expected delivery date on the quote.
Before the truck reaches Chennai
Find out from your new building or owner which hours moving is allowed, whether there's a lift and how big it is, and whether a truck can stop near the entrance. Many Chennai buildings have stilt parking, and older ones may have stairs only.
Ask too how water reaches the flat, whether from the city supply, a borewell or tankers, and whether there's power backup, so the first evening isn't spent without either.
Heat and humidity
Chennai is hotter and more humid than Coimbatore for most of the year. Plan cooling for at least one room from the first night, and choose light cotton bedding and curtains that block the afternoon sun.
Humidity affects wood, leather, books and stored clothes, so unpack and air them early and keep silica gel in closed boxes.
Your first weeks in Chennai
Register with your building association for parking and visitors, book internet as soon as you have the address and update your address with your bank and employer.
If you're on a ground or stilt floor, ask neighbours how the street copes with heavy rain, and keep cartons and electronics raised until you've unpacked. Our guide to moving to Chennai covers the city in more detail.