East to the capital
From Ranipet, the highway runs east through Kaveripakkam and the Sriperumbudur–Oragadam industrial belt, with its car and electronics factories, to Chennai's western suburbs at Poonamallee. At about 113 km, the drive itself takes a few hours; getting across Chennai to your address can take as long again. Agree a realistic arrival time in writing.
Chennai's truck rules
Chennai restricts heavy vehicles on many roads during the day, and the timings change from time to time. A mover who works the city plans around them, sometimes arriving in the afternoon or unloading in the evening. Ask how they'll handle it.
Leaving Ranipet
Homes in the old town need goods carried to the truck, while colonies on the highway are easiest; tell the mover which side you're on. BHEL and factory housing needs a vacating notice and a gate pass.
Where in Chennai
Poonamallee, Porur, Valasaravakkam and Ambattur are reached first. The OMR IT corridor, Velachery and the southern suburbs mean a long drive, and old neighbourhoods such as Mylapore, Triplicane and George Town have narrow streets. Our guide to moving to Chennai covers the city's areas in more detail.
Chennai apartments
Most families moving to Chennai settle in apartments, which usually ask for notice, a moving window and a lift booking, and some ask for a deposit. Our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask for.
Sriperumbudur jobs
Many Ranipet families work in the Sriperumbudur and Oragadam factories and choose homes on Chennai's western edge to keep the commute short. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Rain and heat
Chennai's heaviest rain falls between October and December, with cyclones and waterlogging in some years. From April to June, both ends are very hot and humid; load early.
January and February are usually the most comfortable months.
Festivals
Pongal, Deepavali, Vinayaka Chaturthi with its immersion processions, Christmas and the wedding season keep crews busy. Choose a date clear of these.
From a house to a flat
A Ranipet house often holds more than a Chennai flat can take. Measure rooms and the lift, and decide what to leave with family. Our storage service page explains short-term storage if you need time.
Two-wheelers
A scooter or motorcycle can usually travel in the same truck if it is wrapped, photographed and listed separately. Our bike transport service page explains the alternatives.
Arcot biryani and the old town
If you're moving from Arcot rather than Ranipet, the old town's lanes near the mosques are narrow; ask for an early start and a short carry to the truck.
Settling in
In Chennai, register with your association, ask about water supply, which can come by tanker in some areas, and book internet early. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update.