I was moving back to India from Canada after a brief yet meaningful stay there.

Between the joy of returning and the overwhelm of logistics, we needed a solid checklist to make the transition smooth — both emotionally and practically.

Here’s the template we used.
It’s not perfect, but it covered 90% of the chaos.

TRAVEL

  • Book flight tickets

  • Finalize number of boxes (we packed into 6)

  • Decide what stays, what ships to India, and what gets sold or donated

PEOPLE TO INFORM

  • Parents and close friends

  • School or workplace (both for yourself and kids)

  • Landlord or property manager

HOME + BELONGINGS

  • Sell major items (furniture, electronics)

  • Pack donation boxes mindfully

  • Dispose of or give away perishables and cleaners

  • Deep clean the apartment or arrange a cleaning service

ASSETS + VEHICLES

  • Return leased car or sell your own

  • De-register or transfer ownership

  • Clear any associated dues or insurance

CANCELLATIONS & SUBSCRIPTIONS

  • Phone and internet plans

  • Streaming services and apps

  • Memberships (Costco, gyms, clubs)

  • Insurance (health, tenant, auto)

  • Software subscriptions — shift to India card if you’ll still use them

  • Cancel or update addresses on e-comm platforms and banks

FINANCES

  • Clear all credit cards, car loans, and other debts

  • Close unused bank accounts

  • Transfer savings to INR (stagger it if needed for rates)

  • Inform your accountant — check for any exit tax formalities

PAPERWORK

  • Return borrowed/rented items

  • Collect school leaving certificates and medical records

  • Update all service addresses (banks, mutual funds, government services)

  • Keep a digital copy of all important docs

KIDS / FAMILY

  • Handle school transfer certificates

  • Apply for new admissions in India

  • Discuss the move gently and involve them in packing small things

LANDING IN INDIA

  • Book a temporary stay (Airbnb or with friends)

  • Rent a car or arrange local transport

  • Set up basics like SIM card, mobile wallet, UPI

  • Update Aadhar, PAN, passport if needed

  • Reissue lost cards or expired IDs

  • Book appointments for health checkups or vaccinations

  • Schedule a meeting with your CA for investments and tax planning

  • Begin scouting areas for long-term stay if not already decided

There’s no perfect way to do this.
But a list helps you feel less scattered.

If you’re planning a move like this, feel free to copy this checklist or customize it for your journey.
And if you’ve done this before — what did you wish you’d remembered?