South Goa's market town
Margao, or Madgaon, is the commercial centre of South Goa, with a big market, the district offices and the main railway station on the Konkan line. The old town around the Municipal Garden and the Holy Spirit Church has old houses and narrow streets. Around it, Fatorda, Navelim, Aquem, Borda and Gogol have apartment buildings and bungalows, and villages stretch west towards the beaches of Colva and Benaulim.
When you ask for a quote, give the exact address, a map pin and whether a truck can reach the gate.
Old Goan houses
Salcete is known for its grand old Goan houses, with long verandahs, high ceilings, tiled roofs and antique furniture. Many stand on narrow village roads. Ask the crew to protect old floors, dismantle carved pieces carefully and carry them rather than drag.
Families abroad and at sea
Many South Goan families have members working in the Gulf, the UK or on ships, and houses are sometimes locked for long periods. If you're packing a house that won't be lived in, our storage service page explains the options.
The monsoon
From June to September, heavy rain can flood low roads and fields around Margao for days. Ask for waterproof wrapping on everything and keep a buffer day. Our guide to moving in the monsoon has more tips.
Weather
Margao is warm and humid all year, hot in April and May and very wet in the monsoon. October to February is pleasant. October to May is usually the best time to move.
Festivals
Carnival and Shigmo parades close roads in the town, Christmas and the village feasts fill the churches and streets, and Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in Hindu homes across the taluka. Book early if your date falls near one.
Local moves
Many local moves go between Margao and Navelim, Colva, Benaulim, Curtorim, Chinchinim, Cuncolim, Vasco or Ponda. Share both exact addresses when you ask for a quote.
Common moves out of Margao
Common moves from Margao go south along the coast to Mangaluru and east over the ghats to Hubballi. Our route guides cover both.
Students
Colleges in Margao and the nearby towns draw students from across South Goa. A student's room usually goes as a few-items move; check the hostel's dates first.
Konkan Railway
Margao's station is a major stop on the Konkan Railway, and railway staff move in and out on postings. Railway quarters need a vacating notice and an inspection.
Liquor and other states
Liquor bought in Goa usually can't be carried into other states without a permit, and some states prohibit it completely. Don't pack bottles with household goods on an interstate move.
Salt air and damp
Sea air and humidity are hard on electronics, metal and wood. Ask for electronics in their own cartons with moisture absorbers, and wooden furniture in blankets rather than tight plastic.
First weeks in a Margao home
Ask how the water supply works, since many homes rely on wells or tanks, check the power backup for monsoon storms, and book internet early. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update.
Vasco and the airport
Vasco da Gama, near the port and the Dabolim airport, has naval, port and shipyard colonies. Moves between Vasco and Margao are common; give the exact address and colony name.
Fatorda and Navelim
Fatorda, with the stadium and newer apartment blocks, and Navelim, with its old houses and churches, are two of Margao's busiest residential areas. Parking can be tight on their inner roads, so tell your mover where the truck can stand.
Curtorim and Chinchinim
Curtorim and Chinchinim are old Salcete villages with grand houses and churches. Village lanes can be narrow; share a map pin.