Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of working remotely, more Australians are choosing to say goodbye to the bigger cities and are moving to the country. Whether it be the fresh air, beautiful landscapes or quieter streets, there’s an endless list of reasons why you may decide to pack up your life in the city and move to the countryside. However, much like any move, choosing to resettle in the country will take some organisation and planning to successfully achieve. At Allied, we’ve got decades of experience in helping Australians relocate to their new homes. Here is our guide to moving from the city to the country.
Is country life for you?
Big open spaces, tight knit communities and a closer connection to nature, moving to the country can conjure beautiful images and ideas. While it’s easy to get caught in a day dream and picture yourself living somewhere, moving to a regional area is a big decision. It’s important to consider the reality of country life and whether it truly is the right decision for you. A simple way to think about whether you can hack it in the outback is by considering the pros and cons of living in the countryside.
Advantages and disadvantages of living in the country
Just as the city has a wide variety of benefits, it also comes with its disadvantages. Depending on where you are thinking of relocating to, where you choose to live in the country will come with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
A key advantage of living regionally is the community feel. Unlike the city where you may not know your next door neighbour, the smaller population in regional areas means it’s easy to get to know everyone in town. From chatting with your local grocer to helping out your neighbours, you’ll be able to form relationships with the community quickly and become a familiar face.
However, this smaller population means less diversity and choice. While there were a few sporting, arts or hobby clubs to choose from in your old city, your new home in regional Australia may not have any of those facilities or groups. This reduced choice also extends to the available amenities, shopping, and service providers. The lack of competition can make some services and items more expensive, while other things may not be available at all.
One of the most significant differences between living in the country and living in the city is convenience. Delivery services are rarely available and the majority of shops will have shorter opening hours than you are used to. However, depending on where you are located in the country, you can actually buy some produce and other consumer goods directly from the producers. There’s nothing better than buying a bunch of tomatoes from your local farmer opposed to a bigger supermarket like Coles or Woolworths which may have shipped its produce from overseas.
Living in the country with a family can be a wonderful experience. With plenty of room to play, nature at your doorstep, and smaller class sizes, many families choose to relocate to the country for their children. But keep in mind that schools and amenities will be further away so have a think about how your child may get to school and where the closest doctor and hospital are to your new home.
What to know before moving to the country
Moving to a new home creates significant change, but it also produces a wealth of opportunities. Relocating to live regionally comes with its own unique challenges so having an idea of what to expect can help you adequately prepare for the changes ahead.
Takes time to adjust
Just like with any move, we always remind people that it takes time till your new home feels truly like home. Don’t expect to be loving your new life in the country straight away, give yourself a few weeks to settle in and get used to a new routine. It will require some adjusting as you shed your old habits and routines for new ones that fit your country lifestyle.
Housing Market
Australian house prices are continuously on the rise, having jumped more than 24% percent over the last two years. Expensive house prices in the city are a big factor in why many Australians are choosing to relocate to the country, but is it more affordable to buy or rent in the regional areas? The answer really depends on where you are choosing to live. Some locations such as Shoalhaven, NSW and the southern highlands have become increasingly more expensive, while others like Mackay in QLD have remained relatively affordable.
While it varies depending on budget, you will likely be able to purchase a larger home in the country compared to the city. If you’re thinking of renovating or building your own home, labour costs and waiting times may be more than initially expected due to labour shortages and supply issues. Renting in the country can be more expensive than the city due to lack of competition and availability, but organising to rent directly from an owner can be a great way to get a better deal.
Employment opportunities
Unless you’re moving to the country to retire, the employment opportunities in your new town are important to research. Many young people who grew up in the country tend to relocate to the city to search for better career opportunities so it's recommended that you secure work before moving. Remote and flexible working arrangements are becoming more common and can be a great way to have a steady income while enjoying the perks of regional living. Otherwise, industries such as farming, mining, trades and essential services tend to need workers in regional areas.
Get used to driving
If you’re relocating to the country, you’ll need a car. Depending on where in regional Australia you are moving to, it’s likely that your public transport options will be limited. Being able to drive and having access to a vehicle in the country will make your life significantly easier, otherwise you may have to cycle or walk some vast distances.
How to prepare for your regional move
So, you’ve decided that the country lifestyle is for you! Now it’s time to prepare for your relocation and get excited about your new home. But how do you move to the countryside and set up your new life for success?
Get packing!
Any move requires packing! Before your move, take the time to reassess your belongings, clothes and furniture, and consider whether they’ll work in your new home. Research the new climate and think about how your new needs may require different belongings. Might be worth investing in a warm jacket if you’re moving to regional Tasmania or purchasing some fly nets if you are relocating to remote Far North Queensland.
Packing can be stressful and time consuming, especially if your belongings and furniture need to travel a great distance. Hiring a professional packing service can take the stress out of your move and ensure that your items arrive at their new home safely, even after travelling bumpy roads and hilly landscapes.
Prepare your pets
If you have a furry or feathered friend that is coming with you to the country, you’ll need to do some basic preparation so they are ready for the move. Some regional areas may have restrictions, such as cat containment areas, or special rules on which pets you are allowed to have, so it’s important to research this beforehand and prepare accordingly. A few weeks before the move, take your pet to the vet and ensure that they’re up to date with all their vaccinations. It can be stressful trying to move with your pet, so we recommend using a pet relocation service. As experts in moving pets, they’ll ensure that your pet makes the journey safely. More tips on moving with a dog can be found here.
Set up your utilities
Before you move and settle into your new country home, it’s wise to set up your utilities. Arranging your electricity, water, gas and internet ahead of your move can prevent you spending the first night in your new home in the dark. The slower pace of regional life means it may take some time for the utilities to be up and running. Depending on where you are located, be prepared for some patchy internet service and the occasional power blackout.
Moving your car
As mentioned above, you will spend some significant time driving once you move to the country. You’ll need to prepare your vehicle for your move, especially if it will be travelling a long distance. Get your car checked out by a mechanic to ensure its road ready and take the time to plan your route if you're driving it yourself. It’s important to note that if you are moving interstate, you’ll have a few months after you move till you are required to change your licence and vehicle registration to your new state.
If you want to move your car/s to your new home, you have a couple of options. The first option is to drive your car to your destination yourself, and the second option is to use a vehicle transportation service. This is a great option if you have multiple vehicles that need transporting to your new home or if you feel uncomfortable driving long distances on unfamiliar roads.
Use professional movers
Moving to the country is a big, life-altering change. With a mountain of preparation required and a significant amount of stress, why not hire professional removalists to ensure that your move to the country is as seamless as possible? Using an experienced and highly trained moving company such as Allied, means you won’t need to agonise over the finer details of your move. Instead, we’ll take care of all the logistics so you can begin enjoying your new life in regional Australia.
Contact us today to discuss your specific moving requirements and we’ll provide you with a tailored quote that suits your budget.