How to prepare for moving to a remote area
If you’ve been a city slicker all your life and are now moving to rural Australia, you may feel daunted at the prospect.
Living in remote areas offers some unique challenges. But to help you feel positive about the transition, we’ve drawn up a checklist of preparations.
It’s packed with tips to help you settle in and feel at home in your new location. Read on to know more.
1. Research community activities
If you’re moving to a rural area from a city, one of your major concerns may be around social isolation. In the city, it’s so easy to meet people and join in with activities.
Make connections in your new location by searching out community activities. You may have to look a bit harder than you would in the city, but you will be rewarded by being welcomed into close-knit groups who will support you through the early days.
Many rural communities offer activities such as:
- Sports
- Choirs
- Walking
- Playgroups
- Book clubs
- Community barbeques and picnics
To find out about activities, contact your local church or school or search local online directories.
You could also consider volunteering as an easy way to make new connections and get involved in community life.
2. Use your move as an opportunity to declutter
Decluttering before your move and getting rid of items that will no longer suit your lifestyle will help you feel that you are making a fresh start.
Sell unwanted items on online marketplaces or have a yard sale. That way, you can raise some extra cash to help you with the house move or treat yourself to something special for your new home.
Or you could use the money raised to invest in some outdoors gear that you will use in your new rural location.
3. Get your admin up to date
Leave plenty of time before your big move to deal with admin tasks such as:
- Redirecting your mail to your new address
- Updating your address with the electoral commission
- Updating your driving licence and registration details
- Ensuring you’re up to date with school registration for your kids
4. Get the basics set up in your new location
It will help you to settle in quicker if you have basic services set up, or at least know how to access them, in your new location.
A few weeks before your move, set aside some time to:
- Know where to register with a GP, dentist and vets.
- Research broadband, phone and television services.
- Set up an account with a new energy provider.
- Know recycling and waste collection schedules.
- Organise home insurance.
5. Update your vehicle
If you’re going to be living in a very rural or remote location, the car you currently use to zip around the city is unlikely to be suitable.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is going to be more appropriate for rural roads, many of which may present challenging driving conditions.
If you’re intending to explore your new area, you may want to consider buying a camper van. It will give you the freedom of taking off on a road trip at the weekend, knowing you have somewhere to sleep. It’s a great way to get to know your region and enjoy the rural lifestyle.
6. Plan some fun rural activities
The whole point of such a drastic move was to make the most of the great outdoors, right? So why not plan some fun rural activities to help you feel at home in your new setting?
These could include:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Horseriding
- Surfing or other beach activities
- Birdwatching and observing other wildlife
- Nature photography
7. Stock up on a first aid kit and supplies
One essential item you will need to hand in rural Australia is a well-stocked first aid kit. This is because you will almost certainly be further away from a hospital or medical centre than in a city. You are also more likely to encounter venomous wildlife that can deliver a nasty bite.
For this reason, your remote area first aid kit contents should include a survival snake bite kit comprising bandages, treatment and a snake ID card. It’s also worth reading up on advice on dealing with snake bites on the government’s healthdirect website.
You should also carry a vehicle first aid kit so you always have one available when you are out and about.
Being prepared for first aid emergencies in your rural location will help you feel more confident about your new surroundings and settle you in quicker.
Helping you to prepare for the next chapter of your life
Moving from the city to the outback is a big step, and it’s natural to feel nervous about what lies ahead. But by preparing as much as possible beforehand, you can make the transition so much easier.
At MediBC, we’re here to help you settle into your new life. Browse our extensive range of first aid kits and supplies, including snake bite kits, to help prepare you for the next chapter in your life.
We deliver throughout Australia and offer great customer service for any queries about our quality products.
Remote Area First Aid Essentials
Remote-area first aid kits, snake bite gear, and travel kits to keep ready when you move beyond the city.
