It has been almost 3 years since we began our country life. Since then I have had lots of emails and talked to lots of people who would like to do something similar. It can seem very romantic to move to a big block, get yourself some chickens and plant a vegetable garden, but of course there is a lot more too it than that. So here are some things you need to think about when you’re considering your own tree change:
1. The distance between places.
One of the great things about moving to the country is the amount of space you have. The downside of this is that it is a lot further to travel just about anywhere. Commuting to jobs, taking kids to school or social events, and especially medical emergencies all require you to travel, often a long way. Having said this, there is usually very little traffic (other than the wild life) so you can usually drive to the speed limit.
When we first moved here, I commuted 100km (1 1/4 hours) each way each day. It nearly killed me. It felt like I spent half my day in the car. These days my commute is much smaller, but we still spend quite a bit of time travelling for other reasons.
2. Services available.
Very often the quality and variety of services you may need just are not available in the country. The more isolated your location, the fewer your services, and the further you need to travel (see point 1).
If you require fast internet for your job, or just to keep you in touch, you need to pick where you move to carefully. Many places only have satellite broad band (which is very slow and expensive). Very often there is no mobile phone reception either. Of course this lack of connection can be freeing and very peaceful, but it can also be isolating and stressful if you need it for work, business (or blogging!).
Also services such as bin collections don’t occur outside of towns. This means that you may need to load up your bins on the back of a ute or trailer and go to the dump every week or so.
3. You will be busier.
Everything here takes more work. For example, we have a log fire for heating in winter. We get the wood for free off our own farm, however while the cost is low, it takes considerable time to collect and split the wood.
Growing your own food is awesome. There is nothing like the satisfaction that comes from eating a meal where everything on plate comes from your labour. However tending the garden and the animals is constant. It needs to happen every day and it takes a lot more time and effort than going to the supermarket, particularly if you need preserve the extra food to eat during other parts of the year.
Before I moved here, I thought our life would be a bit like the nine to five lifestyle we had in the city. In summer, Country Boy is up early feeding pigs and picking produce from the garden before it gets hot, and he is still out after dinner watering plants, and animals again in the cool of the evening, while I put kids to bed etc. While not having set working hours can be great, it also means that you can work all the hours under the sun.
If you’re joining the community, be prepared to get involved. Small communities need everyone to help out to keep them going. I’m secretary of the P&C, while CB is on the memorial hall committee and in the local rural fire brigade. We are all committed to our church group, and CB coordinates scripture at the kids’ school. Add in a few extras like Christmas Carols, or helping out at school, and you can see that our lives are busy. It’s fantastic to be part of the community, but everyone needs to be involved.
Fortunately the rewards for spending this extra time are also great.
4. It is not always cheaper to live in the country.
When you look at the cost of housing, very often the country appears to be very cheap, particularly when you compare it to large urban markets. It’s true that land and houses are generally cheaper in the country, but very often this can mean that there are other costs to consider. For example, the cost of travelling long distances for work and to socialise can soon add up. Also the cost of petrol and food is generally higher in the country because of the transportation required.
If you are used to eating out and shopping often, then you will spend even more money once you move to the country. You need to change your lifestyle if you want to lower your living costs. This can be easier when there is a long drive to town, and when you grow your own vegetables and meat.
If you have a large block of land, you may well need equipment such as a tractor or ute, water pumps, as well as stock. Of course the stock also require feeding and looking after, and this all costs money too.
5. Look closely into the community you’re considering.
Many country towns are gorgeous to visit for a weekend, but living there full time is an entirely different thing. Do your research before you move. Consider the schools available for the kids – will they have to travel a long way to get to school, and is there a high school near by? Are there opportunities for cultural and sporting activities, churches, access to hobbies and medical facilities? When we moved to the country, we were tied to coming back to the family farm. This meant that we had to take the community both good and bad. Most people are in a slightly different situation, and have more flexibility. No community is perfect, but try and find one that will meet your needs before you start moving.
Once you actually arrive, it will take you some time to settle into the community. Some communities don’t consider you to be a local until your family has been there for several generations. They also see a lot of tree changers come and go. Making an effort to get to know people, and join local clubs and committees will certainly help.
Country Life can be fantastic. Really it can! But I also know that it isn’t for everybody. It’s worth checking your romantic fantasies against the realities before you pick up your whole life and move it. If you think it is still for you, then go for it. Embrace the experience wholeheartedly, and enjoy the new life you find.
If you’re interested in reading more about my tree change experiences, this post sums up some of the struggles I’ve had since moving here. My FAQ page also has more links.
Have you ever considered a tree change? Have you moved from the city to a farm? I’d love to know what others think!
All good points but very different when moving to a remote island in the middle of Bass Strait, Tasmania. Population – us, shops – none. Only transport is boat, plane or helicopter – we use them all. Yes, it is a lot of work – we have solar and wind power, water is tank or spring, chooks, big veg garden and we also have accommodation! We must like it – came for 6 months now it is nearly 7 years. One benefit is we don’r have to go far for work. Thanks Jo x
I think it’s ok to have just what you have – you’ve moved there for a reason. It’s only when people expect to carry on their city life in the country, that problems happen.
Excellent points to relate. All too often people think country life is cheaper and the pace slower. They forget appearemces can be deceiving!
Thats called a mighty traveller. Up for any travelling anywhere, anytime, Great.
Phuket Airport Transfers
Oh hellloooooo – yes please! 🙂 xx
ha…yes, each of these definately worth considering….especially when moving to an island in the middle of the pacific..
1. Distance – 1500km to the mainland
2. Services – Internet is slow, and the nearest multiplex, mall, theatre, hospital, paediatrician….all 1500km away.
3. Busy – Suddenly we are in a new community, meeting new people, socialising two or three times a week, growing vegies, walking the dog multiple times a day….yep. Busy.
4. Fresh milk… $7 a litre. Petrol $2 something a litre, yep….expensive.
5. The Community – welcoming, but guarded. Luckily there are other newcomers…so we will start with them 🙂
We moved to the country for work and didn't put much thought into what happens if thay job finishes, as there are not many employers in this area. Great list, wish I had thought through some of these before moving!
Oh my, that looks in-freaking-credible! It's on my list!
You make some very good and important points there. My commute was roughly the same as what you had initially with 100km each way. Summer not so bad but in the dead of winter when you leave at 6am in the dark and don't get home till dark & it is cold with icy roads, it takes its toll, not to mention cost of driving. There is little or no public transport options as well in the country. Our service is 2 buses out & same in each day and it is a $40 return trip to the city.
Running a farm is a full time job and when you work as well it can become rather daunting if you are not prepared so make sure you know what you want in land size etc. Also your skill sets is something worth looking at. The more you can do yourself the better for cost but make sure you know what you are doing as farms can be a dangerous place for the unprepared novice.
Growing your own food is an absolute pleasure but you will learn that a lot of native animals also think that your food is great. Also if like us, after a while you get so used to good food that when you go out for a treat you find yourself critiquing the freshness and flavour 🙂
Distance from your friends is also one to consider. Same state and/or within a reasonable drive (10 hours is what I call reasonable) is one thing but interstate is another. No matter how good the intentions are you will find that over time you will see less of them and they you.
Still after 5 years of our tree change we have both agreed that we will never return to the big smoke and always have a farm. The only thing for us will be the next place will be back on the mainland closer to our friends & family.