Taking a step back from the fast pace of the city and residing in a quiet country town is slowly becoming the popular choice for many millennials over recent years. Despite numerous people believing that post-pandemic cities would return to their beloved top status, the pull to live life in the slow lane has remained appealing to a multitude of individuals. So much so that in 2024 research found 24% more people moved from the city to regional areas than vice-versa within Australia.
This shift represents more than just the desire for a change of scenery, rather it's a complete reevaluation of what makes a fulfilling lifestyle. With remote work and extensive rail networks now firmly established between the city centre and extended suburbs, the traditional barriers that once kept young professionals restricted to metropolitan areas have largely disappeared. Rural suburbs are adapting to meet this new wave of residents, with many areas seeing improvements in internet infrastructure, connectivity to the city, independent businesses and new cultural offerings.
However, moving from urban to rural can take some adaptation, particularly if it's your first time relocating away from the city. To help create a smooth transition to your new home in the country, this complete guide gives the top tips for a flourishing fresh start.
Step 1: Choose Reliable Movers
Moving from the CBD to a rural suburb or region of Australia can be particularly challenging, especially if you are moving interstate. Before you’ve even set foot in your new home, the intricacies that come with navigating diverse landscapes - from tight city roads to steep winding streets - can be extremely difficult to master in a moving truck. Therefore, finding great interstate removalists who can safely transfer your belongings to their new home in the country is essential for starting your new life on the right foot. If you’re looking to reduce the cost of moving by opting for backloading interstate, then it’s important to book as early as possible and be flexible with your timelines for delivery. Alternatively, if you have lots of belongings or a tight deadline, then you want to opt for a premium service that can have your items carefully delivered directly to your door. Plus, if you’re wondering what to do with your fur babies then expert interstate removalists can even arrange the relocation of your precious pets for you—leaving you to focus on embracing your new country lifestyle.
Step 2: Build Community Connections
Once you arrive in your new area, one of the first steps to take to create a home is connecting with the local community. Unlike city life, rural suburban areas often have a close-knit community that cares and looks out for each other. For those who have moved from the city, this can occasionally feel invasive and a little bizarre, especially when you’re used to living by the unspoken rule of ignoring all strangers on your daily commute. However, it’s important to embrace those around you and lean into that new village-like community lifestyle, as those around you will often be your support system during difficult periods. In a rural suburb, your community are more than just neighbours - they are your lift to the garage when your car suddenly stops working or the people who lend you sugar at 7 pm when all the shops are shut and you promised you’d make a birthday cake for the morning. Your community will be your lifesavers on more than one occasion, just as you will be for them too.
Step 3: Understand Your Transport
One of the biggest adaptations to consider when moving to a rural region of Australia is the available transport options. As a city dweller, you’ll more than likely be used to regular and efficient public transport options at your doorstep, taking you from point A to point B in no time. Whilst transport infrastructure is developing greatly in the outer suburbs of most cities, a lot of the time a car is required for those living in these areas. For couples who commonly share a car in the city, it may be time to consider investing in a second car so that you aren’t dependent on each other to get around for work or otherwise. Having a car in a rural town will make life considerably more convenient for you, as well as provide you with the freedom and opportunities to explore your surroundings without any restrictions.
Step 4: Embrace the Slow Pace
For many city dwellers, the allure of country living lies in escaping the relentless urban pace. However, what can be easily forgotten is that just like you, everyone else in the area is also looking to lead a more-rounded life and the slower rhythm isn’t just a personal choice. Grocery shopping is no longer a quick walk away and same-day delivery is out of the question but that also means that people won’t be expecting you to spend your life in the office or push past you to get somewhere quicker. Although the gentler pace of life can take some adjusting to, once you begin to embrace it then you will begin to understand the liberation that comes with having the time to look around and take it life more.
Step 4: Prepare to become self-sufficient
Similarly to taking on the slow life, country living will also require a certain amount of self-sufficiency that the city doesn’t. This transition from city convenience to rural self-reliance often catches newcomers off guard. While urban living offers instant solutions - a 24-hour plumber, late-night convenience stores and taxis just a minute away- country life requires a more resourceful approach. You'll find yourself planning food shops for the week rather than every couple of days, learning basic home maintenance skills, and perhaps even growing your own vegetables (shocking!). Moving away from the CBD means you may not be able to get a burger and chips at midnight but what you will have is the time to learn new skills and enjoy cooking for yourself and your family again.
Step 5: Connect with Nature
Finally, it’s important to remind yourself as often as you can why you moved in the first place and that means getting out and connecting with nature. No matter where you’re relocating to, you are bound to experience some challenges along the way. When relocating from the city to the country, it can be easy to get caught up in frustrations during the adjustment period, particularly if you are renovating and living out of boxes. During these times it’s particularly important to get out and connect with nature to remind yourself of why you committed to the move in the first place. Moving away from the city means having an abundance of local wildlife at your doorstep so make sure to take a stroll through local parks or hiking trails, take a dip in the sea or simply sit out under the stars and take it all in.
Final thoughts
Making the transition from city to country living is undoubtedly a significant change that requires patience, adaptability, and an open mind. While you may need to adjust to a different pace of life, learn new skills, and step out of your comfort zone, the rewards of country living are profound and lasting. From building meaningful connections within your community to rediscovering the simple pleasures of life amongst nature, rural living offers a unique opportunity to redefine your lifestyle priorities.
Whether you're seeking a more balanced way of life, a stronger sense of community, or simply a change of scenery, Holloway Removals and Storage can help make your transition to your new home simple and stress-free.
