The COVID-19 pandemic and consequential lockdowns has made working remotely become the new normal. It’s also been the catalyst for more Kiwis considering whether the countryside may offer a better lifestyle. Whether it’s 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 New Zealanders relocate to their new homes. Here is our guide to moving from the city to the country.
Is country life for you?
Boasting big open spaces, tight knit communities and a closer connection to nature, it’s easy to become caught in the daydream of moving to the country. However, saying goodbye to the bigger cities is a significant decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s important to consider the reality of country life and whether it truly is the right decision for you.
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, the smaller population also results in less diversity and choice. While there were a few sporting, arts or hobby clubs to choose from in your old city, your new home will likely not have the same 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.
Convenience is one of the biggest differences between life in the city and the country. 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 PAKn’Save or New World which may have shipped their 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
While moving to a new home comes with some pretty significant changes, it also provides a new range 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 your new country life.
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
House prices in New Zealand are continuously on the increase, especially in the larger cities. Auckland and Christchurch have both seen significant price surges so it’s not surprising that more Kiwis are relocating to cheaper regional areas. The South Island is considerably cheaper for buying and renting properties, however some regions on the North Island like Manawatū-Whanganui and Waikato are still affordable and popular places to relocate to.
While it may depend on your exact budget, purchasing a larger home in the country compared to a bigger city like Auckland is more affordable. If you’re thinking of renovating or building your own home, keep in mind that the cost 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 may help 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 Kiwis who grew up in the countryside tend to relocate to the bigger cities or overseas to Australia in order to search for better career opportunities. However, there are still opportunities to find work in the less populated areas of New Zealand. It's recommended to secure work before you decide to pack up and move.
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 agriculture, tourism, construction and essential services (such as medicine), tend to need workers in regional areas.
Get used to driving
If you’re relocating to the regional areas then you’ll need a car. Public transportation options will be limited so having a licence and a vehicle 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 it’s time to say goodbye to the bigger cities and relocate to the regional areas! The next step is to ensure you're prepared for your move and get excited about your new home by following these steps.
Get packing!
Just like any move, you’ll need to pack your things for the country. However, before you place everything in suitcases and boxes, take the time to reassess your belongings, clothes and furniture. Will they work in your home? Depending on which region of New Zealand you are relocating to, you may need to swap some items for new ones. Research the new climate and think about how your new needs may require different belongings. Might be worth purchasing a wet suit if you’re moving to Gisborne or if your new home is the Otago region, might be worth purchasing a thicker duvet.
There’s no doubt that packing can be a stressful and time consuming task. It can also be complicated, especially if your belongings and furniture need to travel a great distance or inter-island. Many Kiwis find that choosing to hire a professional packing service is an easy way to take the hassle out of their move and ensure that nothing is broken or damaged during the transportation.
Prepare your pets
If you’re moving with a furry or feathered friend to your new regional home, you’ll need to do some basic preparation so they are also ready for the move. We recommend taking your pet to the vet a few weeks before the big day for a general check-up and to ensure that they’re up to date on all vaccinations.
Also important to note that some regional areas may have restrictions, such as cat containment areas, or special rules on which pets you are allowed to have. Research your new region beforehand and prepare accordingly. Moving with a pet is not without complexity so using a pet relocation service can make their journey to your new home easier.
Set up your utilities
Before you move and settle into your new country home, it’s wise to set up your utilities. Otherwise if you don’t arrange your electricity, water, gas and internet ahead of the move, you may be spending the first night in your new home in the dark. Depending on where you are located, be prepared for some patchy internet service and the occasional power blackout.
Moving your car
If you want to move your car/s to your new home in regional New Zealand then 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. Using a professional service is ideal if you have multiple vehicles that need transporting to your new home or if you feel uncomfortable driving long distances on unfamiliar roads.
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.
Use professional movers
As moving to the country is a big, life-altering change, hiring a professional moving company to handle the logistics will take the stress out of your relocation. Our team of highly qualified movers will do all the literal heavy lifting to make your move to the country a reality.
Contact us today to discuss your specific moving requirements and we’ll provide you with a tailored quote that suits your budget.