5 tips for a successful relocation
Leaving the busy, bustling life of the city or the comfort of the suburbs behind you and making your way to a regional community can be a big change. People of any profession, age, race or gender can be a bit apprehensive about moving a place where they don’t know anybody. However, many people who take this step find that spending some time living in a rural community can be very rewarding.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of your rural relocation experience.
1. Get involved in your new community
The easiest way to make friends in a new place is to get out there and be part of what is going on in the community.
Joining a local sporting club is a great way to quickly and easily make connections with people in your community. Sport is often the heartbeat of rural communities and there are likely to be a number of different clubs eager to have your participation and support. Even if you’re not that keen on playing yourself, clubs are always on the lookout for willing volunteers so there are plenty of ways to be involved and get to know who’s who in your community.
If sport isn’t your thing, you could look up one of the many other community groups in your new town such as arts and theatre groups, the local Lions or Rotary Club, or even join a local band. There are also likely be one-off, monthly or annual events in your new hometown that are fun to check out, like vintage car rallies, town festivals or the local agricultural show. Contact your local tourist information service or keep an eye out in the local paper to find out what is happening in your area.
Making the effort to meet people in your community and finding ways to connect can be rewarding. Showing an interest in other people and what they love is a great way to build positive and lasting relationships.
2. Keep doing the things that give you life
Moving to a new town provides lots of great new opportunities for new experiences and yet it doesn’t mean everything has to change. Keeping up your regular routines and pursuing your existing hobbies is a great way to stay happy and will help to keep you grounded while you adjust to your new surroundings.
If you can, put aside time to do the things that give you enjoyment or help you relax.
3. Explore your surroundings
One of the great things about your new rural location is the countryside. Taking a drive or a walk is a great way to discover what is around your new home. Exploring can be both wonderfully relaxing and very helpful for learning where the local shops, schools and businesses are.
Your town - or other nearby towns – is likely to have some hidden (or maybe not-so-hidden) treasures like historic buildings, landmarks, great walking tracks, beautiful parks or other points of interest. Discovering these things not only adds to your own experience but also provides a good reference point when talking to the locals.
Make use of your local visitor information service, contact your local council or do a quick google search for more information on places to go and things to see.
4. Look after yourself
Taking the time to look after yourself can help you manage your own sense of wellbeing during the transition to a new community. This can include eating well, getting sufficient rest and keeping active. Exercising is a great way to get out of your head and if it’s a group activity, it can also provide the opportunity to socialise.
Exercise can also help you feel like you’re achieving something outside of work, which is great if you happen to have had a bad day!
5. Enjoy your stay
Whether your stay in a rural community is permanent or temporary you may as well make the most of your time there. If you take control and give yourself every opportunity to have fun, you’re setting yourself up for success.