Moving Tips - Making the Journey to New (to you) Land

Shalom! I decided to write this blog/record this video (see link below) after preparing for our move to Arizona. I've learned some things that I think might be helpful for someone who's considering a move to raw land.

When you're thinking about the move, and about your options in settling on your land, go through each scenario that you have planned beforehand. Don't wait to experience it in real time, because being unprepared is why there's a common phrase in Arizona that says, "If you can make it here six months, you'll probably make it." Being unprepared can be catastrophic.

You may need to consider the following:

Reserving some things months in advance is actually recommended.
If you have a project that you know you must do right away, check the local area for supplies, availability, prices, etc. You might end up deciding to buy the materials where you are currently and haul it to your site.
Check the reviews of everything: contractors, storage units, suppliers, etc.

Plan out your services (phone, internet, water, etc.), change of address needs/notifications especially for continuing bills, new address if you need to apply for one, etc.
What the soil and ground cover is like on your property. This is really important. If you're going to make changes on your land, like putting in a driveway, leveling, putting in swales, etc; you need to be aware of how water moves on your property and whether or not you're making a decision that will increase water action or reduce water action. Water can wash away the soil very quickly and leave very large scars that can be very difficult to fix.

Climate throughout the year (building schedule, securing loose building materials, planting/harvesting schedule, making sure you don't freeze!)
Requirements to drive on your property at all (right of access). You may need other landowners' permissions to even build an access road to your property. Don't just go driving through what you think is "empty land". There is no such thing!

Driveway and clearance necessary for any deliveries to your site
Preparations required to receive any bigger deliveries (shade for water tank, clearance to fill water tank if you use water delivery service, any recommended/required site preparation for your relevant building, etc.)
Codes and permits for any decisions, including your RV. Start a relationship with the code department in your county. Get to know them. They are knowledgeable, and should be there to help you.
Do you build, buy, or have a contractor build it for you?

You might need fencing, and perhaps different types of fencing for different problems (antelope, deer, free range cattle, mice, javelina, feral dogs (shout out to Edge of Nowhere Farm)

Don't forget your property set-backs before building anything.
Be aware of road conditions, where the washes are (Stupid Motorist Law is there for a reason!).

This is just advice if you are one of the thousands of people who want to make a go of it building your own dream on raw land. These are a few things to consider that might help, and help you avoid some common pitfalls. Don't start too many things at once. Be strategic with your time and resources. Add anything that changes your lifestyle slowly. This is especially important when talking about livestock. Everything takes time, and temporary can be longer than you think!

Video link is here

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