My
earlier article,“Want to Buy a Remote Property? Think Again or
Think Ahead,” has attracted more readers and follow-up questions
than almost any other (besides those about raising chickens).
Some
readers have contacted my husband and me to ask for additional
advice. One man said he wanted to buy 300 acres in Montana and asked
what he should do first. When we asked what experience he had with
some of the relevant skills and information below, his answer was
virtually none of them. It was our letters to him (and others) that
have resulted in this posting.
I
decided to pose this as a questionnaire/checklist that you can use to
develop a priority list, time line, and budget to acquire some
additional skills, tools, and information before committing to a
remote location. I hope it will help you be more effective and
efficient than we were! (Note: Please let me know any other suggestions that should be included here).
The
content is organized in labeled sections followed by numbered
questions and then notes from our experience.
HEALTH:
If
the answer to any question below is “no”, make an appointment,
take a class, or start pumping iron.
- Do you exercise? Build upper body strength.
- Have you had a full physical exam recently? Get copies of your dental and health records. Ascertain any allergies (to elements in your target location, by going there at various times of year).
- Have you assembled a good medical supply kit, as recommended by your doctor or other sources for a remote location? Keep supplies both at your remote home and in your vehicle, in case you get stranded.
- Have you taken any recent Red Cross, Scout, FEMA, CDC or State courses in emergency and wilderness preparedness? Do you have relevant reference books? Do you know about the medicinal properties of plants on your property.
