Have you been dreaming of swapping the hustling pace of city life for a more laid-back rural setting? Maybe you’ve grown tired of the rat race, constant burnout, and excessive noise, and you want to take back control of your life?
Sure, moving to the country will allow you to feel more at one with nature, breathe fresher air, eat healthier foods, get a sense of community, and have more space for gardening and playing with family. However, adjusting to the new rural environment can be a challenge for city dwellers. In this post, we have put together some tips to help you transition more smoothly.
And if you’relooking for landin the countryside, Land Gatherer can help you find a perfect location where you and your loved ones will create amazing memories for years.
Prepare Financially Before you Move
While living in rural areas is definitely cheaper, you still need money. Yes, you’ll save on rent and groceries, but there are other costs such as medical care, insurance, and fuel if you have to commute long distances. So, having some savings is absolutely necessary. However, relocating to the countryside isn’t beyond your reach just because you don’t have lots of money stashed away in the bank.
There are ways to have an income when you decide to make a clean break from city life and start anew. Some options include negotiating a work-from-home arrangement with your employer, transferring your skills to a local office, applying for a local job, and working as a freelancer. When you settle in the new place, you can start making money by selling homegrown produce or making artisan goods.
Know the Locals
To adapt quickly, you’ll need to depend on the wisdom and experience of your neighbors. So, the first step of countryside living is to make friends with the locals. Any friend you make will be a helpful resource in the months to come. They’ll tell you which crops grow best, the best planting season, the reliable service personnel, and where to buy food and gardening supplies.
You’ll also find out that most service providers are your neighbors, and you’ll need them when you want your plumbing fixed, a fallen tree removed from your driveway, or need emergency medical assistance. To get to know the locals, volunteer and participate in community organizations, attend fairs and council meetings, and always be friendly wherever you go.
Expect Inconveniences
Ditching urban life and moving to the idyllic rural setting carries a romantic notion, but people rarely notice some of the perks the city provides. In the countryside, you won’t find trash pickup, sewage systems, water connection, or pizza delivery. Other services that may not be easily accessible include fast internet, emergency services, cell service, and public transportation.
Shopping centers are also miles away, so you have to be ready to do lots of driving. Do your leg work, find out what services are missing in the area, and find ways to work around the inconveniences. For shopping, buy bulk instead of making frequent trips to the store.
Be Positive
No one likes a person who moves to a new place and then does nothing but complain about everything. Don’t be that newcomer who’s always pointing out the negatives of the area. Accept that life in the country moves more slowly than you’re accustomed to. Service professionals may take days to respond, there is no urgency in the local store, or power can go out for days.
Also, don’t expect the neighbors to accept you quickly.Building friendshipsin rural areas takes time, so don’t get frustrated fast. Instead of grumbling, focus on the positives; no traffic, no smoke or noise pollution, the groceries come straight from your garden, and you have all the time and space to do the stuff you’ve always wanted to do.
Learn to Become Self-Reliant
Over time, you’ll find that learning to depend on yourself can help cut costs and reduce frustrations. With the right skills, you won’t need outside assistance to fix or build things around your home. The best way to learn how to be self-reliant is to read as much as possible about rural living and enrolling in a homesteading course.
Some essential courses include carpentry, gardening, plumbing, mechanics, renewable energy, and first aid. To be self-sufficient, practice financial discipline, develop a farm management plan that will create cash flow, and explore ways to make extra revenue from your farm. Make sure you consult friendly old-timers who learned the ropes decades ago.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Most people move to the countryside hoping to escape the urban rat race and have more time to relax. But soon after trading off the concrete jungle for miles of trees and open sky, many get back to their old routines of working long hours. Even if you’re now a full-time farmer, you still need time to unwind.
Luckily, the countryside is a fantastic asset to us all, and most of thefun activitieswe yearn for are right on our doorstep. Hike and bike local trails, go wild swimming, attend local festivals, camp in your backyard, or try your hand at a new hobby. Remember to enjoy simple pleasures like meditation, reading an adventure book, or relaxing on the balcony to soak in the serene surroundings.
Looking for Beautiful Land in the Countryside?
It’s very much possible to make the move from a city dwelling to country life without much experience. As long as you have the will and patience to learn and are prepared to make lifestyle adjustments, you’ll transition to your new home quickly. In a few months’ time, you’ll be wondering what made you take too long to make the switch.
If you’ve decided to swap building shadows for open horizons and big smoke for fresh air, enlist the help of Land Gatherer. Whether you want a piece of land close to a charming small town or a place nestled in nature, you can always count on us. Feel free to contactDebra@LandGatherer.com.
