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Escaping to the countryside is the dream of many, because after all, what could be more thrilling than wide open land (much of it yours), a rural area to maintain, space away from the constant drone of nearby people, and that’s before we even mention the cute cottage residence you may boast in line with all that.
Yet of course, as with any major lifestyle change, often people talk about the highlights and the good bits and not necessarily about the whole reality of the situation. They can’t after all, it’s fun to talk about plans and lifestyle shifts, not talk about how many more insects you might have to fend off during a hot and heavy summer.
Of course, that’s not to say moving to the countryside is a bad idea. It can be great fun, actually, provided you do it right. If you’re focused, attentive and capable, there’s a lot to love, learn and cherish. So, if you’re reading this post while frustrated with your city train commute, or just want to imagine what life would be like there, let’s consider some helpful pointers.
The Reality Of DIY Skills
You may have liked DIY before, but now you need to become something of a jack of all trades, whether you want to or not. City living means you have a plumber down the street or an electrician in the next block and perhaps you have those near your new place too That being said, out in the country, you might be an hour away from the nearest professional, and that’s on a good day without bad weather.
This means you might get pretty good at fixing things yourself, like a leaky faucet, a broken fence post, or a squeaky door. You might not want to do this, but the situation could encourage you to become self-sufficient and because you’re in the “outdoorsman/woman” mindset, you begin to take great pride in custom fixes, and save yourself a lot of money over time.
However, some people have taken this too far, as not all independence is smart independence. If it has to do with your plumbing or electrical system, or even your garage door chain, let the specialists handle it.
Connectivity
Staying connected is something we tend to take for granted in city or suburban environments, that’s why we live there after all, because other people do. Out in the country, it’s likely you have to deal with slow internet or patchy phone service, though newer technologies and provisions like Starlink have made that less common.
Regardless, it can be a little frustrating when you are trying to stream a show or have a video call with a friend, and the signal keeps dropping. So, it’s a good idea to research internet providers in your area before you move and try and go for a place with mostly good servicing. This means if you don’t want to get satellite internet, you’re more covered, and at least you can continue to look into different options, but it’s a must to know what you are getting into. This is essential to think about in most instances, especially if you work from home or just enjoy your downtime online.
Long & Winding Road
This is more true in places like the UK, but the truth is that rural tracks aren’t always the most well-kept or straight. A lovely winding road you saw on your country drive is not always fun and games when you have to do it day in and day out. Unfortunately, it might be the only way to get to your home, and it can be a little daunting in bad weather.
While driving, think about snow, ice, or heavy rain, which could make the roads slick and difficult to navigate. You may need to invest in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get around with any sense of security, and it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets and food, just in case. Also, if the road is private, you may be responsible for its upkeep as well as all the houses on your long road. It can be a bit of a pain to bring everyone together to reinvest in it, but that’s what may be needed to sort out potholes and other issues.
Your Own Water Supply
Many rural homes don’t have a town water hookup. Instead, they have a well, which means you have your own personal water supply to maintain. This could require some understanding of how a well works and what to do if something goes wrong, which is why many rural-livers have a professional come out and take a look before they buy, to make sure everything is in good working order.
A well pump service can make sure your water pressure is fine and there are no issues, and help you put the infrastructure in place to remove it cleanly. It’s an upfront cost but an essential one. What could be more important than having access to clean water, after all?
Dealing With The Darkness
One of the most surprising things about living in the country is just how dark it can get, especially if you’re used to the city, where streetlights and business signs are always on, creating a constant glow. Out here, there’s a huge lack of ambient light, so when the sun goes down, it gets really dark. This might take some getting used to and even feel spooky at first.
There is a benefit though, as you’ll find that the stars are more visible than you have ever seen them, which is quite amazing at night. If you can, invest in some outdoor lighting to make your home feel a little more secure and so you can find your way to the car at night – motion sensitive is best.
Deliveries Aren’t Always Convenient
Getting anything delivered to your home can be a bit of a challenge if companies don’t see the need to drive a mile to you specifically. This means some delivery services might not serve your area, and others might charge an additional fee for the long drive. You might also have to wait longer for packages to arrive or have to drive to a collection point yourself.
With this advice, we hope you can see the six insights no one tells you about escaping to the countryside.
