Are you thinking about swapping city life for the countryside? Many people have had the same thought. With cities clogged with congestion and crime rates rising everywhere, the countryside can look more appealing.
However, there are some things you’ll need to know before making such a drastic move. Life in the countryside couldn’t be more different to living in a city. Here’s what you should consider.
Choosing Your Location
Before you start looking for properties, it can help to research different locations. Are you looking for something rural but within walking distance to shops? Are you happy to be miles away from your closest neighbor?
Perhaps you’re thinking of living off grid to reduce your carbon footprint and lower energy bills. Whatever your reasons for moving to the countryside, look at some favorable locations and take a visit before making a decision.
Once you’ve made your decision, don’t make the mistake of thinking you can handle the move by yourself. Even if you live in a tiny city apartment, you’ll still need to find a moving company. iMOVE can help you compare companies so you can see which one best suits your needs.
Get Stuck In
Life in the countryside may take some getting used to. Living in a city can feel like you’re just a statistic and it’s easy to blend in. There are fewer people in the countryside and they’ll want to get to know you.
Don’t be surprised if you’re part of the village book club by the end of your first month there. You’ll also literally have to get stuck in. Countryside comes with plenty of mud, grass, trees, wildlife, and more.
Although it’s beautiful and often peaceful, some people don’t realize they have hay fever until they move to the countryside.
Style of Property
Moving to the countryside often offers the opportunity for bigger properties. However, these properties tend to be older and may need some tender loving care to get them up to standard. Some rural properties also come with land or may have farms attached.
Think about the style of property you want to invest in. Do you picture yourself tending to a vegetable patch? Maybe you want to keep animals. If you want a property that just offers a quiet space to call home, you may want to look closer to towns.
It’s important to get each property thoroughly checked before making an offer. The last thing you need is to move into a property that turns out to be a money-sucking nightmare.
How Will You Spend Your Time?
If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of city life, you should consider the fact that you may find country life boring. Think about how you’ll spend your free time without being able to meet your friends at a local restaurant or swing by the karaoke bar. There are lots of things to do in the country but they could be different to what you’re used to.
Moving to the countryside has many advantages but it’s important to prepared for all it brings.