Tips for Making the Move to the Countryside
At first glance, the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a quiet cottage in the countryside may seem like a romantic idea ā great for your fantasy life, but difficult to implement in real life. However, for an ever-growing number of people, this is becoming their reality. To help those that are in that group ā and those that want to join them as soon as possible ā here are some tips to help you ease the transition when moving from the city to the countryside. Keep them in mind when planning your escape and no doubt youāll be one happy camper in your new life.
Make an Effort to Meet the Locals
As a recent escapee to the countryside, youāre definitely going to stand out like a sore thumb. To quicken the transition from outsider to local, youāll need to make a pretty big effort to meet your neighbours and get to know them a little. Join some classes in your new town or attend some local events. At the very least, hang out at the local bar for at least the first few weeks so you can get familiar with the faces that share your new home.
If Possible, Go Local
If youāre about to build your dream home in the perfect country location and youāre looking for the perfect builder, go with a local building company if possible. By choosing a local builder, youāll not only make a positive contribution to the local community (by giving locals some work), but youāll also meet the tradesmen you had a drink with the weekend before (see above tip). It will also mean that your builder will only be a local phone call or short drive away should you need to sit down with him or her to discuss some aspect of your home.
Trust Professionals
As important as going local with your builders might be, finding a professional is more important. Your house in the countryside is going to be your sanctuary, not to mention your barrier against any bad weather or ā perhaps ā dangerous wildlife. You need to know youāll be safe in your home, so a house and land package from a reputable company, such as Coral Homes, is usually the best option.
Be Visible
Itās all too easy to stay inside when youāve just moved to a new home in the countryside. No doubt youāll have loads of stuff to do around the house and, as a new person in town, you wonāt have any social obligations. But this is the wrong attitude. Itās important that you show yourself around town so that the locals can start to integrate you into their world. One of the best ways to do this is by taking your dog (or just yourself) out for a walk. Not only will it give you the exercise you need to stay strong and healthy, but youāll get to meet some of the neighbours.
Are you confident enough now to make the bold move and escape the busy city for the calm and serene countryside? Great. But, before you do, please share any tips youāve learnt in the comments below for those about to take the plunge as well.
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Images: Danish Farmhouse || Countryside Flowers via Shutterstock
Ah, I would love to move to the country. I always go to the countryside on holidays and when I come back to London I feel out of place for the first few days. One day maybe! š
Great post and very informative. I read your all the tips and found it very useful. Thanks for sharing.
Great post! Moving, packing, can be quite annoying, but these tips will certainly help with it!
Great post and very informative. Getting ready to start this process in the near future thanks for sharing.
Moving to the country, or anywhere can be scary and intimidating, but it always seems like it’s that dream in the back of people’s minds. You’re totally right though, go local and be visible! You don’t really want to be the reclusive new neighbours that no-one ever sees. If you want that, that can come later hehe. But at first, you should make an effort to be seen. Same really goes anywhere I guess. Great post š