In the US, swapping life in the city for a more rural existence has become popular among those tempted by less traffic, wide open spaces, and more peace. While typically associated with retired couples looking to get away from the stress that defines many cities, moving to the country is becoming increasingly popular with those simply seeking a slower pace of life and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Make sure you are well connected
While living remotely, it is even more critical that you have a proper internet connection for remote work. You will need to carefully research the best rural internet providers to ensure you still maintain a connection with the outside world.
Stock up on outdoor gear
One of the things you will pick up on as soon as you move to the country is that people tend to spend more time outside than in. With the appeal of nature on your doorstep, it is impossible to avoid walking across the hills and through woodland when the sun is shining. However, you will need to stock up on outdoor gear, including hiking boots, rainproof jackets, maps, ropes, knives, and thermals. You can buy all this new from several stores or save some money and shop online for the best second-hand outdoor gear.
Buy a suitable car
Finding a vehicle that will reliably get you from A to B is an essential part of rural living, and it will become an asset you are thankful for again and again. Getting around while residing in the country can be far more challenging than you expect, particularly when the heavens decide to open and muddy tracks quickly churn up to create difficult conditions. Choosing a sturdy, off-road car like the Land Rover Defender 110 that can tackle rigorous terrain with ease will make life ten times easier when it comes to transporting yourself around while reducing the likelihood of becoming trapped down the end of a boggy track should the weather suddenly take a turn.
Contacting friends
Even if moving to the country means setting up just a few hundred miles away from where you previously lived, friends and family will suddenly act as if you have dropped off the face of the Earth. This means that it is on you to make an effort to remain in contact with them, decide how regularly you will be able to go back and visit and send invitations tempting them to accept the offer of a rural weekend retreat. Cell phone signal may not be the best in the country, so ensure you plan for potentially grainy and frustrating video calls once you have moved.
Learn to cook
Takeaways and late-night diners are virtually non-existent in the country, meaning you will have no option but to cook your food each evening. While you may not be used to prepping meals on a day-to-day basis, it is a task that can very quickly become routine and result in saving you a significant amount of money. It also does not have to be time-consuming, with hundreds of simple and delicious recipes available online that can be cooked in under 20 minutes.
