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So you’ve already reviewed our basics on how to live a rural lifestyle. Now, you’re probably wondering what’s next. If you feel the natural life calling, it’s time to start looking more in-depth at what exactly your next steps will be. Are you ready to take the leap?

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to navigate the challenges of life outside of the city and your options to address them. With these tips, good planning and a can-do attitude, you can be the next person to enjoy the beauty that nature can bring.

In this article, we’ll cover:

  • How to adapt your routine for rural life
  • Planning a smooth transition
  • Getting ready for a new climate
  • Remote working tips
  • Designing your outdoor space
  • Tips for creating a garden
  • And more ways to embrace nature

Wooden swing hanging from a tree in a rural setting.

Getting a feel for your routine

Before moving, you’ll want to take a look at your daily routine. Where do you go on a day-to-day basis? Do you enjoy sitting outside for some fresh air or taking part in a lively nightlife? To make the smoothest transition to a rural lifestyle, test out the changes with your current routine. If you’re not already enjoying some elements of a simpler routine, it’s doubtful that you’ll suddenly jump into a completely new lifestyle.

Keeping a journal of your current days will show you the essentials of an easy switch. Note down details for about a month to understand the parts of your routine underneath your awareness. Some things that you can list are:

  • What products do you use every day?
  • Where do you go for fun?
  • Where and how often do you go shopping?
  • Who do you visit regularly?
  • Which forms of transportation do you take?
  • How frequently do you order out or cook?
  • What doctors do you see, and how often?

Once you’ve got an understanding of these things, you can move onto the next step.

Planning for a smooth transition

Now that you understand the staples of your routine, you can plan out ways to adapt them to fit your new lifestyle. Start by ranking what is most important to you. For example, if you have aging relatives in the area and staying close to them is a must, you can look at the surrounding area and see what locations are within driving distance. The form of transportation you have and your tolerance for driving distances will determine how far you can live from the necessities.

Once you’ve figured out what’s more important and have your area narrowed down, start identifying where you can go for recreation and shopping. It’s not uncommon for people living in rural areas to make one large trip every few weeks or months to a major shopping destination. If you plan for this, spice it up with some extras like a restaurant outing or some sightseeing along the way.

Your area should have quality medical care that includes any specialists that you regularly see. If you’re unsure who to choose in your new location, ask your existing healthcare practitioners for advice. As for your CBD needs, don’t stress it—we ship our products throughout the United States per each state’s regulations. Be sure that you check where your nearest hospital is and that they accept your insurance.

Getting ready for new climates

Depending on how far you’re moving, you’ll need to take the new climate into account. Homes in more moderate climates can get away with no air conditioners, for example. However, if you’re moving to a hotter or colder climate, you will need to consider the extremes in the weather. Imagine 100-degree heat with no air conditioner or four feet of snow with no snowblower. Do your research and ask people from the area what they recommend before you go.

In a similar respect, make sure that your car can handle the weather in your new home. For example, in a snowy climate, you’ll want to consider a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Keep in mind that other options like chains for traction in snow may be illegal in some areas, so do your homework.

Here are some factors to look at when preparing for a new climate:

  • Hottest and coldest temperatures
  • Likelihood of tornados or tropical storms
  • Average snowfall per year
  • Probability of droughts or fires
  • Heavy rains and winds

You can use resources like this page at Weather.gov to understand what to expect and how to acclimate to the weather.

Remote working logistics

Woman working from laptop in rural setting.

As discussed in our previous article, it can be hard to find employment in rural areas. Remote work promises new opportunities that follow wherever you go. First, try to find a job before you move. While you may have the skills to get one after, this allows for more security in the short term. If you have a job that you can do remotely, have an open conversation with your manager about your plans and see if they’re open to distance work.

Since the telephone and internet service may be slower than in the city, you’ll have to try some creative solutions. For example, instead of relying on wifi, consider using an ethernet cable for your computer’s internet connection. You can easily find options that are 30 feet long or more if you like to move throughout the house.

One hard fact of remote work is that issues will eventually come up. Storms interfere with WiFi signals, electrical connections, and even cell reception. Have a backup router handy that can run on a SIM card from another carrier and stake out nearby internet-connected cafes. It never hurts to be prepared, and these simple steps save you from potential headaches later on.

Enjoying the great outdoors

Now that you’ve got the logistics sorted out, it’s time to plan out how you’ll enjoy your space. You may find yourself in the rolling hills, sprawling fields, or nestled within the forest. The surroundings will provide plenty of inspiration for your new life outdoors.

Wooded areas lend themselves well to tree swings, walking paths, and feeders for the local birds. Consider where you like to sit and the view from that area. Don’t forget to tie nature into your plans and plant native flora. Wooded areas offer added allure to foragers, who will find many edible plants in the area to cook with. Learning proper identification and preparation of these plants serves as a vibrant hobby that builds self-reliance.

Flat areas offer marvelous stargazing opportunities. Consider adding a porch or sitting area where you can watch the sunset and the stars. Some may enjoy the idea of a geodesic dome for protection against the elements and warmth during crisp fall evenings. You might also consider a gazebo or other covered structure for protection against the sun on a hot day. To get some extra time outside, consider a picnic table or a dedicated outdoor eating area.

For those that live in the hills, be sure to take advantage of the view. Position an outdoor sitting area or fire pit where you have the best line of sight. A telescope or binoculars can help you start new hobbies, like bird watching or star gazing. Take advantage of that incredible bird’s eye view.

Getting your hands dirty

Black woman gardening in her yard with husband.

Speaking of the outdoors, you can’t forget your garden. No matter where you live, you can find plants that grow well in your zone. You can check the soil quality and see what plants grow best in your area. The six types of soil you’ll find are:

  • Clay soil
  • Sandy soil
  • Silty soil
  • Chalky soil
  • Peaty soil
  • Loamy soil

There are simple tests you can perform to determine what kind of soil you have. After this, you can choose which plants you’d like to grow and how you’ll structure your garden. For example, sandy soil is perfect for fruit trees and summer produce. Check your lighting and water situation to find out your most resilient options.

When possible, opt for native plants to live in harmony with your new animal neighbors. Plants like grass and non-native flowers compete with the native flora, disrupting animals’ habitats. Hobbies like foraging and flower pressing let you enjoy the existing beauty of your new home.

Embracing nature

One of the best things about living in the countryside is the proximity to nature. Getting familiar with your new surroundings can be a fun experience for the whole family. Check out local guidelines on keeping your pets and kids safe, and then consider getting a pair of binoculars to observe the sights from a safe distance.

You don’t need much to enjoy the outdoors. You can start with nothing more than patience and motivation. Here are a few examples of ways to start.

Owling

Are you looking for something to do around sunset? Owls love perching in tall pines bordering fields waiting for a bite to eat. Check that there is tall grass or another ground cover for the mice that they hunt and a food source for the mice. Since owls can be hard to spot, a full moon offers extra light to help you see them. You’ll find winter easier than the other seasons for owling since the foliage on the surrounding trees thins.

Stargazing

New moons give you the least light interference so you can see the stars. For starters, stare at a star and observe with your peripheral vision for any movement. If you wait long enough on any given night, you’ll see at least one shooting star or a satellite. You can tell the difference between satellites and airplanes by their lights. Airplanes blink, and satellites have one steady light that occasionally fades. This is because they reflect the light from the sun and don’t create their own. They travel slowly and in a straight line. Check for free star identification apps and meteor showers throughout the year to find something extraordinary.

Conclusion

Dirt road lined with green trees and nature.

The rural lifestyle is richly rewarding for both your mind and your body. While some prefer the city’s fast-paced life, others prefer to enjoy the fresh air and relax. If you identify with the latter, then rural life is waiting for you. Embrace the change and try something new. You might be surprised!

Like any other significant choice, making the jump to a rural life needs careful planning and consideration. However, if you have the drive and are open to change, you will have no trouble moving to your new life in the countryside. Sit back, enjoy the sunshine, and relax in the beauty of nature.

For an easier transition, check out our CBD products for both you and your pets. We can help you adjust with natural, plant-based supplements. At Life Grows Green, we aim to promote wellness through natural, sustainable means. Contact us to learn more about what hemp, CBD, and cannabis products can do for you.