Adjusting to Life in the Country | Wheaton World Wide Moving (2024)

The Wheaton Blog

January 1, 2017 | Moving Guides & Tips

Are you a city mouse who has decided to try the country life? Have you finally decided to fulfil your dream of rural living?

Whatever your reasons for moving to the countryside, it’s important to remember that life in the country requires an adjustment for most. Your country home offers you a tranquil environment and a beautiful outdoor landscape. However, it also puts you far away from familiar city conveniences.

We’re sure you and your family have prepared for some lifestyle adjustments. That doesn’t always encounter for unexpected bumps along the way. Here are six tips to help guide you in your transition to your new home more easily.

Buy in Bulk or Grow Your Own

You are probably used to driving down the street to buy groceries, but in the country you may have to drive to the next town. If you don’t want to drive to a faraway supermarket every week, stock up on bulk food items at warehouse retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club. You can buy food and household items in bulk to last your family for several weeks at a time.

If you have a green thumb, moving to the country gives you the perfect opportunity to plant a garden. When you grow your own food you not only provide your family with fresh produce, but you also lower your monthly expenses.

Make Time to Stay Home and Time to Go Out

The commute from the countryside takes a little bit longer than what you’re used to in the city. Your child’s elementary school, your new office, the movie theater-anywhere you go will take a planned trip. To avoid driving all over the place, find a way to increase your time at home or consolidate your trips. For example, see if you can work from home instead of commuting to the office five times a week.

To help save time and money, plan out when you need to make trips to town. Advance planning will help you avoid unnecessary travel and help save on gas costs.

Let Yourself Relax

Adjusting to Life in the Country | Wheaton World Wide Moving (1)If you’re used to the noise of cars passing by or your upstairs neighbor playing music at 2 a.m., the quiet solitude of the country can make you feel uneasy. Don’t worry, it will take time to adjust to your new bedtime noises.

You may struggle to fall asleep the first few nights in your new home, but after a little while you’ll acclimate to the sounds of nature and enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.

Lend a Helping Hand

Small towns provide tight-knit communities. Everyone knows everyone, and most people like it that way. Unlike the city or the suburbs where you can live in relative anonymity, country residents tend to have close relationships with their neighbors.

As a new resident you may have to work to fit in, but when you volunteer and participate in community organizations, you’ll meet your new neighbors and form friendships.

Appreciate the Finer Things in Life

Life in the country moves more slowly than you’re used to. People might show up an hour late to an appointment or spend Adjusting to Life in the Country | Wheaton World Wide Moving (2)all day napping by the river. People aren’t necessarily rude or indifferent to your commitments. They just enjoy a different pace. When you live in the country you realize that your greatest priority is the amount of time spent doing what you love.

If you’ve accustomed yourself to a jam-packed schedule, a move to the country gives you the perfect opportunity to spend more time doing something you love. Let yourself appreciate that time.

When you’ve found the perfect piece of country living, make sure you find the right people to move your life. You want someone who will give you the personal attention you need to safely pack and unpack all your belongings. The right movers will make sure your belongings arrive to your new home-no matter what location you choose-exactly as they were. Contact Wheaton today to learn more about choosing the right movers for your journey to the country.

Adjusting to Life in the Country | Wheaton World Wide Moving (2024)

FAQs

How will you adjust after moving to a new country? ›

Immerse yourself in the local language and customs. Building a local community and maintaining self-care helps you adjust over time. By understanding the stages of culture shock, you can take comfort that the challenging feelings are a normal part of becoming at home in a foreign place.

Will moving to the country make me happier? ›

Studies have shown that people who live in rural areas are generally happier than those who live in cities. This is likely due to the fact that rural areas tend to offer more natural pleasures, such as being surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Does moving country change your life? ›

Stepping out of your comfort zone

Not only will you find yourself in a new city, where you may or may not speak the language but you'll also have to find housing abroad, plan your finances, make new friends, embrace a new culture, and much more.

How long does it take to get used to living in a new country? ›

How Long Does It Typically Take To Adjust to Living in a New Country? The timeline varies widely among individuals. While some might feel comfortable within a few months, others may take a year or more to fully adapt to the new environment and culture.

How long does it take to settle into a new country? ›

It often takes years for expats to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Adjusting to a new culture, climate, and way of life can be daunting. However, some things can make the transition easier. Familiarize yourself with local customs.

How long does it take for a person to adjust to a new country? ›

Six to twelve months after arriving in their host country, expatriates usually begin to grow accustomed to their new home and know what to expect from their surroundings. Daily activities become routine, and the customs of the host country are accepted as an alternative way of life.

Is it healthier to live in rural areas? ›

Cities are subjected to a lot of pollutants. Industrial plants, traffic, waste, and more all negatively impact the conditions of the air that people breath. Rural areas tend to be free from these problems. The presence of trees, plants, and open spaces tend to mean less pollution.

Are rural residents happier? ›

It might seem like a move to rural living could bring calm and even happiness, but new research suggests that isn't always so. A study from the University of Houston found that those living in the country were not more satisfied with their lives than people who lived in urban areas.

What is culture shock when moving to a new country? ›

Everything is unfamiliar; from weather, landscape and language to food, fashion, values, and customs. The degree of "shock" depends on such factors as length of study abroad, flexibility, tolerance for ambiguity, degree of difference between home and host culture, prior experience abroad and his or her expectations.

Is it hard to adapt to a new country? ›

Adapting to life in a new country is a daunting task. Not only is the landscape different. The language, people, culture and weather are too. Many people find it hard to accept their new surroundings and tend to compare everything with their home country.

What is culture shock in a new country? ›

Culture shock is a feeling of disorientation, annoyance, and/or hostility experienced when you visit a country with norms and traditions different from your own. Culture shock has different stages but usually results in an understanding of your new host country's norms and traditions.

How long does it take to adjust to a country? ›

How Long Does It Typically Take To Adjust to Living in a New Country? The timeline varies widely among individuals. While some might feel comfortable within a few months, others may take a year or more to fully adapt to the new environment and culture.

How long does it take to adjust to living in a new country? ›

Six to twelve months after arriving in their host country, expatriates usually begin to grow accustomed to their new home and know what to expect from their surroundings. Daily activities become routine, and the customs of the host country are accepted as an alternative way of life.

How do I adjust to living in the United States? ›

Suggestions To Help You Adjust To Life In The US:

Take care of yourself physically (get enough sleep, eat healthfully, limit alcohol intake, etc.) Increase your comfort level with English by practicing and using it, even if it is only for a few minutes a day at first. Go to English Language Learners Services for help.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 5952

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.