Photo credit: Nathan Anderson
In today’s world, living in a built-up area comes with ridiculously high costs; there’s a hefty price tag for those who want to be close to modern conveniences. Many are choosing to move into rural properties instead, as they’re drawn to how affordable and peaceful life in the country can be.
However, like any move, relocating to a rural property is associated with challenges. It’s a completely different way of life, far from having everything you need on your doorstep. Before you make any big decisions, here are some key factors to consider.
If You Want to Have Animals, You’ll Need to Make Space for Them
Photo credit: olio creative
A lot of people who move to rural areas end up getting animals, whether it’s something small like a dog or something larger like a horse. Regardless, these animals will take up space on your property, and you need to be prepared to sacrifice that area, which could otherwise be used for storage.
Remember, these animals don’t come alone. Usually, you’ll need a lot of additional features to take care of them, especially if they’ll be kept outside. Take a pony, for example; it will need a stable for protection overnight, as well as a horse feeder so it can eat. Dogs must be put into enclosures to keep them from running rampant in your garden. Plus, you’ll have to lay down some gates to prevent them from accessing certain areas.
Second-Hand Rural Homes May Require More Renovations
The first thing you notice when venturing into the countryside is that the houses tend to be older than those in more built-up areas. While there’s nothing wrong with that, they often end up needing more renovations down the line, which could cost you more than you’d like.
Although some small renovations here and there won’t break the bank and are expected, sometimes the job can be larger and come with a higher price tag. Currently, a house refurbishment costs between $19,490 and $88,407, though this is a general estimate. Many factors can influence the price, including how remote the property is, the scale of the changes, and the contractors’ experience.
You’ll Need to Ensure There’s Appropriate Insulation Before Moving In
Since you’ll be living in the country, the property you choose will be more than likely exposed to harsher weather conditions. It’s best to be prepared for these events as soon as you move in, so you’ll want to do a thorough check of the insulation before finalizing your purchase.
If the insulation isn’t up to standard, you may need to make some changes to warm things up. Installing energy-efficient windows is one of the best renovations to consider when moving into a new home. These will significantly improve your insulation and help reduce your heating costs, saving you money in the long run. Other improvements include sealing gaps in your windows and doors and installing thermal curtains.
Staying On Top of Pest Control Is Essential
People often forget how exposed homes in rural areas are to pests. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as being close to natural habitats and older homes having more entry points for these pesky creatures. Some of the most common pests that can invade your home include wasps, mosquitoes, spiders, and mice, but there’s no limit to what could make its way inside.
Whether you like it or not, you’ll need to focus on pest control to keep them away. The easiest first step is ensuring your waste is properly protected, as leftovers can attract them. You should also conduct regular inspections to make sure none have made their way in. If they’ve already entered, you’ll have to set traps and use poison to catch them as quickly as possible.
Extra Attention Must Be Paid to Home Security
Living in a city provides an extra layer of protection for your home because there are eyes and ears everywhere. On the other hand, when you move to a remote location, you don’t have that luxury. This puts your property at greater risk, as thieves are more likely to carry out robberies since it’s easier to escape without being caught.
You’ll want to make your home as robbery-proof as possible to protect yourself from these situations. Small additions like security cameras, locks on gates and sheds, and alarms can make a significant difference. Another useful step is adding motion sensors outside so that you’ll know if someone approaches your door.
Take These Things Into Account Before Making the Move Into a Rural Property
Nothing can take away from how amazing a rural property can be, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It requires more work and care than a home in an urban area. However, if you’re willing to put in the effort and don’t mind the additional stress, go ahead, invest, and make that property yours.
If you’re ready to take the next step, All Around Moving is here to help! Whether you’re moving across state lines or relocating to a rural retreat, our expert team will ensure a stress-free transition.
We hope you found this blog post on 5 Things to Know Before Moving to a Rural Property, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Transitioning From City Life To Country Life for more great tips!
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