Is city life getting you down? Does a life in the countryside sound like just the tonic for you? Wouldn’t it be nice to wake to the sounds of chooks, sheep and the ride on mower, and the smell of hot bread fresh from the oven? It is a possibility to turn dreams into reality. Here’s some thoughts to help you make those early tough decisions and kick start your plans. So let’s begin!

Like what it’s my number one reason for wanting to move to the country? Am I trying to get away from the grind of the city? Seek a better life for my family? Am I looking for a slower routine? A life lived sustainably off the land? Or do I just want a patch of lawn and a ride on mower that I can call my own?

To make sure this really is the practical guide it’s intended let’s start with money. It’s always the last thing we consider when we’re dreaming but it’s good to make it the first, and grow your plan from the ground up. Do you have a house to sell? How much will you realistically get and what will that convert to in the area your looking? Do you want to downsize or upscale? If you require a big piece of land, what are your plans and do they require equipment you’ll have to work into your plans? Will you be able to use the land and your new lifestyle to reduce your cost of living from where it is now?

Work – what will you do? I know! Aren’t we talking about getting away from that? In reality work will be different but it will still be work so put on a positive mental attitude and be prepared to accept challenges with the exciting bits. Are you leaving your current work? If you’re self employed can you bring your business with you? Or will it require a whole new start? If you are planning to commute you’ll need to consider the distances and the strain on you for driving. Maybe it’s something you can do on a limited amount of days per week to reduce transportation time. Coupled with a work from home scenario, and you might have found a winning combination to realizing your dream? If you have children you’ll need to think about childcare and the reality of working from home. It isn’t as easy as it is tempting. But if your dream for the simple life includes more time with the kids then maybe home schooling is an option for you.

It can be a common mistake to underrate the challenges ahead. One of these is the feeling of isolation once you move into a new community. How do you feel about leaving your friends and your family? How much support do you receive now and will you require the same amount when you move? If you enjoy people and seek out company then you may struggle being separated from your relationships. If you enjoy your own company you may find it easier, but the challenge for you will be how to go about making new friends. However all that’s needed is persistence and a ‘muck in’ attitude, as the best way to meet people is to get involved. As country communities are generally quite close there a lots of opportunities. Check out churches, school and preschool groups, sport clubs, even special interest groups.

When deciding on your dream location think about how far away from your friends and family you want to be. Is it a place that is accessible for weekend trips? Is in cost inhibitory? if so – does this bother you? Do you need to include space in your plans for your visitors to stay? Think about the affects on your children. Is this new life going to benefit them more than the stress and turmoil of change? Is there access to good schools? Don’t forget to future proof as well. What about high schools and where your young adults can go to university one day.

Become an expert in your area of choice. Find out everything you can about the pros and cons. Talk to the professionals and be sure to visit in person more than once. When your house hunting you want to be there in the flesh, not hunting via the web. You don’t want any nasty surprises when you turn up with your moving van. If you are passionate about lifestyle farming or sustainable living then find other locals and get their experiences. You’ll be able to avoid the mistakes they made which will save you stress and money.

So now you are at the point where you have pinpointed where you want your new life to be. Now the plans about what to do on your land begins! What’s your passion? Is it farming? Growing wine or olives? Alpaca’s? Or even just sustainable living? You are going to need some equipment. Let’s use the example of a ride on mower, which is a well known tool in the country where big patches of grass are common. Buying the right ride on mower for you needs needs to include key information about your terrain. Such as whether it’s hilly and/or steep. How long and thick the grass is. How much time you’ll have to mow. Whether you want to collect the grass clippings or discharge them. Assessing your needs will lead you to the right decision. And remember, buying on quality and needs will trump cheap price in the long run every time.

Other site implications include how difficult your site makes it for you to live and improve it. If it’s hilly you’ll need to consider access and the impact of wind. If it’s near the sea you’ll need to think about the effect of salt water spray. From house protection to planting and maintenance, these little factors play a big role.

In closing, think about the traveling distance for you to reach the doctor and even a hospital. Additionally how long does it take emergency services to reach you? Also consider day to day amenities like shops. It’s up to you how far you want to travel to reach these places but a bit of forethought will make certain your content with the reality.

About the author: Molly Dunbar is full of great advice, including how to research the right ride on mower for your needs. If you have a tricky site, lots of long grass and hilly terrain, or you’re worried about safety you need to read her report on everything you need to know about ride on mowers.

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