10 Habits That Make the House Feel More Like Town Than Country
When you live out in the country, how you set up your house affects your day-to-day way more than it did in a city neighborhood. Some habits you pick up in town don’t carry over well, and they end up adding extra chores, clutter, or stress. Here are the ones I see the most often.
Bringing in Groceries Daily
A quick grocery run isn’t so quick when it’s 25 minutes to town and you forgot milk again. Out here, you’ve got to plan ahead. Shopping once a week—and stocking extras—makes life so much easier.
Not Labeling Freezer Food
When you’re working with bulk meat or garden produce, unlabeled bags get real confusing real fast. That habit of tossing leftovers in unlabeled containers might fly in a city fridge—but not in a deep freeze out here.
Wearing Outdoor Shoes Inside
It might not matter in town, but country dirt doesn’t play. One walk through the chicken run or garden, and your boots are dragging half the yard into the house. Set up a mudroom space and use it.
Forgetting to Close Gates
This one will bite you. Leaving gates cracked or propped open might not be a big deal in a backyard, but on land, it means chasing animals through the woods or explaining to your neighbor why your goats are in their garden.
Tossing Food Waste in the Trash
Out here, you’ve got animals that’ll eat it or a compost pile that’ll turn it into something useful. Throwing it in the trash is wasteful and fills your can up faster—plus it can attract wildlife.
Leaving Porch Lights on All Night
In town, porch lights help you feel safe. On land, they just attract bugs and make your electric bill climb. Motion lights are a better bet, especially if you’re trying to keep the moths out of your face.
Running the Dryer All Summer
When you’ve got open air, sunshine, and heat, running the dryer every day is a waste. String up a line outside and let nature do the work—it’ll save you money and your clothes will smell better.
Not Having a Shoe Bin by the Door
Without one, you’ll trip over boots, sandals, and muck shoes all day. In town, maybe it was no big deal, but on land you’ve got at least three different pairs for three different chores. Organize it early.
Using the Garage for Storage Only
You’ll need space to work—not just pile things up. A garage or barn out here should function more like a shop than a storage closet. It’s where you fix things, build things, and prep for weather.
Watering Like It’s a Sprinkler System
Town watering schedules don’t work in the country. Dry patches hit different depending on soil and sun. Instead of soaking everything every few days, learn which spots need it and how long it takes to actually soak in.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
