The COVID-19 pandemic has been a strange way to fall in love with homestead living. This has been a byproduct of remote work opening opportunities for workers. Before you pack up and head for the hills, there are a few things to know.
Repair Skills
Being able to make basic repairs to a home will serve you well. According to Modern Homesteading, the most difficult bit of adjusting is that it’s hard to get somebody to come and do repairs. Thankfully, there are many things you can learn to repair yourself. Online sources, others who live in homesteads, or those who serve in rural areas can help immensely. Basic knowledge of how things work on your property, such as how a pump functions, can help you diagnose repairs and know to call a driller, not a plumber if there are concerns. Better yet, you can fix it yourself!
Medical Skills
City dwellers complain when ambulances can’t respond with four to six minutes. Rural life increases that wait considerably. Knowing how to diagnose a stroke or heart attack is a great place to start with learning first aid skills. Having medical supplies is essential to safely stop bleeding. According to Code 3 Safety, knowing CPR can help buy time for those suffering from a heart attack while emergency services are on the way. Your family will have all the regular bumps and bruises as well, but being prepared in case of emergency is crucial
Household Skills
Most modern families did not grow up knowing how to clean a chicken, mix animal dung for gardening, or can fruit and vegetables. If your idea of “cottagecore” is more cottage than core, now is the time to grow your skillset. According to Hobby Farms, local extension offices can teach you how to use canning equipment, and how to safely preserve foods. Many areas will allow small animal husbandry. You can practice container gardening and begin learning about how to grow fruits and vegetables in your region, as well.
Your rural experience can be a magnificent one, or a troubled and stressful time, depending upon your preparation! By making a few starts, now, in learning skills that will be useful to you, you can feel more confident in your capabilities as you embark upon this new journey. Pretty soon you’ll be prepared to do all that is necessary to care for your new life.
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