My husband and I relocated to a remote log cabin west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, last year from Austin, Texas. Our lives were completely turned upside down as a result of the process: we left our families and friends, sold practically everything we owned, and quit our jobs. We envisioned raising our son in a different setting, living in a log cabin, and slowing down.

I had preconceived notions about “cabin living” before we relocated. What comes to mind when you think of living in a cabin? Beautiful wood beams, appealing rustic furnishings, or a warm wood stove might be the cause. I envisioned cabin life as having a few rustic accents but otherwise being similar to our flat in a big metropolis. How could it possibly be different?

However, I could not have been more mistaken! The cabin life was full of surprises for us. Here are the three main aspects of relocating to a cabin that we didn’t anticipate:

a) Cabins have their own personalities.
Thirty years ago, we hand-built our cabin from a kit. Our cabin has several special elements that were added by the person who built it. There is a specific way to take care of the wood stove, as well as how to open the windows to let in a cool breeze. We avoid particular floorboards because they make an audible creaking noise and the plumbing needs to be handled carefully. But the cottage comes to life because of its peculiarities. Every inch of the 800-square-foot cabin has a story, and we’re just learning how we fit into it.

b) You gain fresh insights on yourself.
I’ve learned by living in a cabin that I don’t need many of the things that were once routines in our life in the large city. I thought I would miss certain habits from our city life, but they have been replaced by new ones that I like. In the cabin, I prepare meals at home rather than eating out, and I use what we already have instead of shopping.

When our son was born, for instance, I constantly had to think outside the box. We constructed toys, a play gym, and a mobile using materials we already had instead of spending money on things he would outgrow quickly. If we hadn’t moved to the cabin, I never would have discovered how much I love to cook, explore the outdoors, come up with innovative solutions for our house, and so many other things.

c) A little warmth makes a big difference.
I was confident the cabin would be comfortable when we moved in. But I had no idea how significant that would be! Cabins are genuinely incredibly comfy. I was concerned about downsizing, the harsh winters, and how we would care for a baby in a small place before we moved to the cabin. However, the cabin’s coziness has more than made up for these concerns. On chilly days, our small family doesn’t feel crowded or cold because we are all snug in the cabin.

We are making lifelong memories at the cabin by spending evenings by the fire, afternoons playing outside, and mornings preparing a nice breakfast in the new snow. Our family has made a lot of special memories together in the pleasant setting of the cabin. And we’ve grown closer than I could have imagined. The transition from a large city to a cottage was unexpected. It completely upended our lives and has been full of shocks. However, I’m thankful for all the ways it has disproven my notions about “cabin life” and improved our lives in the process every day.