diff --git a/.envrc b/.envrc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fcb863e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.envrc
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+# direnv's .envrc works with bash-like export and unset, etc.
+# but see `man direnv-stdlib` or <https://direnv.net/man/direnv-stdlib.1.html> for built-in functions
+PATH_add infrastructure/scripts
+
diff --git a/readme.md b/readme.md
index 17273b6..3937937 100644
--- a/readme.md
+++ b/readme.md
@@ -39,6 +39,10 @@ git pull --rebase origin master
 ./infrastructure/scripts/environment_bootstrap.sh
 ```
 
+### Using `direnv`
+
+1. Set up `direnv` ([install the binary/package](https://direnv.net/docs/installation.html) + [hook into your shell](https://direnv.net/docs/hook.html)).
+2. Run `direnv allow` inside your repo. `direnv` should complain about being blocked until you do this.
 
 # How to get the Docker image