How To Live Off The Grid In 7 Steps
Are you considering an off-grid lifestyle? Here are seven steps to get you started.
1. Locate Land
The first question you’ll have to ask yourself to create your off-grid lifestyle is where you’ll actually live. Unless you already own land that’s suitable for this lifestyle, you’ll probably have to purchase a plot of land.
Make sure whatever land you choose is suitable for what you’ll need. Look for land that has woods with trees you can use for firewood. Also, be sure there’s suitable space to farm or house your lifestyle.
It’s also important to learn about the local regulations before you purchase land. Find out if there are any permits you’ll need to use your land for off-grid living.
Depending on where you currently live, you might also consider relocating to a different part of the state or country. Certain regions are more suitable for off-grid living due to the quality of farmland, the weather patterns, the state’s laws, the risk of natural disasters, and more.
2. Build Or Buy Your Home
When planning your off-grid lifestyle, you’ll also have to consider what type of home you’ll live in. If you’re looking for traditional housing, you’ll have two primary options: building a home or buying a house. If you build a home, it may already come with the land you need. You could also buy a manufactured house and transport it to your new home.
Outside of traditional housing, there are plenty of styles of home you can choose from. You’ll likely also consider nontraditional homes such as tiny homes, yurts, recreational vehicles (RVs), shipping containers, and more.
3. Determine Your Water Source
One of the most important steps to establishing your off-grid lifestyle is establishing a water source. First, look for a natural water source on your property that you can transport to your home with a water pump (though make sure to read local regulations to confirm it’s allowed). In this case, you’ll need a way to treat the water to make it safe to drink.
More likely, you’ll have to drill a well on your property. It can be expensive, but it’s the most effective long-term solution.
Another option available — though likely not as your solar solution — is rainwater harvesting. You can put out rain barrels to collect water as it falls. Just make sure to purify the water if you plan to drink it. And remember that depending on where you live, there may be restrictions around rainwater harvesting. Some states actively encourage it, while others have limitations in place.
4. Develop Your Food Supply
Another necessary step of living off the grid is developing your food supply. First, people living off the grid often have livestock for meat and eggs. Not only will they provide food for your family, but they also give you a resource to sell or trade with others in the off-grid community.
In addition to lifestyle, you’ll also need a garden where you can grow fresh vegetables. The larger the garden you have, the more food you’ll be able to produce.
Another way of accessing food is by hunting or fishing. Depending on where you live, there may be only certain times of the year you can hunt. Then you can freeze the meat to use for the rest of the year. However, fishing is usually allowed throughout the year and can provide an excellent food source.
Depending on where you live, foraging and gathering may also be an option. Look for places nearby where you can collect berries, nuts, and other food sources.
Finally, it’s likely that you’ll have to get some of your food from the grocery store (or a local market). There’s nothing in the off-grid lifestyle that prohibits buying your food, and there are some items you simply won’t be able to produce at home.
5. Establish A Power System
You’ll need an energy source for your off-grid life. Producing your own energy allows you to remove yourself from the power grid without having to live without electricity.
The best way to produce your own electricity is through renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. Solar panels are popular among the off-grid community. They allow you to turn sunlight into usable energy to power your home. You might also consider installing wind turbines. Finally, if you have a running water source on your property, then hydroelectricity is another option.
No matter what power source you choose, you’ll want to invest in batteries to store the excess power you produce. This allows you to power your home when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing, etc. You may also want a generator to use as a backup energy source.
6. Create A Septic And Waste Disposal System
Waste management is another important step in creating your off-grid lifestyle. You’ll need a way to dispose of your waste, both from your toilet and used water from your sinks and showers. Since you won’t be on a city sewage system, you’ll need your own solution.
Many people living off the grid choose to build their own septic systems (or pay to have one installed). Some areas may also allow you to purify your greywater – meaning the water from your sink, shower, etc. – to be used for other purposes.
Additionally, some people living off-grid choose composting toilets, which allows you to skip the septic system and convert the waste into usable compost.
7. Enjoy Off-Grid Living
Living off the grid is probably unlike anything you’ve done before, and many people find it to be very enjoyable. In fact, the off-grid community seems to have grown exponentially, with plenty of blogs and other resources dedicated to it. It’s clear that off-grid living comes with plenty of responsibilities and requires you to really be prepared for the lifestyle change. However, it also has many benefits.
