What is off-grid living? You might be considering moving off-grid, but you are not sure how to start. There are many things that you need to consider before deciding to move off-grid.
The term grid refers to electricity. An electric grid connects most houses and businesses. A water grid and gas grid are also part of every urban community. When you choose to live off-grid, it means that you are no longer dependent on the city’s utility source.
Off-grid homesteaders usually have their well. Solar power and wind energy are familiar sources of energy. The difference between living on the grid and living off-grid is that people who live off-grid are self-sustainable.
Many people would like to change their way of living. Unfortunately, this means that they would have to live outside of their comfort zone. Off-grid living is living a life without being tied to utility bills. You are responsible for your own electricity, water, and gas.
Why Live Off The Grid?
There are several reasons why people choose to live off-grid. First, living off-grid is deeply personal. One of the most common reasons is the total loss of trust in society and the government. They feel that the system can no longer provide the security that they need.
Another reason is independence and self-reliance. Many off-grid homesteaders are not dependent on society and its people. They can sustain themselves. They grow their own food as well as produce their own electricity.
Imagine a life without debt. If you are not dependent on the grid, you do not have to think about saving money to pay for your electricity, water, and gas. On the other hand, you do not need to pay for a mortgage or rent. Specifically, you do not have to think about saving money on insurance or loans.
You can eliminate unnecessary monthly bills. For example, people work every day to buy food and pay monthly bills. On the contrary, when you live off the grid, you will be able to install solar panels, build your own well for water sources, and do not have to worry about paying monthly dues.
Specifically, you will be able to cut down unnecessary expenses like cable bills, credit card payments, and many others. You would only need to pay for the things that you need when you live off the grid. Moreover, you can use credit cards for emergency purposes.
When you decide to live off the grid, you will be planting and harvesting your own food. This is a good thing because producing your own food is healthier in many ways. A good example is growing organic food, and you can be sure that there are no chemicals used in your food.
For some people, the main reason why they choose off-grid living is related to disaster preparation. In particular, in an earthquake or flooding, they do not have to worry about blackouts or contaminated water supply.
The Off-Grid Lifestyle
When you plan to live off the grid, keep in mind that you are about to change your lifestyle. You have to give up most, if not all, the comforts of living in an urban environment. You have to be equipped with the necessary skills to survive off-grid.
Start by learning basic survival skills like gardening, foraging, hunting, carpentry, and many more. Knowledge is power—basic things like learning how to build a fire from scratch. Your survival depends on your knowledge. Keep reading books about survival or surf the net about survival.
Furthermore, when you are planning to move off-grid, start by saving money. If you plan to live off the grid, consider that it is costly at first. The main reason is that you need to buy land, build your house, and install utility supplies.
On the contrary, you will be able to reap all the benefits once you start living off the grid. Once you have your own land, house, water source, and electric source, you will save a lot of money. Of course, you would need to take care of your waste disposal.
However, you have to take note that you will need to choose the best location possible. For instance, a good place is that the environment is not too hot during the summer and not too harsh during the winter. The weather and climate should be ideal. Carefully plan on choosing the best location.
Are You Ready For Off-Grid Living?
If you are not ready to transition to the off-grid lifestyle, continue learning all you can about basic survival skills. First, save a lot of money. Eliminate expenses that you do not need—for instance, cigarettes and liquor. You will be surprised at how much money you can save.
Another thing, talk about your decision with your family if they agree with your idea of moving off-grid. It is essential to consider your family’s opinions. Their survival will depend on your decision. Start talking to your friends or family before making your decision.
If you are confident that you and your family are well-prepared to live off the grid, then start investing in land, house, water, and electrical supplies. You have to make sure that everything is ready before you completely transition to off-grid living.
Another critical factor is to take note of rules and regulations in your area about off-grid living. It would be best if you were sure that the government allows off-grid living in the location of your choice. The only time off-grid living is illegal is when you camp on your own property. Take note of zoning requirements as well as ordinances in your area.
Final Thoughts
When you decide to live off-grid, keep in mind that it is not easy as compared to the comforts of living in urban areas. However, as long as you are prepared to live an off-grid lifestyle, you will reap the benefits in the long run. Imagine a life without monthly bills and expensive loans. You will not be locked inside a vicious cycle of debt.
Living off-grid does not necessarily mean you have to disconnect yourself totally from society. As long as you grow your own food, produce your own electricity and water, you are living a self-sufficient lifestyle. You do not need to depend on others for survival.
Continue learning basic survival skills even though you are already living off-grid. Another benefit of living off-grid is that you get to work from the comfort of your own home. As a result, you will be able to save gas, and at the same time, you save money and help the environment.
