As the work-from-home trend continues, with some companies opting for a workforce that’s 75% remote, people are changing their perceptions about where they’d like to live.
Add to that increasing awareness of global warming, and we see more people considering off-grid living than ever before.
Are you one of those nature-loving souls who are considering this option?
It’s easy to enjoy off-grid living when it’s only temporary. Before you commit to this lifestyle, it’s vital to figure out exactly what you need to survive, and what it’s going to cost.
These are the essentials you require to make the most of your off-grid life.
1. Somewhere to Stay
If you want to live off-grid full time, you need somewhere to call your permanent abode. The RV lifestyle, ambling from one place to another, is wonderful in the short term, but you’ll ultimately want someplace to call home.
Since you can’t plonk your tent down anywhere you please, if you’re serious about living off the grid, you’ll need to buy land.
You must ensure that you’re far away from strict building codes and restrictive permitting procedures when you opt for off-grid living. Fortunately, these plots of land far off the beaten track are often cheaper, with lower property taxes, too.
2. Shelter From the Elements
Outdoor life off the grid is incredible for a short time, but you’ll need a roof over your head eventually.
You’ll find no shortage of awesome options when it comes to off-grid homes. These include tiny homes, cob houses, cabins, wood-frame homes, and yurts.
You’ve also got a choice between whether you’ll build your own home, hire a contractor, or buy a prefab structure.
When you buy your land, make sure it lends itself to the type of home you have in mind.
3. A Water Source
Potable water is essential for life and thus at the top of the list when it comes to off-grid supplies. The ideal solution is to buy a parcel of land with a perennial water source, but there are other options.
You can haul water from a nearby source or install a water collection system. This involves channeling the water from your roof or collecting rainwater as it falls from the sky.
Collecting water this way won’t work well in a low-rainfall area, so bear this in mind when choosing where to set up your home, too.
4. Powering the Off-Grid Life
Most fans of off-grid living opt for solar power to keep their homes operational. Yet, when the sun goes down, this powerful source disappears behind the hills.
So, if you want electricity during the dark hours when you need it most, you need a way to capture the sun’s energy, while it’s blazing out of the sky. Batteries are a simple solution to this problem.
Deep cycle batteries work best for life off-grid. Unlike regular automotive batteries, these innovations produce steady, ongoing levels of power. According to https://www.endurobattery.com/, these batteries also deliver clean power, capable of high-capacity draws.
If you don’t live off-grid but like vacationing in the great outdoors, deep cycle batteries suit RVs and boats too.
Wind turbines are another excellent source of electricity, that can run all day and night. Yet, it’s best to collect the power generated by your turbines to cater for calm spells.
5. A Source of Food
You might live miles from the nearest store when you go off the grid, so it’s best to grow as much of your own food as you can.
A vegetable garden comprising raised beds as well as a greenhouse with fruits and vegetables works well. Chickens are easy to care for and provide an abundant supply of eggs, and you can also raise animals for meat if you have access to an abattoir.
Learning the art of food preservation is essential when you live off the grid. That way, you can build up some stocks of the things you need and limit your trips to the store.
6. A Way to Get Rid of Waste
It might not make a great topic of conversation around the dinner table, but you’ve got to do something with the sewage generated by your household.
If you have the water, skills, or finance, you can set up a traditional septic system attached to your off-grid home. Alternatively, a composting waste disposal system works well.
Either way, you must comply with federal and local guidelines on waste disposal. You can’t simply dump everything into a hole and hope for the best.
Most officials frown on using your household waste as compost, and you could contaminate nearby water sources.
7. The Right Frame of Mind
Living off the grid isn’t for the faint-hearted. Things can get tough without modern-day conveniences.
It’s easy to stick it out for a few days, but unless you’re well-prepared and organized, things can get unpleasant fast. There’s no end to the work when you turn your back on modern conveniences, and nobody’s going to do it for you.
The idea of living free and easy in nature is an appealing one, but you’ve got to stay on top of things if you want to survive. Sustainable living requires hard work, focus, commitment, and motivation.
Stay Connected
Nowadays, a good Wi-Fi signal is another essential element for an off-grid life, especially if you work from home. You’ll need the internet to stay in touch with loved ones far away and a cell phone signal is vital in case of emergency.
Are you ready to head for the hills or would you rather explore alternative options? Bookmark our blog and check back regularly for more great tips on making the most of life in general.
For more information, visit whatsmind.com
