How to Live in an Off the Grid Home
It is estimated that over 250,000 people in the United States are living in off-the-grid homes. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 and the increasingly expensive costs of maintaining a home, this number is only escalating.
While there are many viable reasons for living off the grid, it can be a challenging undertaking. It’s essential to understand precisely what is required to make your survival possible and maintainable for the long haul. Do you dream of living in your own off-the-grid home? Then, please keep reading for everything you’ll need to successfully and happily fulfill your dreams.
The Basics
Before you can begin living off the grid, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate land and shelter to support your new lifestyle. Owning land will be the foundation for your off-the-grid life. First, you’ll need a plot located in a remote area that lacks strict building codes and regulations. There are several desirable areas in the U.S. to choose from that go above and beyond supporting off-the-grid living.
Build Your Shelter
The next thing you’ll need to begin your new life is shelter. Whether you choose to live in a cabin, wood-frame home, a tiny house, a strawbale home, a cob house, or a yurt, you’ll need to make sure your future home is set up to live off the grid comfortably. Do your research on the many living off-the-grid home ideas. Choose a structure that bests suits your individual and environmental needs depending on the location your choose.
Find Water
A clean and safe water source is essential for living off the grid. You’ll need to choose a parcel of land where it’s convenient to haul water or that has a natural water source, like an underground spring. Whether or not you have a groundwater source, you’ll also need a water-collection system connected to your home that traps and stores rainwater.
Grow Your Food
Whether or not you have easy access to stores to shop for necessities, you’ll benefit by growing your food and raising animals. Set yourself up with some raised beds, a traditional garden, and maybe even a greenhouse to grow fruits and vegetables. Meat and eggs are an excellent addition to any small home living off the grid if your homestead is large enough to raise livestock.
Off the Grid Power
Having off-grid power is the most critical component to enjoy your new lifestyle comfortably. Since you won’t be connected to a power grid, you’ll need to generate electricity independently. This means setting up a power-generating system that provides you with all the electricity your home will need.
You can typically power a home off the grid with three or four 250-Watt solar panels. Depending on how much electricity you require, you’ll also need a 250-500 Watt wind turbine for backup. Many websites, such as blueravensolar.com/oregon/, have a lot of helpful information regarding what your home may need and the best installation modes.
How To Sustain an off the Grid Home
Whether or not you have the largest plot of land, the perfect shelter, or the most efficient energy system, the most critical element you’ll need for success is the desire and will to live in an off-the-grid home.
If you do your research and have the drive and work ethic to live off the grid, you can make it happen. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. If you enjoyed this article, you’d love our other lifestyle posts. Check them out today!
