3 Most Common Types of How to Live Off the Grid

Going off the grid means being more independent and less reliant on public utilities. However, it also requires you to generate electricity, gather or pump water, and cultivate your own food. Even though the off-grid lifestyle isn’t for everyone, it’s growing in acceptance as more people strive to live sustainably. While some people desire to be entirely self-sufficient, others prefer to live partially off the grid. Remaining reliant on the network that provides water and energy to the general public. Here are the most common options on how to live off the grid – choose what’s best for you. 

Extreme Off-Grid Living

Some people decide that they’ve had enough of the fast-paced modern world and would prefer to return to a much simpler life. As a result, they sell their possessions or pack up their belongings and flee. Sometimes, off-grid living in this extreme form frequently results from difficult conditions. For instance, people who lost their houses in the California wildfires suddenly found themselves living off-grid – not out of choice, but because there were no other options.

Living entirely off the grid involves not having access to running water or a regular electrical outlet. People living this way usually have a source of clean water nearby, such as a potable river or lake. They may also have a fireplace or wood stove to keep them warm. If they choose to utilize electricity, they’ll probably have solar panels or a generator and only draw a little power when required. Cooking is typically done in and around the dwelling, using the wood stove or fire pit, as well as oil lamps and candles serving as the primary lighting sources.

Although it is the most affordable way of how to live off the grid, it’s also the most challenging. Unfortunately, this extreme way of living off the grid is most common than you may think since 940 million people (or 13% of the world population) lack access to electricity, whether by choice or necessity. 

Partial Off-Grid Living

For the vast majority of individuals, this style of off-grid life is the most feasible and comfortable. It involves drastically decreasing the reliance on governmental assistance while boosting independence. The goal of partial off-grid living is to preserve basic comforts while drastically reducing one’s environmental impact and annual power costs. It’s often considered to bring out the best of both worlds. 

For instance, when living in a semi-rural area, people may have a septic system instead of connecting to the public sewer system. The local pumping station may still provide them with fresh water, but they will collect rainwater to irrigate their vegetable garden. Similarly, they might use a wood burner instead of electric heaters to heat their house. They probably also cook on the same wood-burning stove that’s used to heat the home.

Moreover, partial off-gridders might raise about half of their food and keep a few birds for eggs. These people will likely keep preserves like jams, pickles, and root vegetables and hang their laundry to dry on a line rather than in a dryer.

Modern Off-Grid Living

The modern off-grid lifestyle is the most popular off-the-grid method. It allows for almost all of the modern conveniences while implementing ways to remain self-sufficient. The modern way of off-grid living involves high upfront costs, but it can significantly reduce your expenses over time.

Fully off-grid residents are entirely self-sufficient. They will have a variety of power sources, lots of access to clean water, and numerous modern amenities. For instance, they might have self-charging electric cars and a solar-powered septic system. For access to running water directly from the ground, many people who live off the grid will dig a well and attach an electric well pump. Some also prefer a hand crank option in case the electric well pump breaks down.

People living a modern off grid style could connect the indoor bathroom to a septic tank, instead of the sewage system. And, when they can pump clean water into the home, they can take regular showers and baths.

Modern off-grid cooking could be done using modern appliances. Still, most people who lead a modern off-grid lifestyle opt to raise their own livestock, produce their own cleaning and personal care products, and cultivate their own food. Some off-grid homesteaders may decide they want to meet all of their food demands on their own. Vegetable and cattle farming are standard activities, but some might also collect sap from maple and birch trees and boil it down to make sugar instead of purchasing it from a nearby store. Or, they could raise bees to make honey. 

Should You Try Living Off the Grid?

Living off the grid requires a significant commitment. But if you’re ready to lead a minimalist lifestyle and invest the time in off-the-grid living preparation, it can be a rewarding experience. Apart from the financial advantages, people who live off the grid benefit from a more independent, self-sufficient lifestyle. This way of living can reduce your carbon footprint and lead a naturally healthier lifestyle — you’ll know exactly what is going into your body because you grow and raise all of your food.

Moreover, if you opt for an off-grid living now, you will be secure if the electrical grid or the food and water supplies are ever compromised. Since you won’t have to worry about monthly expenditures once the initial costs are paid off, and you might be able to work part-time or solely on your homestead after that. 

Final Thoughts on How to Live Off the Grid

Finding the ideal property is the first step to living successfully off the grid. The plot of land should provide the ideal foundation for your home, raising your own food, and storing water. Usually, the best off-grid land for sale is found in rural locations, where the zoning restrictions are more flexible. The good news is that in these areas, land costs and property taxes are typically lower.

If you’re looking for the perfect piece of land to turn your off-grid living idea into reality, check Discount Lots. We have a vast selection of vacant land parcels waiting for you!