The Most Important Things You Need for Living off the Grid

 

With the pace of city life getting faster by the day, the costs of living becoming higher, and the climate changes posing a severe threat to the planet, it’s no wonder that many people decide to live simpler lives. Currently, 1.7 billion people worldwide are living off-grid. 

Living off-grid indicates a way of life without reliance on public utilities that supply water, gas, and electricity. Sustainability and self-sufficiency are at the core of this lifestyle. If this is something you could do, you’d be glad to know it’s perfectly doable with diligent planning and preparation. 

To get you started, check out the most important things you might need for living off the grid.

Find the Right Plot of Land

A successful life off the grid starts with finding the right property. The land you buy must offer the best foundation for building a house, cultivating your own food, and storing your water. The ideal off grid land for sale is usually located in more remote areas, away from strict zoning regulations. The good news is that land in these areas is usually more affordable, and the property taxes are significantly lower. Of course, other factors such as the size of your family and the climate in the area you will live in will also play a crucial role in your journey of finding the best property. As a general rule of thumb, you should have at least one acre of land per person.

Build a Shelter

After you find the perfect land, you need to construct a shelter. Whether you opt for an RV, a traditional cabin, or a modern tiny home, life outside civilization is only possible if you have a roof over your head. In addition, the shelter will protect you from natural elements and predators. 

Consider the Electricity Options

Power is essential for heating, communication, and cooking. But at the core of off-grid living is the lack of connection to the local power grid. Therefore, you’ll have to generate power by yourself. Some off-grid electricity options include: 

Solar or wind energy — The less you rely on outside resources, the more self-sufficient your power system will be. One of the most popular possibilities is solar or wind power. Utilizing both power generation technologies will increase your ability to produce electricity and work well together.

Battery-operated appliances — Using a tactical flashlight or camping lamp that runs on batteries is essential in off-grid locations, as is using reused (rechargeable) batteries.

Solar-powered appliances — radios, flashlights, and illumination, feature built-in solar panels that take power straight from the sun, eliminating the need for an inverter or generator.

Old-fashioned wood or coal-burning stoves — If there is a steady supply of firewood nearby, these stoves provide warmth and heat for cooking.

Gas-powered appliances — refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines, are common among off-grid builders because they are dependable and long-lasting but require a steady fuel supply.

Ensure You Have a Dependable Source of Water

Never undervalue the importance of having access to a consistent, clean water supply for drinking, bathing, and cleaning on your property. An on-site source of water, such as underground water or rivers, streams, or lakes, is the best option to access dependable off-grid water. Just be mindful that you’ll likely need to spend money on a central filtering system. While most off-grid homeowners may employ rain collecting systems or buy and store vast amounts of water on their property, they also employ more advanced versions such as drilling a private well.

Stock Up on Food

Ideally, when living off the grid, you would grow and harvest your food. This means procuring food through fishing, gardening, farming, hunting, and foraging. In addition to this self-sufficient way of obtaining food, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials like canned vegetables, rice, dehydrated food, oatmeals, and canned fish as a backup. Learning skills like grinding flour from cattails or canning fruits and veggies would also be helpful.

Get Emergency Supplies

To ensure everything goes as planned, it’s crucial to have an emergency kit on hand. Some emergency supply essential include a first-aid kit with antiseptic, basic medications, and bandages, having a solid reserve of water and food, keeping a compass, emergency signals, paper maps in hand, and an NOAA weather radio. Moreover, always have a backup supply if you’re taking prescription medications. Finally, keep warm clothing, an emergency blanket, a headlamp, an LED flashlight, and an emergency communication system. 

Get a Waste Disposal and Septic System in Place

Dealing with the waste you generate will be required of you. You will need to install standard septic or composting waste disposal system. In either case, you must adhere to regional and national regulations on waste management.

In addition to breaking the law, throwing your trash into a hole and hoping for the best is merely unhygienic. This is not to imply that this is improper, but if you rear livestock, don’t do it close to your water source or the water source for your animals. Create a reliable septic system, and if you enjoy using your own trash as fertilizer, just be aware that it’s probably not permitted by city, county, or federal regulations.

Final Thoughts — Feel the Joy of the Off-Grid Living

Living off the grid gives you absolute freedom in setting your own ways of life, and there’s no right or wrong way to do this — it all depends on your specific needs and circumstances. However, one thing is sure — an off-grid lifestyle takes a solid commitment, sharp focus, and motivation. You’ll have to put in the work and prepare carefully to make the off-grid move function. Hopefully, this guide has helped you discover where to start and what preparation to earn for living off the grid. 

Remember, a successful journey starts with the right plot of land. If you need help finding the ideal parcel, don’t hesitate to contact DiscountLots — we have the best selection at the most affordable rates!