Top 6 Off the Grid Living Mistakes: How to Avoid Them

Child girl watering tree while living frugal

Have you always dreamed to live free and independent, far from the grid and the traffic jams? You’re not alone. Off the grid living is now a popular way of life, and more and more people are going off-grid full-time. However, you shouldn’t romanticize the idea of sacrificing the commotion for the calm of simpler living, jump into off the grid living without proper research, and risk facing some failures along the way. The best approach to minimize any setbacks and start off your new journey on the right foot is to take a step back and educate yourself. 

Below, learn the top six off the grid living mistakes and how to avoid them. 

Mistake #1: Not Finding Suitable Land

The land is the foundation of your off the grid living lifestyle. So, failing to buy a suitable plot could certainly harm your plans. You need a property conducive to your new way of life — affordable, in a remote location, and far from stringent building laws and permitting requirements.

How to Avoid It: Start Researching Early

There is no such thing as starting to research a suitable plot of land too early; in fact, the earlier you start, the better. You’ll have a chance to find land at an amazing price that will take you a step closer to turning your off-grid living dream into reality. At Discount Lots, we have a fantastic choice of off-market listings that you can own with a down payment of only $1. 

Mistake #2: Lacking Basic Gardening Understanding

When preparing for a life off the grid, you may be thinking that you’ll be able to start a garden and simply produce your own food. While this sounds easy, you’d be shocked at how challenging it is to actually cultivate fruits and vegetables. Each seed has its own requirements regarding water supply, favorable soil, and the amount of sunlight needed so things could easily go wrong, especially if you’re inexperienced.  

How to Avoid It: Plant a Garden in Your Current Home First

You can study and research all you want, but the tried-and-true method of learning by doing is the greatest way to become a gardening pro. Find a plot in your current yard and experiment with it for a few seasons. You can learn from your mistakes and avoid starving while you’re alone and in the wilderness. 

Mistake #3: Not Understanding Off-Grid Power Alternatives

While switching your television for a book and your dryer for a clothesline may seem simple, what happens when the temperature drops below freezing at night, and there isn’t any heat? To survive off the grid, you must learn how to harness alternative energy sources such as solar power to get power to your shelter.

How to Avoid It: Learn the Basics of Alternative Power Sources Beforehand

Research and learn the fundamentals of generators, battery banks, charge panels, inverters, and solar panels. Also, consider wind and hydropower options. Evaluate the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision.  

Mistake #4: Lacking the Physical Strength for Off-Grid Living

Living off the grid may sound idyllic, but it actually involves a lot of manual labor. You’ll initially have to cut firewood and build your own shelter. Moreover, if you want to keep everything in working order, you’ll have to quickly pick up the skills of a mechanic, electrician, and plumber. So, starting to live off the grid without the physical strength to face these challenges could be disastrous. 

How to Avoid It: Start Working Out

Working out is crucial so that you can build up the strength needed to resist the physical demands of off-grid work. With regular workouts, you’ll raise your chances of surviving and lower your likelihood of breaking your back or suffering a catastrophic injury during your first year off the grid.

Mistake #5: Failing to Set Up a Disposal System  

When living off the grid, you must learn how to dispose of human waste properly. Failing to set up a proper waste disposal system can turn your middle-of-nowhere paradise into a toxic nightmare. It could lead to contamination of your food supply and drinking water, ultimately making you sick.

How to Avoid It: Research the Options

There are many solutions available for getting rid of waste. Your decision will largely be influenced by the type of off-grid living you opted for. Septic tanks, compost toilets, and aerobic systems are some of the options available. 

Mistake #6: Underestimating the Expenses Involved in Starting Off the Grid Living

You can realize long-term financial savings by living off the grid. But getting there can take a while. It can be costly to furnish your home with all you need to live comfortably. Also, you’ll quickly discover how fast the costs for solar panels, garbage disposal equipment, gardening materials, animals, firewood, and more pile up. If you aren’t financially ready, going off-grid could initially be a burden.

How to Avoid It: Start an Emergency Fund

While you’re still preparing your off-grid home, look for ways to reduce the cost of your materials and try to obtain them gradually. Also, start building your emergency fund to cover any unforeseen expenses. Creating a long-term strategy for earning money while living off the grid could also be beneficial. Research the local market and find out if there’s demand for particular produce. Then, cultivate them and sell them at the farmer’s market to secure a regular income. 

Final Thoughts on Off the Grid Living Mistakes

Living off the grid takes planning, preparation, and a lot of work. And once you’re there, you’ll have to continue investing time and energy in upkeeping your homestead. So make sure you thoroughly investigate every facet of off-grid life. If you read up on this new journey, you might encounter fewer surprises. We hope that our list of top mistakes to avoid will help you with that! 

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