Off-Grid living sounds amazing on paper, and there are definitely some people who are doing this well beyond surviving but thriving and living very comfortably. But there are some key aspects to consider before you venture into off-grid living.
What is off-grid living? It is the ability to live off-grid, meaning no utilities like electricity, gas, water, sewer, garbage pickup, etc. on a parcel of land you own and are allowed to live off-grid. Once properly setup for off-grid living, the monthly expenses are significantly lower than living in an urban or suburban environment.
Here are things that require consideration before venturing into off-grid living.
- Location
- Can I legally live here off-grid? How are the extreme temperatures (cold and/or hot)?Is there a good source of water? Can I grow crops or at least be close enough to buy food?
- Nearest medical facility?
- Power/Gas/Fuel
- How much electricity do I really need? How many days do I provision for not having power?
- What methods will I have stored power or generator?
- Food/Water
- Will I be self-sufficient for food sources? Will I need to supplement buying things at stores?
- How will I get water?
- Waste/Sewer
- How will I manage waste?
- How do I deal with sewage?
- Finances
- What is my budget? What is the cost of what I need or want?
- Will I be working at a job, will I start my own business, or retire?
These are just some of the things to seriously think about.
There is also the question of “Can I really do this?”
The answer to that will derive from you and only you.
You give up quite a lot to live off-grid, though, what you give up are not necessarily needs but more wants and creature comforts. It is a state of mind to live with less dependence on public resources and services.
Keep in mind, there are still some things you must still pay on a regular basis.
- Income tax (Federal and/or State)
- Property tax on the land and maybe your improvements on the land
- Maybe some required utility
All the above leads to the discussion of not being off grid if you must pay taxes or utilities. To some point, I agree, but living with less dependence to me is a better way to live. The key thing to consider is this. Does reducing the dependence reduce my cost of living? Maybe but not always.
I may consider writing a living off-grid e-book for my Patreon members. If I see enough likes to this article, I will write a book that will be constantly updated on living off-grid from beginning to thriving. Hit the Like button below and join my Patreon to get access to connect with me.
