You might find pleasure in dreaming about mountain retreats and peaceful homesteads. However, although these dreams offer a temporary escape from traffic and the monotony of office life, they won’t help you achieve your goal of living off the grid.
I understand that it might take some time before you eventually decide to live off the grid. However, the positive aspect is that the more knowledge you acquire, the less probable it becomes that you will repeat the off-grid errors I made.
Regardless of your location, there are numerous actions you can take at present to prepare for off grid living.
Things you need to go Off Grid now
MONEY
Without money, where do you intend to go?
If you don’t intend to escape to the Alaskan wilderness or any similar untamed region with only minimal belongings and the ability to hunt for food and survive independently, then you will require money. To put it simply, there are essential purchases to make for living off the grid, particularly if you plan on bringing your family along.
Nowadays, money is an essential requirement for accomplishing any task, typically requiring a substantial amount. Otherwise, you would find yourself trapped in financial difficulties, renting accommodations, managing your finances on a monthly basis, and struggling to meet your basic needs. Money is generally a prerequisite for undertaking any significant endeavor.
Money is crucial for acquiring the majority of the remaining items mentioned in this list.
LAND
To begin with, you will require a destination to visit. A location that possesses WATER! (further elaboration on this subject will be provided later on)
At first glance, finding a suitable place to go may seem obvious and widely known. However, it is actually a challenging task to discover the perfect off grid property. When selecting the optimal location for off grid living, there are specific factors that one must consider.
To begin with, take into account the fact that you will not be connected to the conventional power grid. This implies that you will solely rely on generating your own energy, which will probably be sourced from wind and solar power.
In order to select the ideal location, one must consider a place with ample sunlight, moderate wind, and convenient access to other resources to ensure a secure, cozy, and easily manageable off-grid lifestyle for both your family and yourself.
If you have children, you need to think about the proximity of schools, hospitals, shopping, and entertainment in relation to the location of your land. If you are married, you also need to take into account the families of both yourself and your spouse. Off grid living areas, which are often found far from city centers, are also likely to be far from your in-laws (which might be seen as an advantage, but keep that a secret from your spouse).
SHELTER
In the context of construction, it is important to consider the necessity of shelter. An essential requirement is to have a secure, cozy, energy-saving accommodation that offers protection from the elements. Ideally, it should also be cost-effective.
Most people find basic log cabins/homes to be the most affordable and visually appealing option. Additionally, there are alternative choices such as RVs, converted buses, earthbag, cob, strawbale, and earthship technology. For temporary shelter while constructing your off-grid cabin or earthship, inexpensive options include purchasing or constructing yurts, tipis, or other types of “tents.”
Ways to prepare
READ EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT OFF GRID LIVING PREPARATION NOW
Before you make your move, utilize the numerous free online resources available for off-grid living preparation to acquire in-depth knowledge, particularly for beginners.
If your intention is to be as self-reliant as possible, acquire the knowledge necessary to initiate homesteading right away. Keep in mind that even if you reside in an urban area, you can begin developing your self-sufficiency and bushcraft abilities. Start off with apartment homesteading and make the most of the available space and resources at your disposal.
EXAMINE YOUR ENERGY AND WATER OPTIONS
To adequately prepare for off grid living, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the various energy and power systems available in your local area.
Please review solar power, solar panels, off grid electricity, off grid appliances, wind power, wind turbines, windmills, battery systems, and generators.
Depending on where you are located and the size of your home, some of these suggestions may be more suitable than others, while others may not be feasible.
In order to proceed, it is important for you to conduct thorough research on the available off grid or stand-alone renewable energy options specific to the area you are considering.
When considering living off the grid, it is important to take into account water. Depending on the location you intend to reside, you may need to handle water delivery, well drilling, or pumping or hauling water from a body of water.
WORK OUT HOW YOU’LL PROVIDE YOUR FOOD SUPPLY
If you plan to hunt, fish or trap now’s the time to learn the skills and identify the hunting supplies, emergency supplies, and trapping supplies you’ll need.
Make sure to educate yourself about the top prepper pantries as well as methods such as canning, preserving, and dehydrating food.
Remember to also check the licensing requirements, keeping in mind that in certain regions of Canada, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses are restricted based on season and possibly your indigenous identity.
Make sure to learn as much as possible about gardening by thinking step by step.
To begin, acquire knowledge on determining the appropriate amount of growth for each individual, low-effort gardening techniques, and permaculture design. Additionally, gain knowledge on food preservation techniques, specifically how to utilize a fermenting crock.
If you are eager to begin homesteading, you should consider choosing the optimal homestead meat animals to raise and familiarize yourself with the difficulties of an off-grid homestead.
EXPLORE OFF GRID MONEY-MAKING OPTIONS
If you do not intend to rely on investment or pension income upon relocation, it may be beneficial to explore methods of earning money while living off the grid.
There are individuals who sell their home canning and preserves, while others engage in soapmaking, producing other natural products, or woodworking as a means to earn additional income.
There are several options you can consider to generate income at home. One possibility is to welcome paying guests into your house. Another option is to continue your current profession, either by working remotely or finding opportunities in the nearby town. Additionally, freelance writing is another avenue worth exploring.
Make sure to educate yourself about enhancing your financial self-reliance in order to be ready for any future circumstances.
