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Living Off The Grid eBook
Living Off The Grid is a comprehensive collection of key topics explaining in detail the processes, pros and cons and other requirements as it relates to off the grid life. You will find this eBook refreshing and easily digestible, providing a clear picture into what it means to live life off the grid. Armed with the information in this book, readers will never be left wondering what’s next on their journey to Off The Grid Living.
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When considering a shift off the grid, there are a lot of decisions to be made well in advance of making the big move. Since this will involve making decisions on bringing the items you want versus the items you need, you will want to make sure the items you bring are versatile. If a pot can be used to bake but also used to boil, that is a better choice than bringing one item for baking and another item for boiling. It makes sense to have your equipment doing double duty.
Just to be clear, there are definitely different levels to living off the grid. For instance, some people may prefer to remain around everyone else while others might prefer a more remote location away from populated areas. The level in which you choose to live off the grid will have everything to do with your preparation. Below we will look at everything to consider and provide a list of tools you can buy right away to get moving in the right direction.
Cost
Going off the grid isn’t free! Your biggest investment will be upfront. Once you have the necessary equipment and supplies the rest is just maintenance. The cool thing about living off the grid is you can still earn money. These days you can sell your experience online via YouTube, learn how to make organic products from nature that you can sell online, eBooks, How-To Guides, Blogging, the list is endless. As you can see there are plenty of ways to keep money flowing in. See the “Preparation” section below for more details.
In addition to the products and supplies you will need, you should also put some money into savings. Whether you keep it with you or in a bank is up to you. I would personally recommend that you use a bank for your savings, there’s no rule saying that off the grid’ers can’t take advantage of modern banking.
While it wouldn’t hurt to invest more, you can get started (assuming you already have reliable transportation and a place to live) with as little as $20,000. This includes equipment ($10,500), Savings ($6,000), Miscellaneous ($3,500). These figures were loosely based on calculations made while putting the products list together, along with miscellaneous expenses along the way. $6,000 seemed like a nice round number to have as an initial emergency fund. Again, these numbers are oversimplified and that should be taken into consideration. You definitely understand the full weight of your monthly financial obligations and go from there.
For you fully Off The Grid Folks (more details below in “Equipment Check”) the venture is going to be a lot more expensive. This is because those who are fully off the grid have all the modern conveniences at their disposal to truly be self-sufficient. Most people have to work their way up to this point, and for those who are able to afford to go Fully Off The Grid straight away, budget limitations are usually not much of a concern.
Daily Routine
Living off the grid is not for the lazy. It will require consistent execution to the task at hand, ensuring that you stay ahead of the challenge. This means having a schedule that determines when you wake each day and what tasks you are to complete. If the idea of sleeping in is your ideal life then this probably isn’t the one for you.
More specifically there is the gathering of supplies such as wood and water, hunting, repairs, general maintenance, waste management, security checks, and so forth. Not every day will require such an extensive application of tasks but there would need to be something happening in order to ensure that order is maintained.
Emergency Plan: In the event something unfortunate happens and you live far away from other people, you need a way in which to make contact with someone who can help. This means having a reliable means of communication such as a cell phone or radio with the ability to communicate your situation and position. There’s no need to live without the convenience of the modern world, especially when your life may one day depend on it.
Equipment Check
There’s a long list of things one would need when choosing to go off the grid. To extent you choose to remove yourself from the rat race will greatly determine what stuff you will need. So choose accordingly. Here are the four types of Living Off The Grid:
Food
Depending on your situation you may or may not have access to a grocery store. In the event you don’t, or simply prefer not to use a grocery store, you will need to be able to hunt and fish. This is where your chosen location matters a lot (more on geography in next section). Either way, as an off the grid’er it only makes sense to learn how to grow your own food if you don’t already. Furthermore, the more you are able to supply your own meals the less dependent you are on others (which is the entire point). In additional to securing food it would help that you be able to store your food as well. Most off the grid’ers use some type of power supply, making it easy to simply plug in a simple refrigeration system to keep your perishable goods fresh longer.
Geography
Location, location, location! This is so important. Choosing the right location will either set you up for success or failure. The location you choose should have a water source nearby, and you want to try and avoid steep cliffs if possible. That includes settling at the top or at the bottom of one. If you live on top you run the risk of one day tumbling down, if at the bottom of something else tumbling onto you.
You should also consider things such as building codes that will allow for a more convenient transition on your behalf. Other considerations are climate (avoid extreme weather areas), healthy soil for crops, limited predators (I would avoid living where there are grizzlies, wolves or mountain lions, if at all possible).
A few ideal locations include: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and North & South Carolina.
Health
If you have health conditions that you must consider, be sure to stock up on the necessary medications required if you find yourself far away from populated areas. This way you will have to make less trips for refills, saving you time and energy. It might be a good idea to learn about what plants, bugs and other things in your desired region may have an adverse effect on your health as well. Lastly, find a way to exercise regularly. Living off the grid requires work and you want to remain nimble and strong.
Local Zoning Laws & Regulations
For every state and county you will find a different set of zoning laws and other regulations that either support or go against your desire to go off the grid. To save yourself a lot of money and time simply call ahead to inquire what limitations may exist when it comes to alternative living. You can ask questions such as; solar power requirements for homes. Building codes that must be adhered to... A good way to make sure you get answers to all of your questions is by informing the zoning office of your exact intentions and let them provide a full response to your request.
Power Source
There are three types of power sources available for use. They are Solar, Hydro and Gas. Your budget and location will determine which one works best for you.
Preparation
Perhaps the most important step you can take is properly educating yourself on the process and requirements beforehand. Of course you want to take into account your long-term goals. If you need to learn how to hunt for your good this is something you should begin practicing at least a couple years in advance. Hunting is a skill that requires time and patience to master, or at least become somewhat competent with it. The same goes for gardening, fishing and any other survival tactic you will need to support your new life as an off the grid’er.
Sanitation & Cleanliness
When it comes to sanitation you will need to determine whether or not you will use a septic tank, outhouse or composition toilet. This is yet another question that can be presented to the authorities. In this case it would be the Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Division. They will provide you with rules surrounding out houses, septic tanks and other forms of waste management that you may choose to exercise.
Other considerations is if you keep livestock and how exactly you will go about dealing with their waste. Fortunately livestock waste doesn’t require the same level of management that human waste does.
Regardless of your situation, having an efficient system of disposal as well as a method in witch you are able to wash items such as clothing, bedding and other personal affects will also need to be considered.
Security
Whether you decide to stay where you are or move to a remote location will determine the urgency for certain protections. I would advise anyone living away from populated areas to especially train with and carry self defense weaponry. Whether the potential threat is human or animal, it’s a good idea not to be caught without the ability to properly protect yourself. Before making a purchase, though, you should check with the local sheriff’s department with regards to laws surrounding firearms and other self defense items.
Water
Water is perhaps the single most important thing to consider. We can suffer a good while in other areas, but when it comes to water we have a very limited window in order to survive. This is why it is so important to find a location near a water source such as a lake or river.
Other options include aboveground water tanks, connecting to the local water grid or drilling a well (of which can be time consuming and expensive). I can tell you that I personally had a well build and it was no small feat, to say the least.
Of course you will need to consider water filtration. There are several tools on the market available. Please see product list for more information.
Pros
Cons
Dutch Oven
A Dutch Oven is very functional. These tall, lidded, cast iron pots can serve a number of useful functions. They can be used for any purpose from cooking various cuts of meat to simmering soup. They can even be used to bake.
Dutch Oven Tripod
You will not get much use out of that Dutch Oven if you do not have a metal tripod. This is used to hang your cooking pot over an open flame. These will come with a wire hanging devise to suspend your pot over the open flame. It can also be used to hang meats for drying.
Cant Hook
If you are going to be cooking over an open flame, using a wood-burning stove, or using a grill, you will need wood. A cant hook allows you to transport wood as well as adjust it as needed to ensure the flames are reaching your pot.
Hunting Knife
A good knife goes a long way. Whether you are using your knife to cut through meat or to debone a fish, you will want to make sure that you have chosen a good, sturdy knife that is up for all sorts of tasks.
Meat Grinder
As you hunt for food, it is possible that you may have more meat on hand than you are able to eat. This meat may require preserving or other cooking methods that will extend its shelf life. A meat grinder will allow you to add salt, herbs, and other preservatives to make your meat supply stretch.
Mortar and Pestle
There will be plenty of foraging to do once you make the move to off grid living. Wild herbs and plants have many functional purposes. Use your mortar and pestle to grind herbs for seasoning your food or for making tinctures.
Can Opener
The simplest item may be the easiest one to forget. If you are moving off grid and bringing plenty of canned foods with you, make sure not to forget that ever important can opener.
Emergency Survival Gear Kit
For many reasons it’s necessary to have a survival kit in the wilderness (assuming that’s where you are). That feeling when you go; “hmm.. I wish I had a…..”, probably isn’t ideal when living in isolation, far away from the nearest Walmart. You can avoid that headache by using a kit designed by experts who have already taken into consideration what things you may need.
Cast Iron Skillets
Durable, dependable and always able to get the job done. Cast iron skillets are in it for the long run and you can rest assured they will last you for many many years without fail.
Fire Poker & Tongs
Fire is akin to water in terms of importance when living off the grid. Fire is needed for food, warmth, safety, sterilization and more. Not to mention it’s very hot, and that’s why you should always have these little helpers to assist in manipulating it.
Heat Resistant Gloves
These gloves are not only useful with fire, but also objectives such as wood to prevent splinters and other rugged material that may otherwise cause energy.
The preparation involved prior to the big move off the grid will be time consuming and extensive. It will require you to give thoughtful consideration to the specific functionality of each item you bring. If off grid living is in your future, hopefully the above tips will help you in your decision making. Good luck!
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