How to Live Off-Grid

If you're sick and tired of the rat race and chasing the almighty dollar, if you could go for the rest of your life without seeing another human being and be happy, living off-grid might be just the thing for you. More and more, families are unplugging from chaotic inner-city life and moving to uncharted land. When you're ready to make the transition, there a few considerations to keep in mind.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Search for off-grid land by researching online real estate sites or calling land brokers in the area you want to live. Often, land that has no electricity, phone or plumbing amenities is less expensive. Make sure you can access your future home site by vehicle.

2. Decide whether you will buy an existing home, build one or have a modular home brought in. Many sustainable homes are constructed on-site to accommodate the special energy needs.

3. Choose a power source. Since you won't have access to public electricity, you will need to produce your own. Wind generators and solar panels convert natural elements into electricity but you may also choose to have a propane tank or diesel generator installed to supplement your energy needs.

4. Make allowances for sewage disposal. You may install an in-ground septic tank with a lateral drainage system, but it will require regular pumping to remove solids. Alternately, you may choose to recycle your sewage by installing a composting toilet and filtering gray water for irrigation. (See Resources)

5. Tune in to the rest of the world by installing satellite Internet and TV. In most remote areas, a dish-type system can be mounted on your roof should you want to interact with the rest of the planet. If there is no cell-phone coverage in your area, try signing up for a web-based phone service.

Tips & Warnings

• Devise a method for getting help in case of an emergency. This is especially important if young children live in the home.

Resources

• Extensive off-grid resources and products
• Composting toilet system
• Choose Women's Self Defense Items
• Choose a Construction Home Loan
• Build a Safe Room that Doubles as a Closet

[easythings75]

on 4/24/2009 Interesting idea but would take a lot of money to get started. Sounds appealing though!

[Desula]

on 7/19/2008 Good tips on getting started living off the grid.