Saying Goodbye: Moving Off the Grid

Short on Time? Here’s The Article Summary

The article discusses the concept of moving off the grid, which involves disconnecting from public utilities like the power grid, water, and sewage systems. It emphasizes that off-grid living requires proper planning and considerations. Key points include understanding the reasons for going off-grid (e.g., environmental concerns, self-sufficiency), knowing the laws governing off-grid living in your area, and preparing financially for the upfront investment required.

The article also highlights different ways to go off-grid, such as living in a traditional home powered by solar energy or living nomadically in an RV or camper. It stresses the importance of researching zoning laws and building codes to avoid legal issues. Overall, the article aims to provide guidance for those interested in living off the grid, emphasizing the need for foresight, planning, and adaptability to succeed in this lifestyle.

Introduction

Moving off the grid is something many consider and few accomplish. It may seem like a daunting notion at first brush, but it's easier than you might think. All it takes is the right know-how, an adventurous attitude, and a spirit that won't quit. So, if you're fed up with modern living and looking to drop off the grid, read on for some essential pointers about ensuring your success with doing just that. 

What is Off Grid Living?

Before doing anything, you first must know what off-grid living is and why people bother doing it at all.

Going "off-grid" means disconnecting from public utilities like the power grid, public water, and sewage. It’s cutting that proverbial cord, as many have done with expensive cable and satellite TV. It also often implies growing and hunting food, and some take going off-grid to the extreme by completely disappearing into the unknown. All that's essential to off-grid living, however, is slashing ties with the grid itself. 

Some people ditch the grid for eco-conscious reasons and others do it for protection in case of a natural disaster. Whatever your flavor of off-grid tea, you must plan ahead.

What Should You Know About How to Move Off the Grid?

Maybe you desire a cozy, snow-drizzled cabin, or maybe you want an impregnable underground bunker. Regardless of your vision, you need proper foresight to succeed. Below are some simple steps to consider before escaping your suburban cellblock and obtaining independence in the place of your dreams.

Choose how you want to go off-grid

There's more than one way to say goodbye to the grid. How you want to go off-grid influences how you approach the following steps. For example, if you choose to move from one house to another, you must consider the size and design of the house and what types of systems and resources you plan to use to survive. In other words, how will you source your water and food, and what type of energy will you use to power your home? (Hint: solar.)

Or maybe you're the nomadic type and opt for an RV, van, or camper. Your focus would be on ridding yourself of assets and figuring out how to get energy, food, and water as you travel. (A custom off grid solar kit might be just the thing you need.)

Know the off-grid laws

Whatever you decide, there are local, state, and federal laws governing off-grid living. The primary purposes of these laws are to prevent tax evasion, identity fraud, and building violations. 

Unfortunately, you can’t live off-grid just anywhere. Most urban areas, for example, require connection to public utilities. It’s imperative you do your due diligence and research, research, research! The silver lining is that all 50 states have places where it's legal to live off-grid, so get intimate with zoning laws and building codes to avoid running into any legal issues.

Get finances in order

Off-gridders can save tons of dough on utilities and resources over the long haul. However, moving off the grid usually requires a significant upfront investment. Plan out your needs for the below factors ahead of time to prevent feeling the sting of surprise financial constraints. 

• Land: Buy at least an acre or two
• Shelter: Off-grid home, cabin, RV, van, camper, or tent
• Power/Heat: Turbine or solar energy (the latter sounds perfect)
• Water: Install a well, implement a rain-catching system, or both
• Food: Gardens, livestock, hunting equipment, farming equipment
• Waste: Septic tank or outhouse

The amount of financial investment depends on your consumption and the quality of your systems. It's estimated that going off-grid requires an average upfront investment of $50,000-$150,000. There are ways to do it for under $10,000, though, if you don’t have that kind of capital. 

Make the move

Once you’ve made all your plans and decisions, it’s time to watch your dream become a reality! Cultivate your land, plant gardens, raise chickens, install a freshwater well, install solar panels, and hunt and fish for wild game. From here on out, it's all about how you learn to adapt to your new, disconnected lifestyle. 

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