Have you been thinking about dropping everything and living off the grid? Whether you’re thinking about building a van to travel the country or getting a cabin in the middle of nowhere, you’re joining a group of people who are paving the way for this.
5 Tips for Living Off the Grid
Since the pandemic, more and more people are moving out of the big cities. There has already been a 300% growth in people beginning to live in vans, and that number has only grown since.
So if you’re ready to join the group of nomads for off-the-grid living, here are five tips to get you started.
1. Use Solar
Whether you have a tiny cabin in the middle of nowhere or you are living in a van, the first thing you want is to make sure you have solar. If you’ve been wondering how to power your home, this is your best bet.
It saves you money and helps the environment as well! Check out here if you need solar in your state.
2. Go with a Compost Toilet
If you want to be fully off-grid, but don’t want to fully give up comfort, then you should go with a compost toilet for your bathroom.
With a compost toilet, you are able to go to the bathroom in your van without worrying about smell or dumping every couple of days or weeks.
3. Have an Off-grid Checklist
As part of off-grid living, you have to keep an eye on everything in your home to make sure you are all set for a few days. Here are a few things you’ll need to have at all times:
- Water supply
- Drinking water
- Food supply
Then there are some other tools and items you should have with you as well:
- Cooking ware like a stove and pots and pans
- Flashlight or lantern
Of course, there are a lot more items you will need, but this is a good start.
4. Know Camping Regulations
Most places are going to charge you to camp. However, there are free spots dispersed around the country.
Sometimes, you can stay overnight in a parking lot. If you do this, just be sure to ask so you do not get a ticket or a knock in the middle of the night. In nature, you can stay at dispersed campsites for a total of 14 days.
5. Think About AC and Heating Needs
Depending on where you plan to be, you may want to have an AC or a heater when you are off-the-grid. This can ensure you are comfortable even when you are far away from civilization.
Tips for Living Off the Grid
It can be both fun and exhilarating to start off-the-grid living; however, it’s important you know what you are doing.
Living off the grid in the United States involves generating your own electricity, often through solar panels or wind turbines, and utilizing alternative energy sources. Water can be sourced from wells or rainwater collection systems, and waste managed via composting toilets and septic systems.
Growing your own food through gardening and raising livestock is essential for self-sufficiency. It’s important to choose a suitable location, considering climate and legal regulations. Additionally, adopting a minimalist lifestyle, reducing consumption, and building skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electronics can significantly enhance off-grid living success.
Following these tips and searching for even more will make sure you are ready and prepared to go off the grid. If you enjoyed reading these tips and some of the off-the-grid checklist items, be sure to check out some of our other blogs!
