Written by: Emily Joswiak • March 9, 2021• Safety

Things To Think About When Living off The Grid

Deciding to live off the grid is a big commitment that will require you to sacrifice many of the typical luxuries that come with living in modern society. To give yourself the biggest chance of success, there are important things to think about when living off the grid to keep you safe and comfortable. Ask yourself these questions in preparation for your lifestyle change and see if you are ready, willing, and able.

Will You Have Money Issues?

Unless you plan to live entirely separate from modern society and be completely self-sufficient, you will still need a source of income for basic supplies and equipment. You need to consider what you can do in order to make enough to survive, whether that be selling crafts or being a part of a commune that can pull their resources together.

Keep Ties To Society at Large

Depending on your financial circumstances, you may need to keep your current job or look for employment around where you plan to settle. The income you earn can finance your lifestyle but may sacrifice some of the freedom you’re looking for.

Where Are You Going To Settle?

You need to find a location that’s viable to live in and somewhere you can legally settle down. Land is owned, either by the government, private individuals, or corporations. You need to be aware of the settling rights in the area you chose; otherwise authorities may be called and have you removed from the premises.

The Right Climate

If land rights are no longer a problem, then you need to consider the natural resources available. Is your home close to a clean water source? Is the typical yearly climate hospitable to perennial human habitation? Can you reliably generate your own electricity with the sun and wind?

Is Your Vehicle Reliable?

To facilitate the transportation of necessary supplies and services to and from your home, you’ll need a vehicle to get around. It’s your main connection to the world at large, and if it can’t handle your off-the-grid location, then it’s useless.

Wear and Tear

If you have the right vehicle for the job, it will still need routine maintenance to ensure continued reliability. If the tires are old and the treads are worn, they’ll easily lose traction in hazardous conditions. If it rains regularly where you settle down, you may experience this loss of traction and begin to hydroplane. Knowing how to handle your vehicle in these situations is just another aspect of keeping yourself safe while living away from society.

Realistic Expectations

Don’t go into this new lifestyle underestimating the difficulties or overestimating your ability to handle those challenges. Keep yourself from biting off more than you can chew at first by starting small and slowly move away from society. Know your limits and consider all the factors of living off the grid.

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