How to Know If You Are Ready For Living Off The Grid

Have you always fantasized about living off the grid? People are increasingly choosing to live off the grid, to get away from the hectic city life and dependence on material things. It has a certain charm to it, but let me warn you beforehand; it is not for everyone.

What is Off The Grid Living?

The name probably caught on from the electricity grids, which cover most urban cities and connect houses and businesses and provides them with electricity. Most assume that it means living off the electricity grid, and while it is part of the package, that’s not all there is to this style of living. Living off the grid means living totally independent of not just electricity, but all utilities.

People who choose to live off the grid make their own resources or find alternative ways to get essential utilities. They may use electricity from personal solar panels or windmills and extract and treat water from wells and rivers. They treasure self-sustainability and thwart dependence and convenience.

Why Live Off the Grid?

It might sound incomprehensible that people would choose to let go of the convenience of city life and government-provided utilities and facilities. Still, some people want to live a life closer to nature. They want to do things on their own and really experience what it means to survive, instead of being handed everything served up on a plate. It is a lifestyle choice to them, and they draw deep satisfaction and a sense of purpose from it.

Some people also have a deep distrust of the government and societies in general and prefer to keep their distance and privacy. They feel more at ease and safer living away from people. It is a deeply personal choice to go off the grid, and you’ll know if it’s right for you.

What Does It Take To Live Off the Grid?

The first three things you should worry about are knowledge, money, and location.

• First, living off the grid is not easy, so start doing your homework and learning everything you can about the lifestyle.
• Secondly, this is an expensive decision, so make sure to stock up your bank account because this lifestyle can be costly. This is especially true if you plan on leaving your current employment and stable income stream.
• Your third consideration should be finding the ideal location. The perfect location will vary for different people.

If you plan on keeping your job, you should look for a place just outside the city so you can commute to work without issue. If you can live far away, choose a location with moderate temperatures, and plenty of water sources. Also, it pays to prepare for harsh weather conditions.

You’re Not Ready; What Can You Do in the Mean Time?

When you know, you know. As mentioned earlier, the reasons for an individual to live off the grid can be varied and can be deeply personal. Their goals become the motivation for them to take on this difficult task. Though the physical technicalities of living off the grid can be complicated, you can handle it when you are emotionally and mentally ready and willing to make an effort to survive offline.

But mentally getting there is not as easy as it sounds when you have always lived a life of comfort and convenience since you were born. It can be terrifying and intimidating even to begin to imagine living without everything that you took for granted. Give yourself plenty of time to process and think through the decision.

In the meantime, start learning to do things on your own. Learn the tips and tricks of survivalism, such as bushcrafting and hunting for food. Going off the grid, unprepared can quickly put an end to your journey before you even begin.

Another thing you can do while you wait is to start giving things up and saving money slowly. Stop using excessive air-conditioning, and make the gradual changes so you can completely move away eventually. Saving a substantial sum of money needs to start beforehand. Living off the grid can take months of preparation; it does not happen overnight, so make sure you are not clueless when you venture out.

Parting Thoughts About Off The Grid Living

If you are sure that this lifestyle is for you, make the necessary arrangements, and move out. With enough willpower, you can and will make it.