Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of daily life? Or maybe you want to break away from modern conveniences for a simpler, more independent lifestyle. If so, the off grid lifestyle may be right for you.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Check this list for seven signs that living off the grid could be the best lifestyle for you.
True, leaping into a new lifestyle can seem daunting. Yet there are many signs that it could be exactly what you need.
Note - these items aren’t in any particular order.
7 Signs You Should Move Off The Grid
Note - Honestly, after ten years of living off the grid, I realize that mindset may be the most important aspect of preparing to live off the grid.
And you need to be somewhat fit as an off-grid lifestyle requires more daily physical activity than a typical city or suburban lifestyle. But how you think through problems and situations will significantly impact how well you achieve your off-grid living goals.
1. You Crave More Space and Value Privacy
If your home and neighborhood feel cramped, an off grid lifestyle could be the ideal solution for gaining more space and breathing room.
Now, we’ve traveled all across North America. And all the off-grid setups we’ve seen have been in remote (or at least forested) areas.
If you’re like many of our friends and readers, you need more space. Maybe you want to start an off grid homestead.
Or maybe you’re concerned about what’s happening on city streets and in suburban schools.
Maybe you want a larger backyard garden. Or your local HOA doesn’t like it when you butcher chickens at home.
In many cases, off grid properties are in unorganized townships or regions.
No homeowners associations.
No neighbors an arm’s length away.
And no building permits or other permits are required.
Plus, you'll likely find lower property taxes.
Even better, often, there's no need to worry about zoning bylaws or homeowner association restrictions in the wild.
You get to escape nosy neighbors and intruding eyes.
Going off the grid may be the right choice if you want more space, value your privacy, and crave a more solitary lifestyle.
Off Grid Communities
Note: Our off grid home in the Northwest Territories is in an area where ALL the properties are off the grid. There are at least 30 cabins or off grid houses on our trail, each on 1 to 3-acre lots. Because of the dramatic bedrock and boreal forest terrain around the lake, we still enjoy a pretty private off grid home.
And after ten years, we know almost all of our neighbors, although sometimes years go by without seeing/talking with them.
On the other hand, our homestead in northern Ontario is entirely isolated, far back in the bush. And we do have a lot more land here for developing an off grid survival homestead.
2. You Want to Be MORE Self-Sufficient and Independent
Do you find yourself researching things like "off grid living for beginners?"
If so, chances are you’re passionate about becoming as self-sufficient as possible, and the off grid lifestyle is perfect for you.
With the right resources, you can generate energy from solar panels, harvest water from rain and snow, and grow, go ice fishing, forage, or hunt for food.
If you have a knack for getting your hands dirty and enjoy working with mechanical gadgets, an off grid lifestyle may be the perfect fit. You’ll need to know how to troubleshoot generators, solar panels, or wind turbines.
And you'll need to get familiar with other equipment required to maintain your off grid power system setup.
Off grid living can offer a degree of freedom from the rules and regulations of society, allowing you to live your life mostly on your own terms.
So if you prefer to be untethered from the systems and rules that govern modern society, this lifestyle could be right for you.
Would you say you're resourceful? And aware of your surroundings?
In an off grid lifestyle, you’ll need to be creative and resourceful to make the most of your environment.
You’ll need to keep your off grid homestead and food supplies safe from predators.
You need to understand your local climate too.
3. You Enjoy Crafting and DIY
Living off the grid requires a certain amount of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to build or repurpose items you need.
If you’re a crafty person who enjoys building things from scratch, then you’ll love the challenge of creating an off grid home.
If you enjoy self-improvement by learning new hands-on practical arts and crafts, living off the grid can be an excellent opportunity to nurture yourself while exploring and learning new skills.
4. You Want to Live in the Wilderness
Some people just love to spend time in the wilderness.
If you're ready to leave behind most (all?) of the comforts of modern life, wilderness living without on grid electricity could be right for you.
If you dream about living a more harmonious existence in balance with our natural environment, chances are you'd enjoy this lifestyle.
Now, most of the off grid homeowners we know live pretty comfortably in homes with most (if not all) of the modern conveniences. However, some of these homes are indeed, deep in the wilderness.
The great thing about generating your own electricity is that it opens up your options for where you can live.
Note: An off grid lifestyle can be quite physically demanding, so you need to ensure that you’re in good shape before taking the plunge into an untamed new lifestyle.
5. You Prefer Simplicity
Modern life holds many distractions. While the technology explosion and exponential growth of access to information have benefits, many of us miss the old-fashioned, simpler life.
We yearn to get back to back to living off the land and focus on providing food, shelter, water, and balance for ourselves and our families.
I've found that living an off grid lifestyle has helped me to find freedom from the complexities of modern-day society and reconnect with the basics.
And if you feel stressed and depressed by societal pressures, an off grid lifestyle can offer an escape from over-stimulation. It can help you find peace and tranquility in the quiet of nature.
In my case, I don't miss the city traffic and commute. I don't miss the stresses of working in banking.
Yes, I still have plenty of tasks to focus on each day. But hauling firewood, pumping water, monitoring solar power, and tending to gardens and chickens and kids give me joy.
6. You're Interested in Alternative Energy
Are you passionate about sustainable living and interested in learning more about renewable energy? If so, the off grid lifestyle may be the perfect opportunity to explore alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
Now, I know that not everyone can just cut ties with their city lifestyles to move to the middle of the Arctic and homestead off the grid. And not everyone wants to.
Yet there are many, many things you can do to start becoming more self-reliant right where you are.
You can start homesteading activities in your backyard. Or even try homesteading in a rental apartment by growing vegetables indoors and cooking from scratch.
And if you're fascinated by the idea of adding a few solar panels or a wind turbine to your property, I urge you to look into it. You'll find lots of off grid living resources right here on our site.
7. You Enjoy Problem-Solving
Finally, if you thrive on problem-solving, this could be the lifestyle for you.
After all, you'll need to be a creative problem solver who can troubleshoot various issues that can arise from living off the grid. Especially if you live remotely.
When our old generators broke down, we had difficulty finding a repair person locally.
Same with our old propane boiler.
Luckily, Dan was ready to roll up his sleeves and figure it out.
He is not a professional mechanic. (He's a human resources executive.) However, he's a FANTASTIC problem solver. And he enjoys the challenge. (Well, mostly. Sometimes he gets frustrated.)
You must be willing to work hard. You should also be open to learning, prepared to plan ahead, and have a can-do upbeat attitude.
And as long as you're basically healthy and strong, an off grid lifestyle could be right for you.
So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge into an off grid lifestyle today and sign up for our Off Grid Life Quick Start Guide down below.
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