One question Dan and I frequently get from friends, family members, even strangers, is why we live off grid.
Why live off the grid and put ourselves through the stress of hauling wood, pumping lake water, and dealing with generators that won't start? Why not live in a town with all the comforts? Then we wouldn't have to worry about generating off grid electricity, heat, or water.
Are you thinking about moving off the grid? While your reasons for doing so may be different from ours, here are just a few of the things that pop into my mind when people ask why we live the way we do.
To Be More Self-Sufficient
The opportunity to rely on ourselves as much as possible is one reason why we moved off the grid. That's probably what led me to leave the banking world and start my own freelance writing business. I wanted to be responsible for my ability to earn money.
We live off the grid partly because we're concerned about what the future holds. This way we feel like we have a little more security looking after our own energy needs using solar power and a battery bank.
That said, we're nowhere near where we want to be in terms of homesteading, securing our food supply, and decreasing our dependence on propane for our in-home systems and diesel for the generators.
Independence From the Energy Grid
When living the city life back east in the early 2000s, we experienced multiple power outages. I became increasingly uneasy at the thought of how my family would survive a prolonged power outage in the city. Especially in the sometimes-harsh Canadian winters.
Truth time. The idea of generating our own electricity and providing our own heat and water was a little scary for me. And learning about off grid electricity, pumping water in winter, and dealing with batteries were completely new to me.
These terms made think of Grade 11 physics - hands down my worst grade ever. Thankfully Dan's a lot better in in these areas than I am.
Read More: Generators for Beginners: The Very Basic Basics
Why We Live Off Grid in a REALLY Cold Place
So we live in Canada's Northwest Territories, just over 30 kilometers from the nearest town. If there was a road heading north, we could say we live about a three-hour drive south of the Arctic Circle.
Yes, the town is pretty close, but it feels remote. It's a ROUGH - though spectacular - drive around lakes and up and over bedrock formations to get to our place. And the last few kilometers are basically a one-lane dirt track.
We live here because five years ago Dan took a job based in the closest city (Yellowknife) and we fell in love with the area.
We knew we wanted to live "in the country." However, around here, the country living options are pretty scarce unless you're ready and willing to consider an off the grid home.
There simply aren't many (any?) country homes that ARE on the grid in this region. So there's another reason why we're living off the grid. We have to in order to live where we want to.
Most of our readers live in more hospitable climates than we do. Yet living off the grid is really the only way to achieve the lifestyle we wanted in the region we love.
Why We Live Off The Grid Instead Of In Town
Living in Canada's far north is expensive because all the building supplies get shipped up from "down south." (Mostly from Edmonton, sometimes Grand Prairie, both in Alberta.) So you'll pay a pretty penny to live in a smallish house (quite possibly a double-wide trailer) with neighbours close by.
When we were looking for a home here, we found that if we were willing to consider a home that wasn't tied to the power grid and town water, our dollar could go a lot further. However, I should also note that the house we bought came with some off grid luxuries that we didn't expect.
It Suits Our Lifestyle and Personalities
As parents of seven kids (five grown and flown) and two (almost three) grandkids, living off the grid but still within an hour's drive of town suits us. There's an airport, so our big kids, extended family, and friends can come out to visit us. Or at least, they could before the p.andemic restrictions hit.
There's a hospital and vet in town, a library, and a hospital and good medical services for our daughter who lives with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
I can get books, canning supplies, and any groceries we can't produce ourselves.
I run my business from home, and homeschool our two youngest children. We're expanding our garden, dabbling in homesteading, and building our self-reliance skills. So living off the grid suits us.
Plus we absolutely LOVE our home.
The view over the lake is spectacular. We swim, fish, splash, boat, and the lake provides all the water we need for our off grid water system.
Why Are You Interested in Living Off The Grid?
If you're thinking about moving to a home that's off the grid, ask yourself why. Some common reasons we hear include:
- to be off the energy grid
- more self-reliant
- to save money
- to feel more connected to nature
- to get away from people
- the challenge
Also, think about just how energy- independent you want to be.
Make your answers as specific as possible. Remember, no two off-grid lifestyles are necessarily the same.
For example, some people want to get away from others. Yet we have neighbors within shouting distance and we like it. In fact, one of our dearest friends lives right next door.
You might also like…
Being honest with yourself about why you want to live off the grid. This will help you choose a location, house style, energy source, and acreage that best suits you and your family.
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This post is part of the Homestead Blog Hop 324!
Whisper
A great life. Nothing compares. Enjoy every minute.
I knew it years ago.
I am interested in the NorthWest Territories. And have researched to try find how to settle on the land. Parcels of deeded land are said to be rare.
Is it possible to lease land for homesteading off grid?
Thanks.
Many blessings in your endeavours. Always rewarding. Challenging. And finding solutions to overcome.
Life
Henry Roop
Hello Sarita, your story and reasons are beautiful. I feel the same way! I am retired and 76, and have prepped for TEOD. Right now I am still installing solar panels and batteries, and have nearly have all the lighting connected to this (free system). The only thing not on solar is the refrig.,freezer. electric range and A/C. All
the sensitive electronics are on their own battery, and connected to a pure sine wave inverter. Still use piped in water, and power grid for the big wattage stuff.
I have heated with wood for many years, but age has slowed me down with the chainsaws. But in case the SHTF I can still cut wood, only slower. BTW, I love being independent, not dependent on the government or others. So keep up the good work, with peace and happiness to your family. Henry Roop
Tony
Hi, I'm more determined to live off grid than before. Your reason to go off grid are genuine. My small holding here in south Africa is situated along the sea coast and as such making it more convenient for my family to enjoy the breeze.
Sarita Harbour
Sure thing Ashleigh! What would you like to know?
Ashleigh Manson
Hi! I came across your article and was wondering if I could pick your brain about some thing homeschooling, working from home, and homesteading. we're just starting our journey and it's very daunting, even overwhelming. We know this is the right decision for our family, but have no real mentor or guidance, thanks so much!
Sarita Harbour
Thank you for your comment Michelle. This view is one that we just couldn't forget, and one of the many reasons we were drawn back to the North and to our home. Glad you enjoyed our post!
Nikki Gwin
High hopes! I love this article. So very interesting. I have read of several people who picked the place they wanted to live and then made it happen. I admire that! I've always had to follow the job. Find the job first and then thats where you live. But I"m working to change that requirement just as you did.
🙂 gwingal
Dawn
When I dream, I would love to live off the grid, but then I think about the actual reality of it and I'm just not sure I'm up for the challenge. I particularly couldn't do it in a region as cold as you're in, I like my hot summers, thank you very much! LOL Your surroundings are spectacular, though, and I would love to live somewhere more remote than I do right now. Maybe that's why I try so hard to make my yard an oasis, I'm trying to replicate your lifestyle without actually living that way!
Sarita Harbour
Hi AnnMarie! Great to see you here, and thank you for the comment. I read about your situation on your blog a couple of weeks ago and left a few suggestions in the comments. Hope things are going better for you and your hubby. 🙂
Sarita Harbour
Hi Michelle - thank you for the comment. You aren't alone - we get emails and comments from city-dwellers all the time, lol!
Michelle
Interesting post! Your view of the lake is spectacular. I’m happily a city-dweller, but find the experiences of those who go off the grid fascinating.
AnnMarie Lewellyn
Love this! We were recently kind of forced into the off-grid life and you know what we love it! I can't agree more about water and electricity. They were our 2 biggest challenges too! But after a lot of research and planning, I think we may have it figured out finally! Great post! You should share it in the Farm Fresh Tuesdays Blog Hop!
Sarita Harbour
Hi Lisa! Thanks for the invite, and we'd be happy to participate. I'll head over there right now!
Lisa L Lombardo
Hi Sarita! Here's a handy link to the hop this week...would love to have you share your great posts!
https://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2019/09/farm-fresh-tuesdays-18-and-frugal-living-on-the-homestead.html
Linda Carlson
I have lived off grid here in Montana back in my younger days. I could relate with a lot of your reasons.
Sarita Harbour
Hi Lisa - thanks for the comment! I'll check your blog hop - sounds good!
Lisa
Hi Sarita!
I love this! I have been trying to convince hubby to move off-grid. I'm not winning, lol. 🙂
For me it is about living in a more remote area, being more self-reliant, and reducing our expenses.
Found you on the Simple Homestead Hop and I would love to have you join the fun on my blog hop...Farm Fresh Tuesdays! We're always happy to have talented bloggers join in the fun!