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So you’ve decided to “go off grid.” What now? The internet has a wealth of knowledge on this subject. Sometimes there is so much information, that it can be hard to figure out exactly what to do. Below, are three important, but often overlooked, first steps to going off grid.
The first thing you should do when going of grid is to determine why. There are so many different reasons for going of grid, and it is important to keep in mind your driving force, when the going gets tough. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint or downsizing to a tiny house that is easy to run off solar power? Maybe financially, off grid living seems like an appealing option for you to reduce your monthly bills? Or perhaps you have a piece of property that has no utility connections established, and off grid is the only option to you? Whatever your reason, write it down, so you can refer back to that goal for inspiration during your transition.
Whatever your reason for going off grid, there are challenges that you will face along the way. The second thing to do once you have determined why, is now to figure out how. This will require research. Lots and lots of research. Start with online searches, but don’t forget to check your local library for helpful resources. Remember, this is not a new lifestyle. Even if the book seems outdated, there may still be useful information in it. Read and watch everything you can get your hands on pertaining to off grid living. Be sure to check with your local regulations, and keep everything inside the law. Determine which systems you will be adopting, and familiarize yourself with them. Create a timeline of goals you want to achieve, that is flexible and achievable. Figure out your budget, and allow for unplanned expenses. It’s helpful to keep a notebook or journal for your thoughts, notes, and sketches.
The last thing to do before going off the gird, is to practice. Don’t wait until you are hungry, before you try out your camp stove, only to realize you have the wrong fuel. Take a couple months while gathering your equipment, to try unplugging from the grid that you are currently living on. See if you can live without the refrigerator plugged in. Will a cooler work for you? Or will you need enough solar energy to power a small fridge? Practice saving your grey water to recycle on your garden. Turn your air condition off, and open the windows. Switch from overhead lighting, to task lighting in the evenings. Use the time before you commit to being off the grid, to try it out and see what works for you.
Once you have decided why you want to go off grid, how you will do it, and are comfortable with practice. The next step is to take action. Implement the plan you created, keeping aware of your goals and budget. Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged when something doesn't go quite as planned. Just refer back to why you wanted to do this, and adjust how you had it planned. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and don't give up.
Megan
The first thing you should do when going of grid is to determine why. There are so many different reasons for going of grid, and it is important to keep in mind your driving force, when the going gets tough. Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint or downsizing to a tiny house that is easy to run off solar power? Maybe financially, off grid living seems like an appealing option for you to reduce your monthly bills? Or perhaps you have a piece of property that has no utility connections established, and off grid is the only option to you? Whatever your reason, write it down, so you can refer back to that goal for inspiration during your transition.
Whatever your reason for going off grid, there are challenges that you will face along the way. The second thing to do once you have determined why, is now to figure out how. This will require research. Lots and lots of research. Start with online searches, but don’t forget to check your local library for helpful resources. Remember, this is not a new lifestyle. Even if the book seems outdated, there may still be useful information in it. Read and watch everything you can get your hands on pertaining to off grid living. Be sure to check with your local regulations, and keep everything inside the law. Determine which systems you will be adopting, and familiarize yourself with them. Create a timeline of goals you want to achieve, that is flexible and achievable. Figure out your budget, and allow for unplanned expenses. It’s helpful to keep a notebook or journal for your thoughts, notes, and sketches.
The last thing to do before going off the gird, is to practice. Don’t wait until you are hungry, before you try out your camp stove, only to realize you have the wrong fuel. Take a couple months while gathering your equipment, to try unplugging from the grid that you are currently living on. See if you can live without the refrigerator plugged in. Will a cooler work for you? Or will you need enough solar energy to power a small fridge? Practice saving your grey water to recycle on your garden. Turn your air condition off, and open the windows. Switch from overhead lighting, to task lighting in the evenings. Use the time before you commit to being off the grid, to try it out and see what works for you.
Once you have decided why you want to go off grid, how you will do it, and are comfortable with practice. The next step is to take action. Implement the plan you created, keeping aware of your goals and budget. Don’t allow yourself to become discouraged when something doesn't go quite as planned. Just refer back to why you wanted to do this, and adjust how you had it planned. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and don't give up.
Megan