What do you think of when you hear the word “off-grid?” You might conjure up images of people living in caves and shacks, or maybe a hermit living deep in the woods. There are certainly some people out there who still do live in these conditions.
However, it is not only possible for you to make your life more comfortable when you are living off-grid, but it might even be easier than you think! Off-grid isn’t about primitive living; it’s about making your life more sustainable. It may not be for everyone — but if you want to give it a try, we hope this list helps!
Purchase an RV (Recreational Vehicle)
When you live in an RV, you will have the benefit of all the conveniences that come with it. An RV is basically an apartment on wheels; there are plenty of storage areas for your food and clothing, multiple rooms, sinks, showers (for some), and even full kitchens. If you ever need to be near town or civilization for any reason, you can park your RV in a campground while you go do what needs doing.
If living in an RV isn’t your style, but camping sounds like fun — why not rent one? You could spend weekends off-grid yet still enjoy the amenities of “civilization” when you need them. Just make sure to keep your camping gear on hand. RVs are also a great option if you like to travel. Plus, as an added bonus, you can use your RV as a home away from home when you travel.
Clothes Washer
A clothes washer might sound like a luxury, but it’s actually one of the best investments you could ever make. You can buy an off grid clothes washer that will fit right onto your campsite, RV, or kitchen sink. It doesn’t require electricity to operate either; just fill it up with water and detergent, turn the crank for a few minutes, and wait for your clothes to be clean. Clothes washers are great for people living in small spaces because they don’t take up much room either.
Build a Solar Array
This is one of the most important aspects of living off-grid. When you are traveling, it isn’t too difficult to find enough space for solar panels. If you put them on your RV or trailer then they can be used anywhere that has access to electricity at night. A good solar array will provide all the power you need for running appliances, even if you want to live in an RV or small house.
It can also provide you with enough power to charge batteries for your vehicle, or run other items like TVs and stereos when you are in the middle of the forest off-grid. Building your own solar array is the way to go. It’s not as difficult as it may seem; there are plenty of online guides that can walk you through the process. With a solar array, you will have all the electricity you need to power your home—and then some.
Build a Wood Stove
A wood stove is much cleaner than an open fire pit, so it’s definitely worth building one. You can buy different types including rocket stoves, which do not require chimneys or outside ventilation to operate properly. They are small yet sturdy, making them perfect for cooking over while camping, or having inside your cabin while living off-grid. If you don’t want to build a wood stove though, there are plenty of other options for heating your home that won’t require an entire fireplace.
Install a Rainwater Collection System
Collecting rainwater is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to have a sustainable water supply. It’s also free! A rainwater collection system is another great way to live off-grid without sacrificing all the modern amenities. You can install a simple system on your roof that will funnel the water into barrels or storage tanks. From there, you can use it for anything from drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning. Just make sure you have a good way to purify it if you are going to be using it for anything other than irrigation. You can still have running water with this method, even in the middle of the forest.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make off-grid living easier than you may think. With just a few modifications to your current lifestyle, you can easily transition into this new way of living without sacrificing any of the comforts you are used to. These are just a few of the many ideas that are available, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make your off-grid living experience exactly what you want it to be.
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