Living off the grid can sound like a dream. You’re getting back to the land and living like your forefathers. Maybe you’ll raise your own livestock and plant your own crops. No matter what your goals are for going off-grid, there are important considerations you must plan for before you move into that little cabin in the woods.
1. Establish Your Water and Septic
For undeveloped property, you’ll have to dig your own well and install a septic system for waste. If you buy a property that has already been developed, make sure that you have a well and septic inspection Antioch or wherever you’re located. Make sure the existing system won’t need immediate replacement and that your drinking water doesn’t require special filtration.
2. Consider Your Electric Needs
Going off-grid no longer means you have to rely on a wood stove and candles for heat and light. Installing a solar system can keep you connected to the web, along with more basic necessities like refrigeration and maintaining your well pump. With the advances in solar batteries, you can keep your power on through cloudy days and overnight. Some batteries will even continue to charge as you pull their power.
3. Waste Removal
Living off the grid means you probably don’t have access to garbage pickup. You’ll learn to recycle more, compost and use some items for your fires, but there are always things that have to go to the landfill. Look into how far the landfill is from your location. You can also potentially work with neighbors to centralize garbage and hire pickup from a private company.
When you need to have your Thoreau moment, you can live for some time without an on-site water supply, electricity and even waste removal, but when you decide to make your movement permanent, don’t forget to plan for your own comfort.
