Effective Off-Grid Living Tips for Beginners

Off grid tricks and tips for success

Living off the grid offers a unique lifestyle that prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and independence from traditional utilities and infrastructure. In this article, we tip-toe into the world of off-grid living — for writers and everybody else. Whether you are considering transitioning to off-grid living or just want to get away from it all, this post will provide you with insights to thrive in an off-grid environment. And… if you live in an area where power outages are the norm, your off-grid prep steps can be a literal life-saver!

The Basics of Off-Grid Living
Welcome to my wild world of off-grid living, where Wi-Fi can be sparse but the sense of freedom is abundant. Off-grid living means providing your own electricity, water, and gas. Plus, trash disposal. Ugh! I once saw a story about a woman who reduced her trash to one – that’s one – quart jar of trash to dispose of for an entire year!

You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to take a bath in a teacup of water when you have to haul it all, gallon by gallon. Did you know that a gallon jug of water weighs 8 pounds? Water conservation, here I come!

As for propane… I have enough 5-gallon propane bottles to run heat, hot water, cooking, and refrigeration for about 6-weeks. I fill them all when I do my town run for a pick-up grocery order. Ahhh… something good came of covid after all…

Now let’s talk about electricity. I need it. There are certain amenities I refuse to live without anymore.

One is my laptop computer that I write and publish my family friendly tales with. Another is Ms Hessie, my Hessaire cooler for 100+ degree days. Nope. I’ve done my time. I want a comfortable temperature in my digs – and to be able to contentedly sleep my required hours.

My electricity comes from two sources. One is the rebuilt remains of a stand-alone 3.2Kw solar system that the marauders had their way with. It was awesome in the beginning. The other is completely portable and consists of 6 small power supply centers that I charge with portable solar panels. I can hit the road with them and have power anywhere I can find sun.

At this writing, I recommend the Jackery power packs. After four years of ongoing use, the Jackerys are still gleefully charging right along. None of the others – including Lithelli, are happily chugging. Although I have two VTOMAN heavyweights that have a year under their belts and are still perfect. But they weigh in at 45 pounds each… too heavy for this little lady to call portable without my handtruck.

Harvesting Rainwater for Off-Grid Use
When life gives you rain, harvest it! Collect rainwater from your rooftop, divert it into storage tanks, and use it for flushing toilets, watering plants, or even taking a refreshing off-grid shower. Rain, rain, don’t go away! But don’t drink it without filtering it!

Reduce trash and conserve water

To reduce my food storage wash water needs, I can my heat-and-eat food with a vacuum retort foil bag system. No dirty dishes and teeny tiny foil bag to toss. I don’t have to wash and store canning jars or dirty a kettle to reheat the contents! SCORE!

I just delisted ‘Adventures in Retorting’; a guide on using the vacuum retort system. I’ll be expanding, revising and updating it soon with more recipes, etc.. It will only be available in standard print because of the recipe format required for cyberspace. Look for it if foil pack retort heat and eat meals are on your docket.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, embracing off-grid living is not just a lifestyle choice, but a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient way of life for you, me, and the planet. By implementing the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can create a thriving off-grid adventure that meets your needs while reducing your impact on the environment.

Remember that off-grid living is a journey that requires continual learning and adaptation, but the rewards of independence, self-sufficiency, and connection with nature make it a truly fulfilling path to pursue.

An endnote…

I’m currently putting together an ‘Off-Grid Prep Tips for Success’ book. I hope to get it published in the next month, or so. You can get a sneak peek at some of the tips through my You Tube, Instagram, and Tik Tok posts. The links below will pop you right into my page. Go ahead and explore… follow and like my reels to have them show up in your feed.

Book 21 of the Sally the Loner series is cooling its heels while I learn more about promotion. I’m a writer, not a promoter. It’s like pulling hen’s teeth, but I keep trying.

In the meantime, dear readers and writers, I hope you’re doing well and that you have an excellent week.

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