So you want to live off the grid. Maybe you are just testing the waters search off the grid living ideas to see if anything lights a fire inside you. Whatever the reason it’s exciting that your doing the research.
Off the grid living has a higher likelihood of success when planned appropriately but it is a thin line. You don’t want the details of a life changing decision to postpone the actual event indefinitely and unfortunately this happens a lot. When I speak to people a lot of the time they have been wanting to try living off the grid for years sometimes decades. Unfortunately they never made the attempt.
These off the grid living ideas will hopefully get you fired up if you’re on the fence or at least open up the possibilities. You can look at it as a starter pack to get your feet wet.
Couch Surfing/Backpacking
This will seem obscure to many but is the least expensive route to take because in most cases it’s free. If you are just experiencing a little wanderlust (need to travel) but are weary about making a permanent decision about living off the grid this is the route to take. You can do it in the US or overseas and travel the world without spending all of that money on boarding since you will be moving from place to place.
This method doesn’t have a lot of surface glamour or amenities but it is inexpensive, as temporary as it gets with almost no upfront cost All you will need are toiletries a proper backpack and sleeping bag. You will want to spend some money here. The wrong backpack means your back will be in pain constantly. The wrong sleeping bag and you will be wet, cold and uncomfortable. You will also need a strong lightweight tent. I know what your thinking tent!! I thought I would be indoors. You will for the most part but I can almost guarantee if your having a good time you will want the option to camp out in scenic locations you come across or maybe you get tired and need to stop and rest before your next way station. You to keep in mind that all of these items will be carried for the duration so they should be lightweight. If you are interested on going this route be sure to read (how to back pack travel).
Standard Van
I’m sure this sounds crazy but it has been going on since the mid 1900’s successfully I might add. You do some slight customizations to a van of you choosing adding the necessary elements for you to thrive in such a small space. This may include a small bathroom, in some cases that way just mean a composting toilet like NATURES HEAD that is covered when not in use as to not take up too much permanent space. Sometimes a sit down shower is installed as well so you can shower on your travels or something that can be used outdoors with water heated by the sun. You just set up a little privacy curtain if your near the masses or shower stark naked out in mother nature
Typically there will be a cooking element that allows you to cook outdoors with ease and a sink that is installed permanently inside. On top of that a gas or solar generator and panels if you go solar which I recommend. This is one of the cheapest ways to explore the world and you get to bring your house along with you, meaning no hotels, resorts, time shares etc. This is a good starting method to get off the grid and experience the life and the lowest cost home you can build.
Sprinter/ HighTop Van
Another great way to get off the grid. This is a bit more luxurious than the standard van as it is typically longer and always offers far more headroom than the standard option. This means room for more creature comforts. Indoor cooking, indoor stand up shower, toilet, small appliances, larger fridge. A small couch and even a permanently fixed bed.
This option is just a more comfortable way to travel albeit more expensive. It will still blend in to just about any scenario and allows for thousands of different modifications and hundreds of layouts. Personally I have done both and I like the standard van more for traveling alone but if you have a partner or companion the more space the better. You will start to grate on each other’s nerves regardless if you not used to confined spaces but there will be more wiggle room in the Sprinter.
RV (Recreational Vehicle)
All the vehicles listed are essentially vehicles customized for recreation but this is more exclusive to the vehicles commercially manufactured for that purpose. These are typically far larger than either of the vans comfortably sleeping 4 to 6 and with a price range that varies wildly. From a older vehicle with people practically giving these away because they haven’t ran for decades with rats living in them etc. On the other hand new off the lot with pop outs, navigation system, full loaded with everything you need for $150,000.
I have been in one of these more expensive units but never traveled extensively in one. I am always a fan of the classics and lower cost options because customization is where the fun lies.
RV’s are the most common way people have been living on the road for the better part of a century. Going back as far as the 1800s with the Roma people living in caravans traveling throughout Europe.
Trailer (Sometimes also called an RV)
This is a home that is pulled by a tow vehicle using a tongue and hitch system. They vary wildly in size and like recreational vehicle vary in price. In this particular category highly sought after classics like my favorite trailer the air stream still command high prices but still doesn’t come close to the cost of some of the newer models.
The trailer boast all the perks of the RV with the only drawback being you have to leave your tow vehicle to get into the trailer. You also have more things to concern yourself with. The condition and maintenance of the tow vehicle as well as the trailer. It can also be far more expensive due to needing a vehicle that can handle towing the trailer as well as the trailer for living
This option can easily be the most expensive on the starter pack list. But it can also have the most accommodations while also being detachable so it can be left as a permanent home somewhere.
Commonality
These options I would say are the common choices as far as off the grid living ideas go. Mainly because they are all less permanent than buying a plot of land and creating a homestead. It would be harder to sell that and get everything you put in back then go back to society.
With that being said how do you feel about these ideas? Do you think something more unique would suite you better? Let me know in the comments below and follow you with the link to see more unique off the grid living ideas.
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