10 Reasons to Live Off-Grid

The security of self-sufficiency and the freedom that comes

wood heat

from being a producer rather than just a consumer is what our family is working toward. We have found it on so many levels here on our suburban homestead and look forward to increasing that as we eventually transition to our off-grid homestead.

We have started taking steps in the direction of an off-grid lifestyle by heating our house with wood and growing and preserving a lot of our own food.

On the coldest night of this winter, our county lost power, thankfully only for a few hours. There were stories of families huddled together to keep warm as the temperature plummeted outside.

It took as much as a full day to heat their house back up to a comfortable temperature. We have been heating with wood so we stayed cozy and warm. The only worry we had, was for the neighbors.

As we work toward our off-grid dreams we have put pen to paper and compiled our top ten reasons for wanting to live off-grid.

1. Freedom from utility bills

Likely the first advantage that comes to mind when considering an off-grid lifestyle is eliminating utility expenses. Exploring alternatives for power, water, and sewer is a great way to reduce the cost of living.

2. Good stewards of the Earth’s resources

When we are responsible for our own resources we are more aware of where they come from and how much we are using. Eyes-wide-open awareness is the most effective way to bring true change in any area of life.

3. Security

When tied to the grid we are tied to more than just the electric company. There are so many variables that could cause us to be without power. We want to eliminate that risk as much as possible. Not just by creating our own electricity but learning to live without it too.

4. Freedom to choose your lifestyle

Living off grid gives you options. Maybe you want to live in a yurt with no amenities. How about an RV? A tiny house? You might want a big house with every convenience but on a property that is too far from the electric grid. These are all possibilities off grid.

5. Location, location, location

Being free from the electric grid means that you can position your house in the best or most beautiful place on your land no matter how far it is from the electric lines.

6. Living as producers instead of consumers

orchard-fresh apples

Our family has really enjoyed our garden and livestock so much! Learning how to grow, harvest and preserve our food feels incredible. We are looking to expand that into so many other aspects of our off-grid life.

7. Environmentally responsible

Learning how to use much less electricity, recycling gray water and having a composting toilet are great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and make off-grid living work.

8. Learn new skills

I am excited to learn more about solar, harvesting water, building from the ground up and living more in touch with our land.

9. The sense of accomplishment

This might be the thing we are most excited about, building our homestead from the ground up. To be able to really express who we are in every aspect of our lives then look back and see all that we have learned and accomplished.

10. Encourages a life unplugged

Living off-grid is a chosen departure from everyday modern life in some form or another. That departure causes change, even if it is as simple as hanging the laundry to dry instead of throwing it in the dryer. Many off-grid tasks connect us to nature and life outside of a screen. We plan on embracing that with open arms.

Going off grid is not the wonder-drug that will solve all of your troubles. There are many choices that can be made, no matter where you live, to reduce your carbon footprint. For our family, it is the combination of all of these reasons that inspire and compels us to work toward our dreams of building our off grid homestead.

Your Turn!

  • What does off-grid living mean to you?
  • What reasons for living off-grid would you add to this list.
6 Comments
  1. Hello! My name is Andrea. I love in Ocean County New Jersey. My husband and I are looking for information about leasing our land to people with tiny houses. I watched you video on YouTube about people trying to find land and it got us thinking.. We love the Tiny House Community. Why not split up our land and lease to multiple houses. Cutting out sections of land for people to have their own private oasis. Our land is 16.3 acres and is very wooded and raw (no water or electric). But we hope to get both water and electric. Solar is also another option. Tiny houses is not popular in New Jersey but we hope to be a part of the ‘ Movement’. Hey lets me know what you think and if I’m your own personal opinion it a possible potential or even a good idea!

    Thanks!
    Andrea Herbert

    • That’s nice of you to consider others. All of this would have to be cleared with local ordinances and codes. That is a major hurdle for many people in many places.

      Better to check into that first. I hope you have.

  2. Hello! My name is Andrea. I live in Ocean County New Jersey. My husband and I are looking for information about leasing our land to people with tiny houses. I watched you video on YouTube about people trying to find land and it got us thinking.. We love the Tiny House Community. Why not split up our land and lease to multiple houses. Cutting out sections of land for people to have their own private oasis. Our land is 16.3 acres and is very wooded and raw (no water or electric). But we hope to get both water and electric. Solar is also another option. Tiny houses is not popular in New Jersey but we hope to be a part of the ‘ Movement’. Hey lets me know what you think and if I’m your own personal opinion it a possible potential or even a good idea!

    Thanks!
    Andrea Herbert

  3. I like that option. Keeping a tiny house off grid means that no matter where you are you can maintain the same lifestyle. No searching for hookups or paying extra fees and getting permission. When you arrive , you are ready because you have brought everything with you.
    Those not connecting with utilities will have it more challenging. You will be more aware of your energy / water use. That awareness leads to conservation.

  4. I have a tree house that isn’t insulated or have doors or windows. I want to live offgrid on it! that is currently my only option because my family wants to live in the house. what should i do?

  5. thanks

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