The First Steps In Going Off Grid

By Jim Calhoun

Not every personality type can thrive in off grid conditions while others can be right at home with the same situation. For this reason, you MUST find out what your limitations are as well as your comfort boundaries.

So your first step is to throw your breaker to off and live for a week or two with no power, that is within reason, keep your refrigerator cold etc...

Up plug from your TV and gadgets. Use hand tools. Live like your great grandparents did.

If you find things too unpleasant then maybe going off grid would not be for you.

Of course, you would have self generated power while off grid but even with that, you must be able to adapt to that string of cloudy days or no wind that can leave you without ample power. Thus, you need to experience having no power to know how much you are willing to cope with.

Next, you MUST have everyone in the family on board. No exceptions.

The easiest way to create strife in your family is to drag them off grid against their wishes. So...... things have to be handled with care while educating the family on the pros and cons of off grid living.

If all are on board and can handle the occasional loss of power then you are almost there. Always remember that attitude is the key, so stay hopeful and positive about living off grid.

I have been totally off grid with no way to go back on grid for over 12 years. I love it and will never go back to the slavery that is on grid living. After you develop your own systems for living both with and without power, it is easy to live day to day with no issues or roadblocks.

When my power goes down I simply switch to my life without power mode. I use battery powered devices and hand tools etc... and stay just as fulfilled and productive as when I have power 24/7. It is all a head space you need to come to terms with.

Next, visit those who are nearest to you who are off grid. Pick their brain and ask questions. Look over their system and ask how they cope with off grid living. Then use what you learned to start developing your own systems and goals. Study everything you can. Become the informational source you will need. In other words, learn to be your own source of everything. To accomplish this much independence is very liberating.

If you decide to go off grid, choose one reliable source to purchase your equipment. Buy from those who have been in business for several years and who are helpful. In this way you are establishing somewhat of a team around you that can be a great resource. Buying from the cheapest source online can cost you dearly in the long run. Spend that extra dollar and buy local from professionals who can help guide you.

If you have no money, you can still go off grid and grow your abilities to produce power as you can afford it. Slow and steady if need be.

If you have the money, find the system you want and have it professionally installed. That would be my first choice.