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Plenty of homesteaders will tell you that the off-grid lifestyle is often romanticized. Visions of no bills arriving in the mailbox, no need to interact with others, and always being surrounded by animals may be the way that you have thought of off-grid living.
However, as with anything in life, there is a stark line between reality and the fantasy of the off-grid lifestyle. Here are 10 off-grid living myths debunked to help you understand more about how modern off-grid living really is.
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Myth #1: Off-Grid Living Means No Modern Conveniences
There are many definitions of what off-grid living really means. However, the most basic definition of off-grid living is not being connected to public utilities like water, sewer, and electricity. This means that many off-grid homesteaders have a well for water, a septic system, and get electricity through other power sources.
Off-grid living could still mean that many modern conveniences are within the home and land, but they aren’t constantly connected to the homestead that requires a monthly payment to the local utilities.
Myth #2: You Need a Lot of Land
You may think that you need at least a handful of acres to even think about living off the grid. However, the truth is that you can do so much with just a little bit of land!
Some people who live in the city even choose to live an off-grid lifestyle. While having more land could be beneficial in becoming more self-sufficient, it isn’t a requirement to live an off grid lifestyle.
Myth #3: Living Off-Grid Is Simple
Choosing to live an alternative lifestyle can be anything but simple in our modern world. It is very easy to live connected to the grid because our society has pre-programmed us to rely on these modern connections.
However, choosing to live off-grid debunks the normal way of living and does require some ingenuity, education, and a whole lot of grit.
Myth #4: Solar Energy Is All You Need
While we would all love only to have solar energy for off-grid living, there are some other forms of fuel that you probably need. Living off the grid means that you don’t rely on a constant connection to power provided by the local public municipal utility company.
Many homesteaders still use gasoline, diesel, and propane to help power vehicles and equipment. We also use this fuel to help power generators in an emergency or when batteries are running low. Wind energy is another form of power that many homesteaders use, especially if they live in a breezy environment.
So, yes, while solar energy is the best form of energy, given that it is free and plentiful, it isn’t the only form of energy in an off-grid lifestyle.
Myth #5: You Can Live the Same Lifestyle as Before
Living off the local power grid requires you to make some changes in your life. This doesn’t mean you can’t still surf the internet or make a phone call, but it requires some extra planning and changes to a regular routine.
Instead of paying an electric bill, you will probably become an expert on solar power and how a battery works to store power. Instead of turning on the faucet to clean water, you may have to filter the well water or get a water softener to remove any unwanted iron.
Myth #6: You Need to Be Totally Self Sufficient
While many homesteaders’ end goal is to be totally self-sufficient, there are plenty of us who are not quite there yet. Self-sufficiency means that you can totally sustain yourself and your family on the land by growing all of your own food, sourcing material for clothing, and building shelters as needed.
Many homesteaders who live off the grid still shop at grocery stores and purchase items online to supplement what they grow on the farm.
Myth #7: Living in the Country Is Dangerous
It is wise to be a bit shy about going up to a country home and knocking on the door as a stranger. Country living does require a bit more protection because there is no one around to help in an emergency.
Many of us living in the country have access to protection in the form of firearms, security, cameras, and guard dogs. Those of us who live in the country often feel safer at home than we ever did living in the city.
Myth #8: You Will Be Isolated From Others
Some off-grid homesteaders like to live alone and prefer to be isolated, but it isn’t a requirement. Many of us who live in the country know our neighbors well. They may be a mile down the road, but we know our neighbors better than those who live in the city with neighbors just feet from the doorstep.
Country living is a different experience where you will quickly get to know the neighbors in what vehicles they drive, what they do for a living, and their regular routines. Country neighbors look out for each other and many homesteads are within a tight knit community.
Myth #9: Country Living Is Boring
There is always, always, something to do when living in the country. Your activities will indeed look different than city life, but there is no shortage of tasks, chores, or improvements on the homestead.
Living off-grid means you probably enjoy doing these things by yourself, and homesteading is a great way to learn new skills. There is always something that needs repair on the farm, and you’ll probably have a list of items that need to be finished hanging on the fridge.
Myth #10: You Have to Have Experience
Nope! All you need is a dream and a lot of grit to make it out in the country. Some have lived in the country all their lives, but plenty of us are city dwellers that moved out to the country with absolutely no experience. The learning curve may be long, but you’ll get the hang of it eventually.
Read up on how off-grid living works, and research how others in your area have conquered the off-grid lifestyle. You’ll make mistakes along the way, but as long as you are committed and determined to reach your goal (and laugh in the process), you’ll be just fine.
Off-grid living is not for the faint of heart, but it is an achievable goal that many homesteaders work towards. There is nothing like living in the country on your own piece of land. Plenty of us who have made the jump to the country vow never to go back to city life!
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