Introduction: Restoring the Small Cabin When we first saw the small cabin, a tree had fallen across the roof and packrats had clearly moved in. It had been abandoned for years, but beneath the mess we could see good bones. This post documents the earliest stages of restoring our small off-grid cabin — from assessing … Read more
Gardening This post shares how I approach planning and planting a homestead garden in a cooler climate, along with links to the methods I rely on year after year. I am so looking forward to getting out and do some gardening, it’s been a long winter with lots of cold and snow this year. On … Read more
Why Everyone Can Grow a Vegetable Garden Growing a vegetable garden doesn’t require acres of land, expensive equipment, or years of experience. Whether you live in an apartment, a suburban home, or on rural property, vegetable gardening is possible in more ways than most people realize. Vegetables can be grown in raised beds, containers, small … Read more
This post documents the very beginning of our off-grid cabin journey — how we found the property, what we walked into, and why we decided to take it on. This project became the foundation for everything we now share about off-grid living. If you’re new here, you can explore the bigger picture in our guide … Read more
If you’ve felt the pull of living closer to nature, disconnecting from city systems, and building a more self-reliant life, you’re in good company. Off-grid living is more popular and possible than ever, but making the leap takes more than just determination. Reliable information and practical guides really make a difference. I’ve spent countless hours … Read more
Off-grid living in the United States is growing fast—whether it’s in the desert Southwest, forested Appalachia, or open plains of the Midwest. It means disconnecting from public utilities and creating a lifestyle powered by independence, resilience, and smart sustainability. Going off-grid doesn’t mean going without. It’s about harnessing natural resources, mastering DIY systems, and designing … Read more
Living off the grid brings a lot of freedom, but it also means handling your own off-grid home security instead of depending on city services. Making sure your home and property are safe is really important when you’re far from neighbors, don’t have quick access to police, and sometimes can’t get a cell signal. Over … Read more
Raising backyard chickens in bear country definitely comes with its own set of challenges. Bears are smart, persistent, and incredibly strong. Basically, the last thing you want getting into your coop is a hungry bear. The trick to bear-proofing your chicken coop is working smarter, not harder, by using the right combination of tough materials, … Read more
Micro-Hydro Turbines for Off-Grid Homes: A Complete Guide Micro-hydro systems work best for off-grid homes with year-round flowing water and enough elevation change to create pressure. If you live off-grid and have access to a stream, creek, or river, a micro-hydro turbine system can be one of the most reliable renewable energy solutions. Unlike solar … Read more
Understanding the Unique Challenges and Rewards of Off-Grid Living Living off the grid has long been associated with rugged independence, but in today’s world it has taken on a new meaning. For many, it’s not just about leaving behind utility bills — it’s about achieving a lifestyle rooted in sustainability, resilience, and freedom. Off-grid living … Read more
