Off-grid living is about more than disconnecting from utilities — it’s about reclaiming independence, resilience, and a closer connection to land and seasons. Whether you’re planning a remote cabin, a homestead, or a partially off-grid home, the principles remain the same: produce what you can, conserve what you have, and design systems that work without constant outside input.
On this site, off-grid living is shared through real experience, not theory — from building and maintaining a small log cabin to navigating wildlife, weather, and long winters.
Reliable lighting is one of the first systems you’ll need to plan for, especially during long winters and evenings. We cover practical options in our guide to off-grid lighting ideas for cabins and off-grid homes.
Wood heat is one of the most reliable heating methods off-grid, but it does require regular maintenance and awareness. Before winter sets in, take a few minutes to review my full wood stove safety checklist for cabin owners.
What Does “Off-Grid” Really Mean?
Off-grid living can range from fully unplugged to hybrid systems that use solar, generators, or limited grid backup. Many people start small — powering a cabin, growing food, or preserving harvests — and expand over time.
Getting Started Resources
If you’re new to off-grid living or still in the planning phase, these guides walk through the mindset, skills, and realities involved before making the leap:
- Homesteading Today — A realistic look at modern homesteading, including common misconceptions, costs, daily work, and income options for building a self-sufficient life alongside off-grid living.
- Essential Skills for Off Grid Living — The core skills that make off-grid life sustainable, from problem-solving to daily self-reliance.
- The Unique Challenges and Rewards of Off-Grid Living — An honest look at both the freedoms and the hard lessons that come with living off-grid.
Further Reading & Inspiration
If you’re still researching off-grid living or want to learn from others who have done it, these books offer valuable insight into the realities of living independently:
- Live Off Grid – Getting Off Grid — A curated list of books that explore off-grid living, from practical survival skills to real-life stories of people who made the leap.
Where People Live Off-Grid
Off-grid life looks different depending on climate and regulations. We explore:
- Living off-grid in the United States
- Living off-grid in Canada
- The best states and regions for off-grid cabins
Challenges & Rewards
Living off-grid brings unmatched freedom — but also real challenges. Weather, wildlife, repairs, and isolation are part of the journey. These pages document both the hard lessons and the wins.
Our Off-Grid Story
Off-grid living isn’t something we planned overnight. It grew out of a single property, a small neglected cabin, and a lot of hard lessons learned along the way. If you’re curious what the transition actually looks like in real life — beyond theory and planning — this is where our story begins:
Finding Our Off-Grid Cabin: The Beginning of Our Cabin Project — How we found the property, what we walked into, and why restoring a small log cabin became the foundation of everything we now share about off-grid living.
Off-Grid Living FAQ
Q: What does off-grid living mean?
A: Off-grid living means living independently from public utilities by producing your own power, managing water, handling waste, and often growing or preserving food.
Q: Is off-grid living legal?
A: Off-grid living is legal in many areas, but rules vary by region. Zoning laws, building codes, and utility regulations should always be checked before going off-grid.
Q: How much does it cost to live off-grid?
A: Costs vary widely depending on land, power systems, water access, and building style. Some start small with a basic cabin and expand over time.
Q: Can beginners live off-grid successfully?
A: Yes. Many people start off-grid with limited experience by learning essential skills gradually and building systems step by step.
Disclosure:
Content on this site is for informational purposes only and reflects personal experience and research. Off-grid living laws and conditions vary by location, so readers should always verify local regulations before making decisions. Some links may be affiliate links, which help support this site at no additional cost to you.
Updated Feb 2026