Living Off Grid: 50 Steps to Unplug, Become Self-Sufficient, and Build the Homestead of Your Dreams
Living Off Grid: 50 Steps to Unplug, Become Self-Sufficient, and Build the Homestead of Your Dreams
by Ryan Mitchell
Island Press, 2025 Paper: 978-1-64283-359-1 | eISBN: 978-1-64283-360-7 (all)
ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Ryan Mitchell never thought he would go off the grid. Yet this self-described desk-jockey with no carpentry skills today lives on 11 acres in a house he designed and powers with solar, gets his water from a well, has a composting toilet and septic system, eats from his garden, raises baby quail, and runs his own business. His bills are a fraction of what they were when he paid rent and utilities, and he has infinitely more free time to pursue the things he loves. Life is far from perfect: there are times when the generator stalls or the water pump quits. But he has independence, self-sufficiency, and the support of a like-minded community.
If you’ve ever dreamed of this lifestyle, Living Off Grid will help you navigate the most important decisions you’ll need to make to create the reality that’s right for you. Whether you’re an urbanite who just wants to save some money (and carbon) with small solar arrays or you’re ready to purchase land or you’ve already taken the plunge and want a better way to deal with your wastewater, Ryan has done the hard work to set you up for success. He will also help you steer clear of common pitfalls, including purchasing land in a flood zone, underestimating your water needs, trying to rely solely on wind power, or simply biting off more than you can chew—or afford. Finally, he will explore little-discussed topics such as living off grid when you have a “regular” job and aging in place.
As someone who has done it himself and guided countless others on their journeys to unplug, Ryan knows that going off the beaten path can be daunting. But with the right knowledge, you can choose the road less traveled – and it could make all the difference.
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Living on 11 acres in a homestead powered by solar, Ryan Mitchell has helped countless people simplify their lives and go off grid. As the best-selling author of Tiny House Living: Ideas for Building and Living Well in Less than 400 Square Feet, he’s been featured in the New York Times, BBC, Associated Press, Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Mother Earth News, Treehugger, and NPR.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Introduction: Why Disconnect?
Part I. Adopt the Off-Grid Mindset
1. Realize Off-Grid Benefits
2. Simplify Your Life
3. Go Green
4. Develop Self-Reliance
5. Escape Debt
6. Achieve Food Independence
7. Live on Your Own Terms
8. Build Community
Part II. Create an Action Plan
9. Set Yourself Up for Success
10. Take Stock
11. Start Where You Are
12. Unplug in the City
13. Unplug in the Suburbs
14. Unplug in Rural Areas
15. Define Your Land Needs
16. Avoid Flood Zones
17. Identify Water Sources
18. Make Sure the Land “Percs”
19. Research Land Rights
20. Connect to the Grid
21. Pick Your Area
22. Start Your Land Search
23. Find Potential Properties
24. Prepare to Tour Properties
25. Tour Promising Land
26. Take Land Notes
27. Make the Offer
28. Do Your Due Diligence
29. Order Your Operations
30. Start with the Basics
31. Make Your Land Habitable
32. Imagine Your Perfect Day
33. Prioritize
Part III. Make the Dream a Reality
34. Do the Work
35. Dwell, Temporarily
36. Build Your Off-Grid Home
37. Power Your Homestead
38. Use the Grid as Your Battery
39. Source Clean Water
40. Handle Grey Water
41. Handle Black Water
42. Wash Laundry Off-Grid
43. Cook Off-Grid
44. Preserve Your Food
45. Heat Your Homestead
46. Cool Your Homestead
47. Grow Your Own Food
48. Build a Business
49. Age in Place
50. Live Your Dream
About the Author
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