HOW CAN I GET MYSELF OFF THE GRID?
Hi Steemit. Why get off grid? Its a great idea! Economic freedom should be a great motivation. I think most people interested want to to feel some sort of self sufficiency from the "man." Well I have to tell you that it does have its challenges, just like everything in life. It takes a while too. And to be honest it can be a lot of work! 
START SMALL
I recommend that to start this process, you should have a hard look at your life and you possessions. Living off the grid does not mean that your children will run around without shoes and have dirt smudged on their cheeks ( that could be fun though,) But you must consider wether you can live without some stuff. Maintaining and storing stuff requires large structures or crammed rooms that could be otherwise be used for living in. Too many clothes can lead to a never ending cycle of washing and drying clothes and thus not much free time to do more fun things, like going for a hike or maybe just chilling outside listening to the birds. For real, have a good look around you and see what you can live without, and get rid of it.
THINK EFFICIENT
Appliances are the key to reducing your energy demands. Hot water and refrigeration are the best way to kill any dream of living with solar power. Luckily there are companies who make super efficient refrigerators and freezers that are designed to run on either 12 volts or regular household power. Hair driers, toasters, big televisions and small televisions, coffeemakers use a lot of power. lightbulbs have come a long way in efficiency, LED bulbs are way more affordable than they used to be, it's unbelievable how much power they can save even compared to compact fluorescent bulbs. These items are the key to planning and building a successful off grid solar setup within a reasonable budget.
SAVE MONEY BUILD YOUR OWN HOUSE
This is probably the hardest part of this process. I save money every time I earn income because I built my own small house and was able to put any potential future earnings into infrastructure development. I had no previous experience with construction. It's hard to believe but I looked a pictures of people building cabins on a website called countryplans, it motivated me knowing how much a piece of wood cost. It was terribly exciting considering my income was not high enough to qualify for a hideous loan on a single wide trailer. I did all of the labor so I did not have any labor costs, just emotional ones. People laughed at me and wondered" what the heck is that guy building?" A friend of mine remarked " 4 people are going to live in that?" I laugh now that I don't have a mortgage. I maximized the efficiency of my very modest income to build within my means, and like it. Save money so you can get a piece of property and start buying some dimensional lumber for that house your going to build.
It has been very difficult to put off immediate satisfaction for future benefit, especially having children. Thinking about the things that you need and don't need and thinking about how to become more efficient with the things that are necessary for modern life will allow you to start saving and planning for the future that you can take charge of. I promise you, when you get set up things will be a lot easier than you think, you just have to start making changes to the way that you look at your surroundings and start implementing some changes it will put you on the road to success. You can do it!
I am a carpenter and am super interested in all energy efficient, off grid, net zero etc. buildings. I look forward to hearing more from you... upvoted and followed!
Awesome! Right back at ya!
Hello sounds like a challenge would love to make that move but have to do more research to where I want to build my new home. I currently live in California this State is truly out. do you have any suggestion of a good State to start my research? following, upvoted, and resteemed.
basicshari
Thanks! Colorado has a lot of cheap land I believe, along with eastern Oregon.
Thanks so much I think I'll check out Colorado. Oregon is a out to much rain and drama going on there at this time.
basicshari
Wow I found this awesome! I am following you now. I do a blog on Love and marriage if you are interested.
Sounds great. Will do! Been married for 20 years this year.