Living off the grid has been an adventure like no other. It’s a lifestyle that comes with both its fair share of rewards and challenges. Situated just an hour north of Olympia, Washington, my off-grid home has taught me lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of patience. What started as an investment opportunity after an unfortunate construction setback has transformed into a place of serenity and self-discovery.
The Back Story: An Unexpected Move
My journey to this cabin wasn’t exactly planned. I had originally hired a builder to construct a 24×24 cabin just 3 miles from here. The project was supposed to take 6 months. However, without a formal contract in place, the builder—a close friend’s brother—took advantage of my trust. The result? The cabin remains unfinished years later, and the builder is no longer on the job due to unforeseen circumstances.
With nowhere to stay during the drawn-out construction process, I made the bold decision to buy this off-grid home using funds from my 401k (a move I now regret due to the hefty early withdrawal penalty). At the time, I believed this property could serve as a rental investment once the cabin was completed. However, the home I purchased was anything but turnkey.
The Pros: Peace, Independence, and Learning New Skills
Despite the hurdles, living off the grid has been a deeply fulfilling experience. The peace and serenity here are unlike anything I’ve known. The cabin is powered by solar energy, with battery storage and a propane-powered backup generator. Water is collected through a rain catchment system, stored in three cisterns made from repurposed septic tanks. There’s also a wood stove for heating and a propane fridge and stove.
Living here has forced me to learn new skills I never anticipated. I became proficient in using a chainsaw, cutting wood, and even sold my first half-cord—a proud achievement! Last month, I hosted a class on how to use a chainsaw, though I wasn’t the instructor. The learning curve has been steep, but each new skill I acquire helps me feel more self-sufficient.
The Challenges: Unforeseen Costs and Learning the Hard Way
While I love the independence, there have been some unexpected costs and lessons along the way. For example, the batteries in the home’s solar system weren’t disclosed as needing replacement, and I had to spend nearly $8,000 to replace them with new golf-cart batteries. I also spent $2,000 worth of propane trying to fill the batteries, thinking someone was stealing it! It turns out, I was mistakenly burning propane to charge the solar system.
Living in such a remote area also means dealing with practical challenges I didn’t foresee. The cabin is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), but with many restrictions. I had dreams of raising chickens, but they’re not allowed. The isolation has also meant that it took two full years to unpack, as I had to balance working four days a week, commuting, and dealing with the unfinished cabin.
The Overwhelm: Struggling Through Setbacks
At times, the overwhelm became too much. My health suffered, and my self-esteem took a hit. The stress of managing two properties, navigating the unfinished cabin project, and adjusting to life on the mountain left me questioning my decisions. At one point, my boyfriend even broke up with me, citing my “too many projects.” There were moments when I feared losing my significant investment in the cabin. But through it all, I’ve slowly gained back a bit of my fighting spirit.
With perseverance, I’ve come to appreciate the lessons life off the grid has taught me. It’s made me stronger—both mentally and physically—and has renewed my sense of self.
The Funny Moments: Bears, Pies, and Porta Potties
Of course, living off the grid has its lighter moments. One of my funniest (and humbling) experiences involved a pie. I was in too much of a hurry and left a warm pie on my patio. When I returned, it had been demolished by a bear, though thankfully, my grandmother’s prized pie plate remained unscathed. The bear had also rummaged through my files in a small utility trailer after discovering a stash of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. The result? My files were scattered all over the property!
I also got creative with a Japanese burning technique for building a cheap but effective porta potty base—another fun off-grid project!
Final Thoughts: The Off-Grid Life
The off-grid life isn’t for everyone, but for me, it’s been a journey worth taking. While I’ve encountered many challenges—some frustrating, some costly—there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in being self-reliant. The quiet solitude, the lessons learned, and the sheer joy of living without utility bills make every challenge worthwhile. Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience, creativity, and humor are key to thriving in such a lifestyle. So, to my fellow off-gridders, I say: keep pushing through the hard times, because the rewards are more than worth it!
