Home as we know it keeps us safe, it keeps us warm, it keeps us dry, and it keeps us comfortable. It also keeps us connected. Our world today has us absorbed by electronics. We lose out on so many precious moments of life because our attention is drawn away by a ring, a ding, a chirp, or a you’ve got mail. It is more common to see a group of individuals standing together looking down at cell phones than it is to see a group of kids playing a game of baseball in the park. When you feel overwhelmed by all the technology, it is time to try out tent living to unplug. From using a tent rental for shelter to raising livestock, you could turn a piece of vacant, secluded land into an adventure and an opportunity to disconnect yourself from all the daily stimuli.
Keep reading for the basic steps to help you transition to world of off-grid tent living.
Using a Rental for Tent Living
Shelter is necessary. You may think that you want to go off the grid in an extreme way, but, after exposed to the wildlife, the insects, the weather and its elements, you will likely change your mind – quickly.
One of the most cost efficient forms of shelter is a large tent rental. These tent rentals are especially handy since they can be assembled at any location. If going off-grid tent living, that could mean you will need shelter in a remote area with the possibility of tricky terrain. Tents are customizable, allowing you to design them to meet your needs in size, and shape. You can also include flooring, sidewalls, windows, etc. Rental tents are also made of durable fabric and can withstand any potential damage that can come your way.
Other potential shelters are campers, or professionally built residences. Anything that is large enough to live in and turn into a comfortable tent living space can be your shelter.
Water is a Necessity
It’s a fact of life – if you want to survive, you will need access to clean water. Unless you plan on walking down to the creek to fill your bucket, walk back home, treat your water, and hope you have enough for all that your family will need – you are going to want to make sure you are hooked up to a well or some other water irrigation system that can deliver you clean water.
Say no to gathering water bottles and gallon jugs, unless you intend to reuse them. You are going off-grid to live off the land. Therefore, don’t pollute that very land with wasteful plastic!
Food
Here is when you must show everyone what you are made of. Are you able to forego dining out, fast food, and Starbucks? Will you learn to hunt for your food and have a farm with livestock and a garden? Livestock, such as cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and pigs, among others, can serve as a great food source. Tending a garden can produce healthy and tasty veggies and fruits that are full of the good stuff for you. The best news? You control what your livestock eats and what you spray on your garden. In other words, you will finally have total control over the food your family eats.
You will likely make sporadic trips to a grocery store or market, depending on how remote you’re tent living is. However, when you do so, you can stock up on staples like rice, beans, powdered milk, or any other non- perishable food items you may desire.
Energy Sources
The rage is all about solar panels! These panels use the sun’s rays and convert it to an energy source. The cost of solar panels may put a dent in your wallet initially. However, the system will last you for many years. When you average out the monthly cost you currently pay in your fully-wired home, you will realize you are actually going to be saving money.
Wind is another possible source of energy. However, not all off-grid tent living homes are located in areas in which wind would be a feasible source.
Septic
You will have to go to the bathroom. Your family members will, too. It is a fact of life. And, well, it must go somewhere. Because you will want to make sure your waste doesn’t negatively affect your food sources or water, you will want to ensure you have a properly functioning septic system. Whether it is built into the ground or a motor home-type septic tank that will require occasional emptying, you will be thankful for the septic tank.
Another method some hardcore off-grid folks choose is a composting toilet. This will collect your waste and turn it into compost.
Whatever method you choose, make sure to consult the zoning board in your area to confirm your septic method meets the requirements.
Willingness to Embrace Change
When choosing to move to a remote location and completely rearrange everything about the way you currently live your life, you are going to have to expect some difficulty in adjusting. Living off grid means getting rid of things such as TVs, cell phones, tablets, computers, washers and dryers, microwaves, air conditioning, etc. Sure, you can still have these items, but you will not likely have the means to use them how you are used to. Remember – you are making your own energy now.
Many people who have chosen this route either loved it or hated it. It surely isn’t for everyone. But, those who love their decision and have embraced the change to off-grid tent living, have found a sense of calm that somehow gets lost in the midst of all the electronics. In fact, families are brought together because, being cut off civilization, they don’t have anywhere else to turn. It can break down barriers. And for those with kids – this change can teach responsibility, the joy of the outdoors, learning to live off the land, and staying connected with family.
Are you ready? Unplug and go. Now – before you change your mind!