Transforming My Living Space: Dreams and Realities of an Off-Grid Existence
Living an off-grid life has its unique challenges, but it also offers a chance for personal transformation and self-reliance. In this article, I'll share some of the things I would like to change about my current living situation, both practically and philosophically. Whether it's about making my home more comfortable or adopting a more disciplined lifestyle, explore my journey and thoughts on sustainable living.
Water – The Ultimate Necessity
Perhaps the most pressing issue on my list is access to clean water. As someone living off-grid in an RV in the desert, where I have no electricity, no septic system, and no home-based internet, I rely heavily on primitive methods of survival. The lack of a tap with flowing water is the most significant absence, excepting my occasional trips to town to lug water in gallon-sized jugs. The physical strain and inconvenience of this situation are exhausting and hard on my body. However, I must acknowledge the simplicity and resilience of the traditional methods that allow me to 'get by', albeit not without discomfort.
The Impact of Surroundings
Another area for improvement is the noise level around me. With the exception of small children under 5, the noise is overwhelming. This distraction not only affects my peace and tranquility but also disrupts my well-being. Setting boundaries and encouraging a more disciplined lifestyle is essential. This includes ensuring everyone follows a simple schedule for tasks such as bathing, cleaning, and phone management, among others. It's also important to focus on the children’s development, both academically and behaviorally, and to include daily prayer as a regular part of the routine. While these are suggestions, I recognize the need for personal change as well.
Expanding My Living Space
While the current size of my home can be described as compact, the idea of making the space larger brings a second thought. My current home, though practical, is a reflection of my past choices. In the future, I'd go with a vertical layout, adding a second floor if possible or running the house in a longer structure rather than the current rectangular shape. This change would allow for a larger garage on one end, which is a necessity for storing vehicles and other equipment. Septic tanks are a last resort, and I would prefer to avoid them at all costs, as they have brought many headaches in the past.
Modernizing Laundry Spaces
An old-school modernization of my living quarters would include moving the laundry machines from the basement to the upstairs area near the bedrooms. This arrangement would eliminate the need for lugging clothes up and down multiple times. The early 1950s mindset of keeping the washer and dryer in the basement was misguided and unnecessary for today's convenience and practicality.
The Ultimate Home Automation
In terms of home infrastructure, I envision a perfect computer, printer, fax, and copy system that is reliable and free from technical issues. Imagining an environment with modern decor, appliances, and technology integrated seamlessly would create a more efficient and comfortable living space. This involves a system that never breaks or gets stuck with advertisements, a true haven of tranquility in the digital age.