[h=1]Getting Started Living off the Land[/h]by Survival Lisa



Many preppers want to start living a life that will become self-sufficient. There is a dream of living off the land and off the grid. Most want to do it simply because it offers a simpler way of life that is not caught up in the consumer rat race in which most people in the Western hemisphere live. But many of these people are also looking to prepare in advance for the collapse of society. Whatever your reasons for wanting to live off the land, perhaps the biggest challenge is getting started.
There are many things to consider when getting started with living off the land. First and foremost, you need the land, but you have to consider the type of shelter you will live in, how you will produce your food, and many other aspects of homesteading. What follows is a breakdown of what you need to consider when getting started. This begins with choosing your land, at least for those of you who do not yet have a piece of property.
[h=2]You Gotta Get the Land[/h] Before you build whatever type of dwelling you want to live in or put your shovel in the dirt or dig a well, before any of that, you need to find your land and buy it. There are a few things that you need to take care of before purchasing your land.
[h=3]Finances[/h] In order to get your land, you are going to need to get your finances in order, if they aren’t already. The first thing you need to do is get out of debt. It will be difficult to devote yourself to a self-sustainable lifestyle of living off the land if you are carrying debt. It will also be difficult to purchase land if you are carrying debt. Ensuring your financial house is in order and saving money to purchase your land is critical to your success.
[h=3]Acreage[/h] You definitely don’t need a hundred acres of land to live comfortably, but you need at least five acres. You will need enough room for your house, your gardens, an orchard, and your animals. You want to have enough space that you can fit it all in and if you also have a little extra land leftover, that is great. Perhaps you might have some natural forest or meadows or a creek or river running through your property.
[h=3]Accessibility[/h] It is important to consider accessibility when choosing a location for your homestead. You don’t want to be right on the main thoroughfare, but you have to consider how difficult it might be to access your property in the winter if you are too far off the beaten track. Can you drive in? Do you have to get in by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes in the winter? Are you so remote that you can only access your property via ATV or plane, regardless of the time of year? The more remote, the more secure you might be, but being remote comes with a price. There is probably a balance that you can strike that is right for you and your family.
[h=3]Electricity[/h] You will need to decide if you want to live on or off the grid. If you are on the grid, then you need to decide whether you want to have power lines running through your property or whether they should be buried. Be sure you truly do want to live on the grid for the long-term before you start the process. There is a lot of money involved in getting the lines installed, and if you really want to live via solar or hydro-electric power, then it might be best to start there.
[h=3]Water[/h] When it comes to water, be sure you have two sources. Choose land that has a spring or creek that can supply you with water if needed. In addition, you should dig a well that is equipped with a hand pump. The cost of this will depend on your location, how far down the water table is, and the individual contractor. In addition, it is wise to consider installing a rain water collection system and a water storage system, such as a cistern or tank, so that you have accessible water in emergency situations, such as when the well runs dry. If you think you might have to contend with dirty or contaminated water, then building a home distillation system is a good idea.