I'm 76, last year bought 22 acres. So far put up a barn, granary, chicken coop, cabin, pond. House due to break ground in spring. Debt free. Get up early every day, never quit, fight through the many problems, but live in peace, grace and harmony w nature. Driving a well is now my biggest challenge, due to my age diminished strength and fighting the constant water laden, muddy soil is a close second. Never been happier!
Lack of money will slow you down the most. Notice i said "slow" you down, not prevent you. Your health next, then family resistance. Money is always going to be an issue unless you have a ton of it. Remember, if one of your desires is to be happy... debt is a real happiness killer. Take it slow if cash is limited, you'll get there, it might just take a little longer. As plainjane says, even at 76 it can be done... might take a little longer, but it can be done. Don't let age stop you. The only thing that can really drag you down is family resistance. Unless you are alone (best cause you have to convince only 1 person), a resistant family member is also a real happiness killer. If you are dragging a resistant family by the hair on your journey, things will be more difficult. On the flip side... a supportive family member(s) can be a REAL help. Really it comes down to just one decision... do you want it ! Where there is a will, there is a way. Decide if you want it or not, then do one thing everyday toward that goal. Like the saying goes... how do you eat an elephant... one bite at a time !
My wife lives in a wheel chair and her chair 24/7, but you make her days brighter, she watches your videos every night, she feels so alive and she feels like she is with you on every video, if ya can, please say hi to my wife Diana, would mean so much to her as you are her favorite girl, keep bringing the sunshine to a girl who will never walk again, you are her legs. thanks Brooks.
I did it 6 yrs ago and boy was I scared! Everytime I felt overwhelmed I asked God to point me in the right direction, and EVERY TIME He did! I'm at my cabin right now. It's where I am most happy!
First off load those earrings and offer some video workshop. We have had BAOW for over 30 years in NC. You could get some ideas there. Becoming An Outdoor Woman.
I bought 4 acres and built my own cabin debt free. But it is NOT easy. Good luck to everyone with this dream. Definitely learn by doing, I had never built something before my cabin
You are truly right, Brooke. I lost the use of my legs in 2014. Was in a wheelchair and had been told I'd never walk again. After 2 years, lots of PT, and a hate for that chair, I'm walking. Had been convinced by my husband, I couldn't make it on my own. He passed at 55 last February. I tried to go with him. Apparently, that didn't work lol. Figured I was here for a reason, and it was time to fight!! In the last year, I have made it on my own with no family and one friend. I put a garden in and have a pantry full of canned goods, most of which I've never made before. I figured out a way to do everything. You CAN do it if you want it bad enough. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you just take a deep breath and try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll never know and be full of regrets, or you'll have one hell of a story to tell when you're old!!
Oh, I love it! Had a brother who was a paraplegic, then dropped at a hospital and became a quadralegic...the heartache. Yet God has plans, indeed He does!
We took the plunge 8 years ago.. we did it debt free and we put in solar... no regrets...we are now in our early 60s and loving the peace of living deep in the woods...
9 years I’ve been living in very remote interior Alaska. No roads, no neighbors. Population 1. Great pointers for those that aspire to live off grid in this video. Low motivated or lazy, don’t even waste your time…
@@martinmiller1087 Thoreau was hardly roughing it. His cabin was only a twenty-minute walk from his family home, and during his two-year stay in the woods, his mama did his laundry and helped him with food.
Mountain Mariner, just because someone doesn't want the same thing, or wants it at another level, doesn't mean they're "low motivated, lazy." How many states and other countries have you been to, lived in? I hit Europe at 17, camping and backpacking. Lived there for years. Have been to and lived in numerous states. How many languages do you speak? I'm fluent in two, get by with the third. Would I want your lifestyle, NO. Way too hermit for me. Those who do, aren't "low motivated, lazy" if they don't do what you're doing the way you're doing it. Not many want the boonies with no neighbors.
I cried😢 #5 is me. I have wasted my best years feeling like I have to take care of husband who has never supported my dreams. I have had happiness, but not much peace and joy. I am 60. Health issues. But I have money and I am breaking free next year. Been looking at properties online, been traveling and camping during summers in my truck. Its time. 🙏
My great aunt Rose, born in 1865, moved to Oregon with her brother and homesteaded. Built their own little cabin, gardened and had chickens. BUT, when she was born, she grew up with it, but it is still amazing that she did it and stayed there for 20 years until her brother died. She died at 101 in 1967.
Ah, yes. #5. I've tried to ease the family into it. Had goats and chickens and started to garden. Kids loved playing with the livestock but when it came down to taking care of the animals I was on my own. Ended up selling the animals because I just couldn't do it all on my own AND homeschool AND cook the meals AND prune the fruit trees AND pick/preserve the apples...Starts feeling like I'm the Little Red Hen with all I have to do and nobody willing to help. lol. Going off grid truly is something that you need all-hands-on-deck to be successful.
Homeschooling itself is a full time job! I’ve dreamed of living off-grid my entire adult life, but had to raise the kids first, as I was homeschooling them. That was also a dream. So, everything in its proper time. They’re graduated now, and I wouldn’t trade the precious time we spent together. ❤Being patient with the process of life is where peace is found. I’ve been making my plans for years on this next chapter, but will be doing it alone and while managing daily life with a disabled adult son. I’m scared but also excited! I never planned on building my dream homestead as a single adult, but that’s what life’s handed me. Surely God will be my spouse! I’m working on getting the income piece in place so I can work from home while being a caregiver, but continue planning my off-grid dreams in the interim. Hopefully soon.🙏🏻
Thanks to you and Dave, the wife and I are doing it. Second winter in 24 foot camper. Wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Thanks for the ideas.
I would love to meet someone who loves this kinda life style...I would love to have a little cabin in the woods, a fire place going... my dogs running around...that to me would be a happy life. Maybe one day I'll meet that other half. Love watching your videos with your two dogs! Very peaceful. 💓
We got a salvage 1900’s house at an Dept of transportation auction for $651. Many new roads were built in 1980s. We hired a house mover to set up house in the county on property we already owned. It doesn’t have to be a new log cabin.
You’re an inspiration to me Brook! I’ve dreamed of living off-grid my entire adult life, but had to raise the kids first, as I was homeschooling them. That was my dream too. So, everything in its proper time. They’re graduated now, and I wouldn’t trade the precious time we spent together.❤Being patient with the process of life is where peace is found. I’ve been making my plans for years on this next chapter, but will be doing it alone and while managing daily life with a disabled adult son. I’m scared but also excited! I never planned on building my dream homestead as a single adult, but that’s what life’s handed me. Surely God will be my spouse! I’m working on getting the income piece in place so I can work from home while being a caregiver, but continue planning my off-grid dreams in the interim. Hopefully soon.🙏🏻
I started with a 5th wheel, bought a tractor to help here, found land with well and power, will start cleaning up cleared trees and planning home construction. It's been 12 years since I started. Slow and steady wins the race!
Wow! What a great video! Everything you said is exactly true! I just sold my home a year ago and im in the process of selling all my furniture etc.. now... your advice is very helpful. Thank you!
I wish this idea had been around when I was younger. This was never presented as an option when I was growing up. And I was not a very imaginative kid who thought about “alternative” lifestyles
I live in a small trailer park in the Mountains. My trailer is paid off. I live on the mountain side and love it. I currently have 8 raised beds, gonna put in 2 more in the spring. I have chickens and every year I go and pick black raspberries to make jelly to sell. I have a lot of work to do. The trailer needs new skirting around it. And the chicken coop needs work done to it but I will be staring as soon as the weather warms up. Until then I am doing little things I can as well as craft stuff to sell at my stand. I am very happy here. I do work the night shift but I like it because I can come home and sleep a little bit and then get up and do what needs to be done then sleep a little more before work.
You're telling it like it is, Brooke. You're so full of wisdom! Your advice is not just for living off grid, it's meant for life's challenges. Helping one another is a good thing, and there are good people out there. But then you have the lazy folks who expect you to do everything for them. Wishing and dreaming all day, ain't gonna' cut it! I'm gonna' build me a garden box! LOL! God bless you and Dave.
Great advice! We took the leap in 2020, lived in a camper while we built our off-grid cabin home. It took planning, perseverance and perspiration to make it a reality. Take care, blessings to you and yours.
Thank you for this video, Brooke. I'm 75, a retired teacher, and bought 87 wooded acres in the WV mts last spring. I'm off grid living in a 10x12 cabin my kids built for me. It's basic, no frills. My vision is to enjoy my final chapter in the peaceful forest as close to my Lord as possible and leave a beautiful campground or home place for my kids, grands, and great grands. I knew it would be a challenge, I have no family living close to help, but there have been greater challenges than I expected. I do think the challenges of figuring out how to make things work keeps my brain and body energized! I love this life. My family is concerned for this "old woman" but I've always been up for an adventure. I am struggling to find a solution for condensation in the cabin. It is very well insulated and I use a small wall propane heater (unvented). Water sometimes even runs down the walls from the windows unto the floor. If you or any of your subscribers have an idea on fixing this issue, I would greatly appreciate it.
The propane heater is the cause of your condensation. Switch to a direct vent propane wall furnace or install a small wood stove. Either option should help with the condensation problem. You will be infinitely more comfortable!
All non vented propane heaters make carbon monoxide. Get a dectector that has a peak button to show the highest its reading. May not always b enough to set an alarm off but it will always be there AND enough to be very harmful.
Thank you Brooke. You and Dave are such an inspiration. At 55, I am alone working towards full time in my woods. I have worked through chronic health issues and then a stroke, but I keep moving forward slowly and relatively debt free.
Keep going. I'm with ya there. 2 brain surgeries in the past 7 years, but I'm slowly building up my homestead. I do what I'm able to do and plan what I know I can do on own comfortably without depending on others to do for me.
My first place here was a 6x8 camper. it had a bed and a stove. No oven. Heat was the 2 burner stove. Oh it has a tiny sink also. But don't ever remember using it. I also had one 100w 12v solar panel and two old car batteries. And a Kindle. I would only go to the city maybe once a month. And when I did. I downloaded kindle books to read from a wifi. I mainly ate potatoes. I'd buy 20 to 30 lbs for the month I bought a 250 gallon tote I used for water. And one to haul it with. I used a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat for a toilet. Which I kept outside. I've learned so much since then. Like rain catch. I live in the real desert. I get 4 to 8 inches a year. So no matter where you live. If you can build a 14x20 roof you have over 1000 gallons if good water to drink and cook with. Now. figure you need 2 gallons per person per day. And that does not include bathing. Bathing is up to you. On how often you do. But you need at least 5 gallons per bathing for one person. You may choose to have multiple people use the same tub But in my case. I use the water after for plants. And if you are in low water area. I advice have at least a 2nd use for water.
... Awesome talk Brooke .... Best Action Coach I've heard ... It all starts with a plan ..... if it's a doable plan/dream , focus on one step/chapter at a time ,, only seeing the desired end product will create overwhelming barriers ... then get after it .. Your ship will never reach the dream shore if it doesn't leave the dock ....
Hi Brooke! We bought 20 acres, right before Covid, so it was reasonably priced. We have to wait 6 years until he retires to build our home. In the meantime, we’re doing things that WE can do. I learn so much from you, including the drive and will. Really appreciate it. Thanks!
We have been living off grid for 21 plus years. I wouldn't want to live any other way! It was extremely hard at first. We were raising 3 kids ages 9, 4, and 1 and we lost our only vehicle because I couldn't make the payments and build a good shelter before winter. Our first year on our property was very hard but we were determined to get through it and make it work. He was working away all week and I had learned to chopp wood ( broke 4 ax handles) lug water and keep a road/path clear in case of emergency. Today we have everything we need to survive and no debt other than the toys that we want to have
I have watched your videos ever since you camped out in a open tent with wolf.. I love your videos and every single word you said in this one is sooo true ..I have been on my land for 7 years now started out living in a pop up camper , bought a shed and now I'm in a 5th wheel. But I have done it all on my own by my self raising two grandchildren and if I can do it anyone can
You're right. People need to be realistic about things. The first thing I did was to get out of USELESS debt and start saving money. Because my cabin was going to be on mountain property I own 2 hours from where I lived, I spent many weekends and vacations clearing it over many years. Met with county officials, stopped at construction sites whenever I saw other cabins being built during my travels and met contractors. When it came time to build I had already chosen all the contractors/trades I wanted to work on it having already seen their work. I ended up subbing everything out because I was working full time. I am now retired and living in my cabin in the woods full time. It's possible, but sometimes it takes years to reach a long term goal.
Wauw, Brooke. Lots of people don't have a house or car to sell, or things of worth to sacrifice. Maybe they cannot work two or three jobs for whatever reason. First peace of this video is for the fairly spoiled ones amongst us.... A small peace of land here costs at least 200.000 euro, without a permit to build. It is not always possible even if you've worked very hard all your life. I had years of bushcraft and survival training, and I've lived off grid for two years on the run for a violent ex-husband, with children and many animals, so I'm sure I could do it, if I had the chance, but it's not possible for me to buy land and needed materials.
You've got some great advice in this video and we appreciate the honesty about what it takes to make your dreams happen! We went off grid 9/22 and we are in our 50s. A lot of people told us we were nuts, but how they would love to do it too, "but never could" for many of the reasons you listed. It's definitely not for everyone, but learning the skills to build your dreams is absolutely amazing. Have a wonderful week :)
I agree and have lived through most of those reasons why my dream would fail, including not having my wife on board. I'm also 64, and getting old...but B.Allan Mackie built his last log home when he was 80 years old. I started with a huge dream, then downsized to see it through, but it was owning the property I bought that kept my dream alive, without the property I would have let my dream slip away. It can't be over emphasized, buy land as soon as you can, the prices will only go up. The land I'm building on would be cost prohibitive to buy today for me and my wife. Over the last 22+ years since buying my property, it tripled, but alas there isn't any for sale...My house is probably bigger than you would recommend, but I built a 10x20 office in my backyard to test myself. My log home is only 28x32, so the timbers are fairly large. Now I added a 30x40 detached shop, foundation is going in as I type. I don't have good plans and hope social security is around, and if not, I'll do what I have to do in order to survive...growing my own food, raising chickens, hunting, fishing...
My wife and I are saving to get our first acre of remote land and love all the helpful and inspiring advice you bring. This will be a new chapter in our lives, being very excited but nervous at the same time. We hope to find something affordable in Michigan's upper peninsula, but also dream to have at least an acre in Alaska as well. One step at a time🙏 God willing
I'm not sure where or why society tells children that life is easy and they deserve everything for free. It is abuse to lie to kids making them victims of a misguided world. It is the Duty of all parents to teach the children how to navigate the rough waters of this human experience. Making them live in a fantasy is just right own crul. I am so glad you made this video, and that your loving advise sinks deep into all that hear these truths. Life is all about choices. How bad do you really want something will be the fire that fuels your soul. Work smart to make each task not as hard, take pride to what you put out into the world and the Universe will provide the path.
I sure would love to build on some land. Thank you for always taking us along and showing us a marvelous things. Stay safe and healthy and may God bless your family
Great advice here! Debt and lack of support are my roadblocks. I would love to take the plunge and sell off everything and go off grid in a remote area even tho we live on an established homestead already. We just have a lot of debt that goes along with it. And hubby and kiddos have no desire to go primitive for more than a weekend, unfortunately. So, I just do what I can. Thanks for the encouragement, Brooke! I'm currently watching you on Alone season 5. So cool!
you forgot to mention you had each other- you combined your resources...and being on your own it's all on you...having a partner is a huge resource not to be under estimated...and yes doing moves any one forward...talk is cheap as they say..I admire your grit and tenacity...and you have a partner...
@@therealgirlinthewoods ..i understand that and even when you do it alone and have a partner..you have another that brings resources, however few..psychologically this makes (even in the least-not doing it alone) a difference you may be underestimating..thats all.
I weirdly got inspiration to start working on my art again with this video. A bad business deal got me to nearly give up, until I stumbled on to this video. Thanks dear, God bless you.
Second to last could be mitigated with a local platbook. you can get a really good idea of how the properties are spread by looking at even an old book. ANd get an idea if there is government or logging land (the papermill in my hometown owns a stupidly large quantity of land used for logging.
i think alot of people dont try a lifestyle before they jump in, try living on a lot with an rv or live in a van with solar. live on a boat off shore with a moaring.
Thanks Brooke, I built an off grid cabin 38 years ago!! Best thing I ever did!! Started small and added on in time!! Like you said, just make it happen and learn from your mistakes along the way!!
There's alot more to making this happen! You never mentioned the possible township zoning, the county codes!! You can't just go out in the woods and build whatever you want! We learned this the hard way. We purchased 10 acres in the U.P. of Michigan. We had plans to build our own little cabin. There are size restrictions, the health department has to be involved. Heck, we even had to get a building permit for our outhouse, that also required a 1000 sewer tank. I highly recommend anyone wanting to do this. You need to educate yourself on your local codes! Believe me, they will find you!
I bought some land and a small cabin 2 years ago. Sold my house, moved in with my mom and I will have it paid for in 11 more months! I’m a 61 year old single woman who will be starting my adventure full time in the next year. It’s worth the sacrifice to be debt free and live in such a beautiful, peaceful place! God is good!
We’re a family of 5 soon to be 6. The land kind of fell in our lap. And now we’re making the best of it. We’ve been going on weekends to manually clear brush. Planing to hopefully be living on the land by October. Doing a shed to house. Hoping a generation to start will get us in the right direction. We’re thinking an outhouse. We will build as we can afford and by then we will be done paying off our car 🥳 hopefully it all works out! Thank you for this video!
I wish I had a place to just be...... Twenty-seven years in the field now...... 17 years in this school bus.... I would love just a place in the woods to park and live
Love this! Such good advice, the same with all things in life, if you want it enough you will find a way, and make the necessary sacrifices. Thank-you so much for all your creations. Since finding your channel, I have bought 5 acres used Dave's video to model and build our outhouse, put up a workshop, hooked up a well. This year we build a small cabin. All learnt from videos books and trial and error. Would not change a thing
Awesome advice, Brooke! You’ve encouraged me and so many others…just getting started is the key, and it requires sacrifice as you said! I’ll be 53 this month…after my daughter went off to college two years ago I moved back in with my mom and brother to save money and help them situate the house after my dad passed away in 2021. I’ll be getting my first 5th wheel mid-summer to start prospecting where I want to buy some land, all the while learning how to build a cabin from the ground up with my amazingly talented step-dad (he’s built several houses by himself over the years). I can’t wait to find my little slice of Heaven on Earth! Godspeed! 🙏🏻
I watched your winter camping videos in October 2022, and I put aside a little money until I could buy the white duck tent and a stove to go with it. The tent just arrived a couple days ago. I’m going to fire up the stove for the first time today then I’m going to set up camp. This is the realization of my first step towards buying off grid property. Now I have a tent to live in once I buy a piece of property. Next step: boots on the ground in the places I’m looking at in Alaska, Montana, Nevada and Utah. Thanks for your inspiring videos and your good advice in videos like this one!
Brooke, you've got a GREAT channel here and I love the followers you've got. This is like coming home after a long day of baling hay in 90° Michigan heat, and having instant relaxation 😊😊😊 You've got great content, your positive energy, calmness you share.. Thank you for the sanity and little piece of heaven ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! Everything you’ve said is so true. This is our story … My husband and I are living in a 29 foot, 3-season camper trailer. Our plan is to buy two 20’ shipping containers and build our home on my parents acreage in Northern Ontario. I just recently got a really good paying job, so my income will be going into saving for our containers and building materials. I will also be building some raised beds this year to grow some of our food (stuff that my folks are reluctant to put in the big family garden) and some herbal medicinals. I purchased a 4’x4’x4’ greenhouse in the fall, which will be perfect for on top of one of the raised beds, to get started with my growing early. My second daughter has 2 raised beds in her back yard that she never uses, so they will be coming to me, so I already have most of the materials I need for my beds. Our home will be a simple 4 rooms, bathroom and bedroom in one, living room and kitchen in the other. We already have a beautiful wood stove that we will be using for heat, and bought a very small solar system for the trailer, which we will be transferring to the container home when the time is right. We are also getting a windmill, so we have some power redundancies (this winter has been horrible for solar - so we’ve been using a gas generator - and it’s been VERY expensive). I love this video Brooke, you could have been speaking to the Heather from 2020, where I had big dreams and no money. My dreams are still pretty big, but my game plan is far more manageable now, so I can see things actually starting to happen. The biggest expense we will see in the next several months will be the purchase of our shipping containers, but it is my hope to have them before the end of April, so we can get started with our build in May. I’m thinking of documenting the entire process on video … you might just find me on UA-cam!
Been doing it since 1994. Started with bare land and moved a 25’ trailer on it. We carried water and our propane, until we developed our spring and tanks. Etc. After we got divorced, I finished paying off the land, then I was able to save enough to build a 14x16 office where I worked. I added rooms as I could afford them, and ended up with a 1200 sq ft. It wasn’t easy, but now I am very comfortable.
I inherited a mess, but I love love love living by the lake. I have been overwhelmed. Thanks for the ideas to get moving. I have to get dedicated to risking and being uncomfortable . . . just a little bit.
I think one factor not mentioned was the influence of youtube on what people think off grid living is like. Most of the off grid content creators are not sacrificing or making the tough choices you mentioned. They have multiple new 4x4 trucks, skid steers, excavators, expensive solar/battery set ups, etc. If you were inspired by these videos to live off grid and then saw the shack that a real off gridder might have to live in that is a real bummer and leads folks to give up. Of course the reality is the youtubers are actually living off ad revenue, patreon donations, and all the free merchandise they get in exchange for doing thinly veiled commercial for the products. I hope your dose of reality of living off grid will correct the fantasy portrayed by many other youtubers.
One reality of going off grid is that you'll also have to live far simpler than one realizes even after achieving it and its not debt but having $100Ks in the bank after building or an income since its not truly free. It's can be incredibly costly going off grid or staying there for decades since your likely buying everything including what your eating even if its just months apart. Having a UA-cam channel helps immeasurably or live near where you can work nearby because many that fail afterwards Is the reality without the cash because your off grid in name only.
This video couldn't be more timely. My wife and I will be making our move to SE AK in June. Now that it's becoming real I have been having some nagging doubts, the same ones in the beginning of your video! You and Dave have been very helpful the last couple years, and I bet there's a lot of other people who feel the same way. We hope very much to meet you both in AK sometime. God bless both of you for encouraging so many.
great advice keep it simple i found living in my five thousand dollar half salvaged cabin is warm dry and very happy i'm seventy and still enjoy life in the forest
I had a fire. Thank God my garage was fine. I went off grid with no notice. Thank God I had plenty of camping equipment! I am fixing my house.. but I might not move out of my garage.. I might end up renting out my house..
@@therealgirlinthewoods don't be.. I fixed my garage very nice. It has a bathroom, kitchen, living room and a bed room. Much easier to clean. I am getting old and realize I don't need much to be happy.
I know a lot of ppl who has succeeded in building a cabin in Alaska. A guy was a few years out of high school and built his own double story log cabin for his new family. My friend La’ona just built a log cabin in Delta last winter and never built a log cabin in her life. She built her second cabin in Wasilla this winter (2022-2023). My brother built a cabin on our family land 70 miles outside of Takotna, where there was no showers or McDonalds or Lowes down the road.
Very good advice. I started in Codova, Glennallen, and Nakank, AK, after college, and now, in our 60's, we are landing in Cumberland, WI, where we bought 10 acres in 1994. We have spent almost 30 years slowly planting trees, building buildings, developing gardens, restoring the barn (which we stayed in during working vacations) while we worked all over the country for modest income as a rural pastor. As a result of that slow, pay as you go work, we have a fully paid for modest very rural place to retire. It has been a lot of work, but we have and continue to enjoy it. We loved Alaska, but family draws us back to the lower 48, and NW Wisonsin is very nice, too. We LOVE your videos and feel kinship with some parallel journeys in life!
I definitely overestimated myself in terms of time. It's going a lot slower than I expected. I'm in my 3rd year of building a small cabin in a secluded spot in the Chilean patagonia. The videos you and your husband produce have been a great inspiration over the years. Thank you for all your indirect support!
I like how you and the husband, build everything from scratch especially using concrete pavers and building off it with hammers and nails and not using air compressors, and other equipment with cordless etc which is also great.
I remember when I wanted to live off grid and start a small farm (1acre). My husband also thought it would be great idea. We started reading everything we could find. My husband was born and raised in Chicago. My parents grewup on farms and my grandparents still did. I always knew you had to work hard at growing fruits and veggies then canning so you could have food year round. Anyway my husband and i got as far as raising veggies and canning. The next big thing we did was start raising rabbits for meat for 3 years. Suddenly my husband decided he wasnt interested indoing any kind of cleanup inside or outside of the house. I was working full time and going to college so we both needed to do cleaning. I knew the off grid farm wasnt going to happen. So it turned into something that was lost dream.
It's not for everyone. Thank God we have the luxury of being able to choose. Our ancestors didn't. This is my biggest fear in doing this. I'd have to go back quite a few generations to find people with grit. Sure, they've all been blue collar workers but they didn't garden, have chickens, chop wood, etc. Pretty sure my husband's family is the same. But I'll be damned if we're not gonna try!!
Very insightful encouraging & all true! But you left out one challenge some of us have which is having no one. Planning off grid life Solo is another level of difficulty but with Christ all things are possible!
Thanks Brook. All i want is a old cabin ( already built) or a real old house where i can have a dog without being on a leash. Dog is the most important! I've had alot of loose dogs here bir
Very realistic advice for those who earnestly want to live off grid. Myself, I do it with camping, while owning a house. That way, I get to experience the great outdoors for whatever number of days, then come back to my convenient house which has everything I need. The best of both worlds. But I give you and your husband a lot of credit for all the hard work you've done and still do, to accomplish your dream. Ten years without running water! Wow! No thanks, but wow! I enjoyed the video.
Yay Dave Ramsey! Good for you in providing this resource for people. It only took us 10 years to become debt free, and we have remained so for the past 10.
Everything you said is absolutely correct. My wife and I sold our house 4 years ago, bought a retired short school bus and turned it into a cabin on wheels for less that $5k dollars. Last March we bought a small plot of land in alabama and are building our off grid homestead while we live in our bus. It's been very challenging but extremely worth it.
Good advice; thanks for sharing! I live in a fairly small town & decided to try permaculture gardening in my back yard, then my front yard in 2020. It’s been fun & the neighbours come talk to me about it. I’m definitely not off grid but in my 7th decade, so I’m kinda happy that I can grow more of our food & medicinal plants & trees. Plus, I’ve been helping my daughter with their 10,000 square foot greenhouses that they acquired less than a year ago. I was raised on a farm with no running water or indoor plumbing for some of my childhood; the family worked together to thrive. Great vlog! Blessings to your family 🤗💜🇨🇦
I'm 70 also! I built a greenhouse in 19 and reroofed my house! Then came 2020! I tore up my right shoulder then a heart attack and more surgery! While recovering, I built 2 decks and cover over the front deck-porch! If I don't feel good I take it easy, if good, I think the of the best and safest way to accomplish the task! One day at a time!!
I sold my home and a nice fishing camp to make my off grid dream come true..... and I was debt free before I sold the properties. It was all worth it! 💙💛🙏
I've talked to my husband about living and off grid, and he's very open to it! We have a 1 year old and 2 small dogs. My struggle is finding land in Northern Utah that's the balance of being in nature but not far from civilization.
we are starting small but even before we get started, I planted my first garden last year. Videotaped everything, so I could see what worked what didn't what do I need to improve to create a greater yield for my family that sustainable. I wanted to KNOW how to grow food before I made the full transition. I didn't want to learn when I got there because there would be too much going on. Its about being prepared and giving yourself grace to learn and adapt
Brooke, that was so honest and beautiful. Cash talks ?? not all the time. I was buying a new truck and was paying cash they would not accept it. I will never use that dealer again.
I'm 76, last year bought 22 acres. So far put up a barn, granary, chicken coop, cabin, pond. House due to break ground in spring. Debt free. Get up early every day, never quit, fight through the many problems, but live in peace, grace and harmony w nature. Driving a well is now my biggest challenge, due to my age diminished strength and fighting the constant water laden, muddy soil is a close second. Never been happier!
wow congrats!
“Never been happier” that right there is motivation for this 60yr. Old, thanks!
Lack of money will slow you down the most. Notice i said "slow" you down, not prevent you. Your health next, then family resistance. Money is always going to be an issue unless you have a ton of it. Remember, if one of your desires is to be happy... debt is a real happiness killer. Take it slow if cash is limited, you'll get there, it might just take a little longer. As plainjane says, even at 76 it can be done... might take a little longer, but it can be done. Don't let age stop you. The only thing that can really drag you down is family resistance. Unless you are alone (best cause you have to convince only 1 person), a resistant family member is also a real happiness killer. If you are dragging a resistant family by the hair on your journey, things will be more difficult. On the flip side... a supportive family member(s) can be a REAL help. Really it comes down to just one decision... do you want it ! Where there is a will, there is a way. Decide if you want it or not, then do one thing everyday toward that goal. Like the saying goes... how do you eat an elephant... one bite at a time !
Your MY inspiration. I have the land but wishing I was younger. I'm 68. If you can do it so can I. Thanks jane
76 years old and you did all that? Well there goes any excuses I might have had...
My wife lives in a wheel chair and her chair 24/7, but you make her days brighter, she watches your videos every night, she feels so alive and she feels like she is with you on every video, if ya can, please say hi to my wife Diana, would mean so much to her as you are her favorite girl, keep bringing the sunshine to a girl who will never walk again, you are her legs. thanks Brooks.
I did it 6 yrs ago and boy was I scared! Everytime I felt overwhelmed I asked God to point me in the right direction, and EVERY TIME He did! I'm at my cabin right now. It's where I am most happy!
yip yip!
Going through that journey now......Feel overwhelmed and discouraged.....Thanks for the advice to ask God for direction
First off load those earrings and offer some video workshop. We have had BAOW for over 30 years in NC. You could get some ideas there. Becoming An Outdoor Woman.
Praise God! That's wonderful!
Amen! Thank you for this reminder
I bought 4 acres and built my own cabin debt free. But it is NOT easy. Good luck to everyone with this dream. Definitely learn by doing, I had never built something before my cabin
You are truly right, Brooke. I lost the use of my legs in 2014. Was in a wheelchair and had been told I'd never walk again. After 2 years, lots of PT, and a hate for that chair, I'm walking. Had been convinced by my husband, I couldn't make it on my own. He passed at 55 last February. I tried to go with him. Apparently, that didn't work lol. Figured I was here for a reason, and it was time to fight!! In the last year, I have made it on my own with no family and one friend. I put a garden in and have a pantry full of canned goods, most of which I've never made before. I figured out a way to do everything. You CAN do it if you want it bad enough. It's amazing what you can accomplish if you just take a deep breath and try. What's the worst that can happen? You'll never know and be full of regrets, or you'll have one hell of a story to tell when you're old!!
that is so inspiring! Good for you and blessings into the future!
@@therealgirlinthewoods Thank you
Oh, I love it! Had a brother who was a paraplegic, then dropped at a hospital and became a quadralegic...the heartache. Yet God has plans, indeed He does!
Beautiful!
@@TwistedPixie69 god has blessed you
Lack of support is a big, big deal, and is absolutely something to consider when making a big decision. I would do it again, however.
We took the plunge 8 years ago.. we did it debt free and we put in solar... no regrets...we are now in our early 60s and loving the peace of living deep in the woods...
awesome!
9 years I’ve been living in very remote interior Alaska. No roads, no neighbors. Population 1. Great pointers for those that aspire to live off grid in this video. Low motivated or lazy, don’t even waste your time…
awesome great to hear!
@@MikeGBrock ... Happiness has nothing to do with external conditions. Do you think Thoreau and Ryokan were sad?
@@martinmiller1087 Thoreau was hardly roughing it. His cabin was only a twenty-minute walk from his family home, and during his two-year stay in the woods, his mama did his laundry and helped him with food.
Mountain Mariner, just because someone doesn't want the same thing, or wants it at another level, doesn't mean they're "low motivated, lazy." How many states and other countries have you been to, lived in? I hit Europe at 17, camping and backpacking. Lived there for years. Have been to and lived in numerous states. How many languages do you speak? I'm fluent in two, get by with the third. Would I want your lifestyle, NO. Way too hermit for me. Those who do, aren't "low motivated, lazy" if they don't do what you're doing the way you're doing it. Not many want the boonies with no neighbors.
@@Snack_Destroyer lol
I cried😢 #5 is me. I have wasted my best years feeling like I have to take care of husband who has never supported my dreams. I have had happiness, but not much peace and joy.
I am 60. Health issues. But I have money and I am breaking free next year. Been looking at properties online, been traveling and camping during summers in my truck.
Its time. 🙏
My great aunt Rose, born in 1865, moved to Oregon with her brother and homesteaded. Built their own little cabin, gardened and had chickens. BUT, when she was born, she grew up with it, but it is still amazing that she did it and stayed there for 20 years until her brother died. She died at 101 in 1967.
Ah, yes. #5. I've tried to ease the family into it. Had goats and chickens and started to garden. Kids loved playing with the livestock but when it came down to taking care of the animals I was on my own. Ended up selling the animals because I just couldn't do it all on my own AND homeschool AND cook the meals AND prune the fruit trees AND pick/preserve the apples...Starts feeling like I'm the Little Red Hen with all I have to do and nobody willing to help. lol. Going off grid truly is something that you need all-hands-on-deck to be successful.
I hear ya! Hang in there
Homeschooling itself is a full time job! I’ve dreamed of living off-grid my entire adult life, but had to raise the kids first, as I was homeschooling them. That was also a dream. So, everything in its proper time. They’re graduated now, and I wouldn’t trade the precious time we spent together. ❤Being patient with the process of life is where peace is found. I’ve been making my plans for years on this next chapter, but will be doing it alone and while managing daily life with a disabled adult son. I’m scared but also excited! I never planned on building my dream homestead as a single adult, but that’s what life’s handed me. Surely God will be my spouse! I’m working on getting the income piece in place so I can work from home while being a caregiver, but continue planning my off-grid dreams in the interim. Hopefully soon.🙏🏻
Thanks to you and Dave, the wife and I are doing it. Second winter in 24 foot camper.
Wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
Thanks for the ideas.
heck yah!
I would love to meet someone who loves this kinda life style...I would love to have a little cabin in the woods, a fire place going... my dogs running around...that to me would be a happy life. Maybe one day I'll meet that other half. Love watching your videos with your two dogs!
Very peaceful. 💓
We got a salvage 1900’s house at an Dept of transportation auction for $651. Many new roads were built in 1980s. We hired a house mover to set up house in the county on property we already owned.
It doesn’t have to be a new log cabin.
wow cool! for sure you're right
No, it doesn't. My house is a 1980s farm house I salvaged and moved. I did it free and clear. Mine isn't an off grid cabin but I am somewhat off grid.
You’re an inspiration to me Brook! I’ve dreamed of living off-grid my entire adult life, but had to raise the kids first, as I was homeschooling them. That was my dream too. So, everything in its proper time. They’re graduated now, and I wouldn’t trade the precious time we spent together.❤Being patient with the process of life is where peace is found. I’ve been making my plans for years on this next chapter, but will be doing it alone and while managing daily life with a disabled adult son. I’m scared but also excited! I never planned on building my dream homestead as a single adult, but that’s what life’s handed me. Surely God will be my spouse! I’m working on getting the income piece in place so I can work from home while being a caregiver, but continue planning my off-grid dreams in the interim. Hopefully soon.🙏🏻
I started with a 5th wheel, bought a tractor to help here, found land with well and power, will start cleaning up cleared trees and planning home construction. It's been 12 years since I started. Slow and steady wins the race!
exactly!
Wow! What a great video! Everything you said is exactly true! I just sold my home a year ago and im in the process of selling all my furniture etc.. now... your advice is very helpful. Thank you!
I wish this idea had been around when I was younger. This was never presented as an option when I was growing up. And I was not a very imaginative kid who thought about “alternative” lifestyles
I live in a small trailer park in the Mountains. My trailer is paid off. I live on the mountain side and love it. I currently have 8 raised beds, gonna put in 2 more in the spring. I have chickens and every year I go and pick black raspberries to make jelly to sell. I have a lot of work to do. The trailer needs new skirting around it. And the chicken coop needs work done to it but I will be staring as soon as the weather warms up. Until then I am doing little things I can as well as craft stuff to sell at my stand. I am very happy here. I do work the night shift but I like it because I can come home and sleep a little bit and then get up and do what needs to be done then sleep a little more before work.
This chick knows her stuff!
I seem to recognize you....
You're telling it like it is, Brooke. You're so full of wisdom! Your advice is not just for living off grid, it's meant for life's challenges. Helping one another is a good thing, and there are good people out there. But then you have the lazy folks who expect you to do everything for them. Wishing and dreaming all day, ain't gonna' cut it! I'm gonna' build me a garden box! LOL! God bless you and Dave.
aweosme!
Yes, life lessons
Me soon as snow melts.i
Great advice! We took the leap in 2020, lived in a camper while we built our off-grid cabin home.
It took planning, perseverance and perspiration to make it a reality.
Take care, blessings to you and yours.
That is awesome!
Thank you for this video, Brooke.
I'm 75, a retired teacher, and bought 87 wooded acres in the WV mts last spring. I'm off grid living in a 10x12 cabin my kids built for me. It's basic, no frills. My vision is to enjoy my final chapter in the peaceful forest as close to my Lord as possible and leave a beautiful campground or home place for my kids, grands, and great grands. I knew it would be a challenge, I have no family living close to help, but there have been greater challenges than I expected. I do think the challenges of figuring out how to make things work keeps my brain and body energized! I love this life. My family is concerned for this "old woman" but I've always been up for an adventure.
I am struggling to find a solution for condensation in the cabin. It is very well insulated and I use a small wall propane heater (unvented). Water sometimes even runs down the walls from the windows unto the floor. If you or any of your subscribers have an idea on fixing this issue, I would greatly appreciate it.
The propane heater is the cause of your condensation. Switch to a direct vent propane wall furnace or install a small wood stove. Either option should help with the condensation problem. You will be infinitely more comfortable!
@@UrbanWildlifeControlIncFergus
Thank you!
All non vented propane heaters make carbon monoxide. Get a dectector that has a peak button to show the highest its reading. May not always b enough to set an alarm off but it will always be there AND enough to be very harmful.
And YES, non vented makes mold i e. tons of moisture. Get a used one out of a camper, theyre vented
Tea candle heating system with flower-pots
Thank you Brooke. You and Dave are such an inspiration. At 55, I am alone working towards full time in my woods. I have worked through chronic health issues and then a stroke, but I keep moving forward slowly and relatively debt free.
Praying for you ms Ingrid.
Keep going. I'm with ya there. 2 brain surgeries in the past 7 years, but I'm slowly building up my homestead. I do what I'm able to do and plan what I know I can do on own comfortably without depending on others to do for me.
Good for you, hope your end goal isn't too far away. ❤
@@AFloodofSolaceJohnWhigham Thank you so much! I am not giving up on what I love.
@@denisehaley9271 You sure do understand sister! Nothing feels better than freedom on your own terms.
My first place here was a 6x8 camper.
it had a bed and a stove. No oven. Heat was the 2 burner stove.
Oh it has a tiny sink also. But don't ever remember using it.
I also had one 100w 12v solar panel and two old car batteries. And a Kindle.
I would only go to the city maybe once a month. And when I did. I downloaded kindle books to read from a wifi.
I mainly ate potatoes. I'd buy 20 to 30 lbs for the month
I bought a 250 gallon tote I used for water. And one to haul it with.
I used a 5 gallon bucket with a toilet seat for a toilet. Which I kept outside.
I've learned so much since then.
Like rain catch. I live in the real desert. I get 4 to 8 inches a year. So no matter where you live. If you can build a 14x20 roof you have over 1000 gallons if good water to drink and cook with.
Now. figure you need 2 gallons per person per day. And that does not include bathing.
Bathing is up to you. On how often you do. But you need at least 5 gallons per bathing for one person.
You may choose to have multiple people use the same tub
But in my case. I use the water after for plants. And if you are in low water area. I advice have at least a 2nd use for water.
This summer I'm volunteering for Habitat for Humanity to get some skills with building and also see what I'm in for.
... Awesome talk Brooke .... Best Action Coach I've heard ... It all starts with a plan ..... if it's a doable plan/dream , focus on one step/chapter at a time ,, only seeing the desired end product will create overwhelming barriers ... then get after it .. Your ship will never reach the dream shore if it doesn't leave the dock ....
Brooke - you are an inspiration & so kind to help folks succeed 😊
Thank you so much!
Hi Brooke!
We bought 20 acres, right before Covid, so it was reasonably priced. We have to wait 6 years until he retires to build our home. In the meantime, we’re doing things that WE can do. I learn so much from you, including the drive and will. Really appreciate it. Thanks!
Sounds great!
I have 16 x16 was a porch. Now my sewing room I did my self. Love ❤️ UA-cam great job honey.
We have been living off grid for 21 plus years. I wouldn't want to live any other way! It was extremely hard at first. We were raising 3 kids ages 9, 4, and 1 and we lost our only vehicle because I couldn't make the payments and build a good shelter before winter. Our first year on our property was very hard but we were determined to get through it and make it work. He was working away all week and I had learned to chopp wood ( broke 4 ax handles) lug water and keep a road/path clear in case of emergency. Today we have everything we need to survive and no debt other than the toys that we want to have
wow great story!
All well stated, you and Dave continue to fuel our fire. Our piece of dirt closes at the end of the month. The journey continues.......
I have watched your videos ever since you camped out in a open tent with wolf.. I love your videos and every single word you said in this one is sooo true ..I have been on my land for 7 years now started out living in a pop up camper , bought a shed and now I'm in a 5th wheel. But I have done it all on my own by my self raising two grandchildren and if I can do it anyone can
Awesome!
You're right. People need to be realistic about things. The first thing I did was to get out of USELESS debt and start saving money.
Because my cabin was going to be on mountain property I own 2 hours from where I lived, I spent many weekends and vacations clearing it over many years. Met with county officials, stopped at construction sites whenever I saw other cabins being built during my travels and met contractors. When it came time to build I had already chosen all the contractors/trades I wanted to work on it having already seen their work. I ended up subbing everything out because I was working full time.
I am now retired and living in my cabin in the woods full time.
It's possible, but sometimes it takes years to reach a long term goal.
true
Wauw, Brooke. Lots of people don't have a house or car to sell, or things of worth to sacrifice. Maybe they cannot work two or three jobs for whatever reason. First peace of this video is for the fairly spoiled ones amongst us.... A small peace of land here costs at least 200.000 euro, without a permit to build. It is not always possible even if you've worked very hard all your life. I had years of bushcraft and survival training, and I've lived off grid for two years on the run for a violent ex-husband, with children and many animals, so I'm sure I could do it, if I had the chance, but it's not possible for me to buy land and needed materials.
You've got some great advice in this video and we appreciate the honesty about what it takes to make your dreams happen! We went off grid 9/22 and we are in our 50s. A lot of people told us we were nuts, but how they would love to do it too, "but never could" for many of the reasons you listed. It's definitely not for everyone, but learning the skills to build your dreams is absolutely amazing. Have a wonderful week :)
I agree and have lived through most of those reasons why my dream would fail, including not having my wife on board. I'm also 64, and getting old...but B.Allan Mackie built his last log home when he was 80 years old. I started with a huge dream, then downsized to see it through, but it was owning the property I bought that kept my dream alive, without the property I would have let my dream slip away. It can't be over emphasized, buy land as soon as you can, the prices will only go up. The land I'm building on would be cost prohibitive to buy today for me and my wife. Over the last 22+ years since buying my property, it tripled, but alas there isn't any for sale...My house is probably bigger than you would recommend, but I built a 10x20 office in my backyard to test myself. My log home is only 28x32, so the timbers are fairly large. Now I added a 30x40 detached shop, foundation is going in as I type. I don't have good plans and hope social security is around, and if not, I'll do what I have to do in order to survive...growing my own food, raising chickens, hunting, fishing...
My wife and I are saving to get our first acre of remote land and love all the helpful and inspiring advice you bring. This will be a new chapter in our lives, being very excited but nervous at the same time. We hope to find something affordable in Michigan's upper peninsula, but also dream to have at least an acre in Alaska as well. One step at a time🙏 God willing
Built an 8x12 box this last summer, I love it.
I'm not sure where or why society tells children that life is easy and they deserve everything for free. It is abuse to lie to kids making them victims of a misguided world. It is the Duty of all parents to teach the children how to navigate the rough waters of this human experience. Making them live in a fantasy is just right own crul. I am so glad you made this video, and that your loving advise sinks deep into all that hear these truths. Life is all about choices. How bad do you really want something will be the fire that fuels your soul. Work smart to make each task not as hard, take pride to what you put out into the world and the Universe will provide the path.
I sure would love to build on some land. Thank you for always taking us along and showing us a marvelous things. Stay safe and healthy and may God bless your family
I'm a plumber and I am so grateful that I learned the real value of one's labor,sweat. The exercise feels good.
so true
Great advice here! Debt and lack of support are my roadblocks. I would love to take the plunge and sell off everything and go off grid in a remote area even tho we live on an established homestead already. We just have a lot of debt that goes along with it. And hubby and kiddos have no desire to go primitive for more than a weekend, unfortunately. So, I just do what I can. Thanks for the encouragement, Brooke! I'm currently watching you on Alone season 5. So cool!
you forgot to mention you had each other- you combined your resources...and being on your own it's all on you...having a partner is a huge resource not to be under estimated...and yes doing moves any one forward...talk is cheap as they say..I admire your grit and tenacity...and you have a partner...
and i've done it alone too
@@therealgirlinthewoods ..i understand that and even when you do it alone and have a partner..you have another that brings resources, however few..psychologically this makes (even in the least-not doing it alone) a difference you may be underestimating..thats all.
Thank you sincerely! Praying for my land...my longtime dream. Most ready to "make it happen"!
I weirdly got inspiration to start working on my art again with this video. A bad business deal got me to nearly give up, until I stumbled on to this video. Thanks dear, God bless you.
good luck!
Second to last could be mitigated with a local platbook. you can get a really good idea of how the properties are spread by looking at even an old book. ANd get an idea if there is government or logging land (the papermill in my hometown owns a stupidly large quantity of land used for logging.
Start Small.....Good advice. All good advice
i think alot of people dont try a lifestyle before they jump in, try living on a lot with an rv or live in a van with solar. live on a boat off shore with a moaring.
Thanks Brooke, I built an off grid cabin 38 years ago!! Best thing I ever did!! Started small and added on in time!!
Like you said, just make it happen and learn from your mistakes along the way!!
congrats!
There's alot more to making this happen! You never mentioned the possible township zoning, the county codes!! You can't just go out in the woods and build whatever you want! We learned this the hard way. We purchased 10 acres in the U.P. of Michigan. We had plans to build our own little cabin. There are size restrictions, the health department has to be involved. Heck, we even had to get a building permit for our outhouse, that also required a 1000 sewer tank. I highly recommend anyone wanting to do this. You need to educate yourself on your local codes! Believe me, they will find you!
build on wheels- problem solved!
@@therealgirlinthewoods we were told we need a permit to just have our camper sit there. The regulations are unbelievable!
I bought some land and a small cabin 2 years ago. Sold my house, moved in with my mom and I will have it paid for in 11 more months!
I’m a 61 year old single woman who will be starting my adventure full time in the next year. It’s worth the sacrifice to be debt free and live in such a beautiful, peaceful place! God is good!
congrats! you're crushing it!
We’re a family of 5 soon to be 6. The land kind of fell in our lap. And now we’re making the best of it. We’ve been going on weekends to manually clear brush. Planing to hopefully be living on the land by October. Doing a shed to house. Hoping a generation to start will get us in the right direction. We’re thinking an outhouse. We will build as we can afford and by then we will be done paying off our car 🥳 hopefully it all works out! Thank you for this video!
I wish I had a place to just be...... Twenty-seven years in the field now...... 17 years in this school bus.... I would love just a place in the woods to park and live
Love this! Such good advice, the same with all things in life, if you want it enough you will find a way, and make the necessary sacrifices. Thank-you so much for all your creations. Since finding your channel, I have bought 5 acres used Dave's video to model and build our outhouse, put up a workshop, hooked up a well. This year we build a small cabin. All learnt from videos books and trial and error. Would not change a thing
You are spot on with “getting stuck in the education trap”! That happened to me…but little by little I’m inching my way closer.
Awesome advice, Brooke! You’ve encouraged me and so many others…just getting started is the key, and it requires sacrifice as you said! I’ll be 53 this month…after my daughter went off to college two years ago I moved back in with my mom and brother to save money and help them situate the house after my dad passed away in 2021. I’ll be getting my first 5th wheel mid-summer to start prospecting where I want to buy some land, all the while learning how to build a cabin from the ground up with my amazingly talented step-dad (he’s built several houses by himself over the years). I can’t wait to find my little slice of Heaven on Earth! Godspeed! 🙏🏻
I watched your winter camping videos in October 2022, and I put aside a little money until I could buy the white duck tent and a stove to go with it. The tent just arrived a couple days ago. I’m going to fire up the stove for the first time today then I’m going to set up camp. This is the realization of my first step towards buying off grid property. Now I have a tent to live in once I buy a piece of property. Next step: boots on the ground in the places I’m looking at in Alaska, Montana, Nevada and Utah. Thanks for your inspiring videos and your good advice in videos like this one!
wow so cool! Good luck!
Amen!! We did also the Dave Ramsey plan, it's not an option to be debt free for homesteading! Thanks for your videos, we have the same values!
Six years now offgrid. Bought my land and a used rv .
Now I have a great modern offgrid cabin . I love my minalmist life style . Real peace .
awesome!
Great advice! No BS, just clear concise pointers on how to get moving!
Brooke, you've got a GREAT channel here and I love the followers you've got.
This is like coming home after a long day of baling hay in 90° Michigan heat, and having instant relaxation 😊😊😊
You've got great content, your positive energy, calmness you share.. Thank you for the sanity and little piece of heaven ❤️
Thank you so much for this video! Everything you’ve said is so true.
This is our story … My husband and I are living in a 29 foot, 3-season camper trailer. Our plan is to buy two 20’ shipping containers and build our home on my parents acreage in Northern Ontario. I just recently got a really good paying job, so my income will be going into saving for our containers and building materials. I will also be building some raised beds this year to grow some of our food (stuff that my folks are reluctant to put in the big family garden) and some herbal medicinals. I purchased a 4’x4’x4’ greenhouse in the fall, which will be perfect for on top of one of the raised beds, to get started with my growing early. My second daughter has 2 raised beds in her back yard that she never uses, so they will be coming to me, so I already have most of the materials I need for my beds.
Our home will be a simple 4 rooms, bathroom and bedroom in one, living room and kitchen in the other. We already have a beautiful wood stove that we will be using for heat, and bought a very small solar system for the trailer, which we will be transferring to the container home when the time is right. We are also getting a windmill, so we have some power redundancies (this winter has been horrible for solar - so we’ve been using a gas generator - and it’s been VERY expensive).
I love this video Brooke, you could have been speaking to the Heather from 2020, where I had big dreams and no money. My dreams are still pretty big, but my game plan is far more manageable now, so I can see things actually starting to happen.
The biggest expense we will see in the next several months will be the purchase of our shipping containers, but it is my hope to have them before the end of April, so we can get started with our build in May. I’m thinking of documenting the entire process on video … you might just find me on UA-cam!
thats fantastic! congrats!
Good advice. I learned more about public service in one summer of work than 7 years of education.
exactly
Been doing it since 1994. Started with bare land and moved a 25’ trailer on it. We carried water and our propane, until we developed our spring and tanks. Etc. After we got divorced, I finished paying off the land, then I was able to save enough to build a 14x16 office where I worked. I added rooms as I could afford them, and ended up with a 1200 sq ft. It wasn’t easy, but now I am very comfortable.
congrats!
Planning, patience, perseverance and prayer.
you got it dave
I inherited a mess, but I love love love living by the lake. I have been overwhelmed. Thanks for the ideas to get moving. I have to get dedicated to risking and being uncomfortable . . . just a little bit.
You can do it!
I think one factor not mentioned was the influence of youtube on what people think off grid living is like. Most of the off grid content creators are not sacrificing or making the tough choices you mentioned. They have multiple new 4x4 trucks, skid steers, excavators, expensive solar/battery set ups, etc. If you were inspired by these videos to live off grid and then saw the shack that a real off gridder might have to live in that is a real bummer and leads folks to give up. Of course the reality is the youtubers are actually living off ad revenue, patreon donations, and all the free merchandise they get in exchange for doing thinly veiled commercial for the products. I hope your dose of reality of living off grid will correct the fantasy portrayed by many other youtubers.
spot on! we talk about this all the time- smoke and mirrors with those channels
I'm back in the Hiawatha National Forest in the UP of Michigan. I have no Debt anymore, but don't forget that you can NOT escape Taxes, and Insurance!
Thanks for the pep talk, looking for land in Maine and getting my finances in order💛🕊️💛
One reality of going off grid is that you'll also have to live far simpler than one realizes even after achieving it and its not debt but having $100Ks in the bank after building or an income since its not truly free. It's can be incredibly costly going off grid or staying there for decades since your likely buying everything including what your eating even if its just months apart. Having a UA-cam channel helps immeasurably or live near where you can work nearby because many that fail afterwards Is the reality without the cash because your off grid in name only.
This video couldn't be more timely. My wife and I will be making our move to SE AK in June. Now that it's becoming real I have been having some nagging doubts, the same ones in the beginning of your video! You and Dave have been very helpful the last couple years, and I bet there's a lot of other people who feel the same way. We hope very much to meet you both in AK sometime. God bless both of you for encouraging so many.
Best of luck!
great advice keep it simple i found living in my five thousand dollar half salvaged cabin is warm dry and very happy i'm seventy and still enjoy life in the forest
I had a fire. Thank God my garage was fine. I went off grid with no notice. Thank God I had plenty of camping equipment! I am fixing my house.. but I might not move out of my garage.. I might end up renting out my house..
oh no i'm sorry!
@@therealgirlinthewoods don't be.. I fixed my garage very nice. It has a bathroom, kitchen, living room and a bed room. Much easier to clean. I am getting old and realize I don't need much to be happy.
I know a lot of ppl who has succeeded in building a cabin in Alaska. A guy was a few years out of high school and built his own double story log cabin for his new family. My friend La’ona just built a log cabin in Delta last winter and never built a log cabin in her life. She built her second cabin in Wasilla this winter (2022-2023). My brother built a cabin on our family land 70 miles outside of Takotna, where there was no showers or McDonalds or Lowes down the road.
heck yah!
Very good advice. I started in Codova, Glennallen, and Nakank, AK, after college, and now, in our 60's, we are landing in Cumberland, WI, where we bought 10 acres in 1994. We have spent almost 30 years slowly planting trees, building buildings, developing gardens, restoring the barn (which we stayed in during working vacations) while we worked all over the country for modest income as a rural pastor. As a result of that slow, pay as you go work, we have a fully paid for modest very rural place to retire. It has been a lot of work, but we have and continue to enjoy it. We loved Alaska, but family draws us back to the lower 48, and NW Wisonsin is very nice, too. We LOVE your videos and feel kinship with some parallel journeys in life!
nice love it good luck!
I definitely overestimated myself in terms of time. It's going a lot slower than I expected. I'm in my 3rd year of building a small cabin in a secluded spot in the Chilean patagonia. The videos you and your husband produce have been a great inspiration over the years. Thank you for all your indirect support!
Not so tough if you are used to suffering. You do what you have to do. Great advice to many who need it.
I like how you and the husband, build everything from scratch especially using concrete pavers and building off it with hammers and nails and not using air compressors, and other equipment with cordless etc which is also great.
Thank you. I have been "off grid" for 21 years. I have a homestead patented year 1911, with national forest on all four sides.
wow very fortunate!
You're so inspirational, Brooke, so awesome. Take care.
I remember when I wanted to live off grid and start a small farm (1acre). My husband also thought it would be great idea. We started reading everything we could find. My husband was born and raised in Chicago. My parents grewup on farms and my grandparents still did. I always knew you had to work hard at growing fruits and veggies then canning so you could have food year round. Anyway my husband and i got as far as raising veggies and canning. The next big thing we did was start raising rabbits for meat for 3 years. Suddenly my husband decided he wasnt interested indoing any kind of cleanup inside or outside of the house. I was working full time and going to college so we both needed to do cleaning. I knew the off grid farm wasnt going to happen. So it turned into something that was lost dream.
i'm sorry
It's not for everyone. Thank God we have the luxury of being able to choose. Our ancestors didn't.
This is my biggest fear in doing this. I'd have to go back quite a few generations to find people with grit. Sure, they've all been blue collar workers but they didn't garden, have chickens, chop wood, etc. Pretty sure my husband's family is the same. But I'll be damned if we're not gonna try!!
Agree, First build dry out house, collect water and wood heat in small cabin. And have to have money to pay property tax.
Thanks Brooke, always enjoy your input👍🏻.
You, a "downer", never... Just keeping it real, and that's appreciated...
God Bless🙏🏻🕊💜🦋
Very insightful encouraging & all true!
But you left out one challenge some of us have which is having no one.
Planning off grid life Solo is another level of difficulty but with Christ all things are possible!
I have done it alone. it is possible
Thanks Brook. All i want is a old cabin ( already built) or a real old house where i can have a dog without being on a leash.
Dog is the most important! I've had alot of loose dogs here bir
Very realistic advice for those who earnestly want to live off grid. Myself, I do it with camping, while owning a house. That way, I get to experience the great outdoors for whatever number of days, then come back to my convenient house which has everything I need. The best of both worlds. But I give you and your husband a lot of credit for all the hard work you've done and still do, to accomplish your dream. Ten years without running water! Wow! No thanks, but wow! I enjoyed the video.
Yay Dave Ramsey! Good for you in providing this resource for people. It only took us 10 years to become debt free, and we have remained so for the past 10.
Everything you said is absolutely correct. My wife and I sold our house 4 years ago, bought a retired short school bus and turned it into a cabin on wheels for less that $5k dollars. Last March we bought a small plot of land in alabama and are building our off grid homestead while we live in our bus. It's been very challenging but extremely worth it.
aweosme!
Thanks for this, so good to hear this from someone like you that has done this many times over.
Good advice; thanks for sharing! I live in a fairly small town & decided to try permaculture gardening in my back yard, then my front yard in 2020. It’s been fun & the neighbours come talk to me about it. I’m definitely not off grid but in my 7th decade, so I’m kinda happy that I can grow more of our food & medicinal plants & trees. Plus, I’ve been helping my daughter with their 10,000 square foot greenhouses that they acquired less than a year ago. I was raised on a farm with no running water or indoor plumbing for some of my childhood; the family worked together to thrive. Great vlog! Blessings to your family 🤗💜🇨🇦
I'm 70 also! I built a greenhouse in 19 and reroofed my house! Then came 2020! I tore up my right shoulder then a heart attack and more surgery! While recovering, I built 2 decks and cover over the front deck-porch! If I don't feel good I take it easy, if good, I think the of the best and safest way to accomplish the task! One day at a time!!
awesome!
love it donald!
I sold my home and a nice fishing camp to make my off grid dream come true..... and I was debt free before I sold the properties. It was all worth it! 💙💛🙏
That is awesome!
Love you and you husband! God bless ya all. working on the dream getting land now very exciting and motivating! Blessings🇺🇸
awesome
Okay thank you Brooke I will check the website out that you told me about 👍🤗
Would you share the website? I’m learning myself.
Your right about trying and building something instead of endless educating. Get out there and make it happen
I've talked to my husband about living and off grid, and he's very open to it! We have a 1 year old and 2 small dogs. My struggle is finding land in Northern Utah that's the balance of being in nature but not far from civilization.
Thank you, I’m 31 years old and wanting to own an off grid home. It’s intimidating starting off but these videos help as a jumping off point!
we are starting small but even before we get started, I planted my first garden last year. Videotaped everything, so I could see what worked what didn't what do I need to improve to create a greater yield for my family that sustainable. I wanted to KNOW how to grow food before I made the full transition. I didn't want to learn when I got there because there would be too much going on. Its about being prepared and giving yourself grace to learn and adapt
awesome!
Brooke, that was so honest and beautiful. Cash talks ?? not all the time. I was buying a new truck and was paying cash they would not accept it. I will never use that dealer again.
exactly. go elsewhere!
That was an excellent video.
And you explained everything explicitly exactly how it should happen.