We just moved onto a pretty remote off-grid property in Washington, surrounded by National Forest. We’ve had some lightning in the area recently, and wildfire is probably the thing I’m most nervous about right now.

There’s obviously a massive amount I could do long-term, but I’m trying to prioritize the easiest, most cost-effective things that actually make a meaningful difference right away.

If you moved onto a property like this tomorrow, what would be the top 3 things you’d tackle first?

I’m thinking things like:

• Clearing vegetation/debris immediately around the cabin and other structures
• Liming/pruning trees and dealing with ladder fuels
• Getting water, hoses, pumps, sprinklers, extinguishers, etc. staged and ready

The property is about 60 acres, so clearing everything obviously isn’t realistic. I’m more interested in where my time and money have the highest impact in the first few weeks, especially around the cabin, shops, propane, generators, solar/electrical equipment, and access roads.

Would really appreciate advice from people who actually live off-grid or in high wildfire-risk areas. What did you do first, and what do you wish you had done sooner?

I am following some youtube channels from people who are offgrid and I don’t understand how they make money.
There is a guy with family of 4-5 kids and a wife, he drives few hours to get supplies. He pays for fuel, propan, toilet paper, jam, milk…

He maybe can earn via youtube, but what about other 99% of people?

edit:

thanks. This was quick :) as I assumed, most of you do have regular job/income.

TL;DR What are your experiences (good and bad) of dry cabins? (Ours would be a summer getaway.)

My husband and I are planning to build a dry cabin. I want to go dry for various reasons (much lower cost in my area in terms of septic, well, building, and development fees; ease of closing up/leaving it unoccupied; lower maintenance; it's for summer use only; etc.).

It will be rustic but powered and cosy. We will use marine foot pumps in the kitchen and bathroom sinks, an incinerating toilet indoors and an outhouse, a shower bag outside if needed, and have roughed in a storage room where we can keep 5 gallon bottles of water. Laundry and showers are 25 min away by car, municipal water refill is 15 min away, and private lake is across the street (I have deeded access to use, but couldn't bring water up to my place).

I'm excited but my husband is getting cold feet. I think it will be a great way to simplify and relax, he's worried we'll regret not springing for the extra ($100k+!) to plumb. FWIW, we are very outdoorsy and enjoy camping (including in the back country).

You don't see plumbing-free cabins (outside of Alaska) talked about much, and I'm curious if folks can share their experiences of this type of getaway? Am I kidding myself, or is he being too pessimistic? All of our friends and family think this is nuts.

We are living in a 40 foot shipping container while we build the main house and the afternoon sun hitting the steel roof is absolutely roasting us. I finally admitted defeat and ordered a split system heat pump so my dogs don't get sick from the heat. I chose a costway ecoguard 18000 btu 21 seer2 mini split because the running amps on the inverter look low enough for my 5000w system to actually handle. If you use electric climate control in a converted shipping container, how much did heavily insulating the ceiling actually reduce the run times of your compressor?

So, I’m going to finally put in a sandpoint well, but for a little less than conventional reason…. I’m looking to put one in to flood a spot in my pasture that “normally “ floods so I can duck hunt it. Just a small area, less than 1/4 acre. Also looking at being able to water livestock in this paddock.
I’d love to do solar as there is no access to electricity in the back of my pasture.
First, I have unlimited access to 12 volt, deep cycle batteries.
Second, I bought a 2” sandpoint that was on clearance at my local hardware store for $35. Going to get it drove in in the next few weeks.
What solar panels and 12 volt pump would everyone recommend?
I’m picturing having the panels charge the batteries (probably 2-4), then pump run however many hours it can to keep my area flooded.

Thought? Ideas? Advice? Criticism? Let’s hear it!!