Off The Grid: Our Journey To Building A Self Sufficient Life

Why “Off the Grid” Became Our Dream

Off the grid. It’s one of those phrases that sounds both daring and romantic, doesn’t it? The best part is—it’s not just a phrase for us. It’s a life we’re actively building every single day.

We’re a couple who spent four incredible years RVing full time, chasing sunsets, exploring the East Coast, and living on the open road.

With two beautiful grown children now out making lives of their own, we’ve stepped into a new chapter as empty nesters. The RV life gave us adventure, freedom, and the sheer joy of waking up in new places together.

But after all those miles and memories, we realized something deeper: what we wanted most was to put down roots, create a life that didn’t rely on the grocery store or the power company, and finally build the kind of self-sufficient homestead we had been dreaming about.

That’s when we bought our little slice of heaven—a 3.5-acre property in rural West Virginia.

Today, we’re turning this land into our very own micro-farm. We’re raising meat rabbits and chickens, growing vegetables, planting fruit trees, collecting rainwater, and planning for solar power.

And our dreams don’t stop there—On my bucket list is to add Nubian goats for milk, KuneKune pigs for pork, and honey bees for both honey and pollination.

It’s not easy. But going off the grid never was about “easy.” It was about freedom, resilience, and creating a life that feels authentically ours.

What “Off the Grid” Means to Us

When people hear “off the grid,” they often picture a cabin in the deep woods, miles from civilization, with no running water or internet.

That can be one way to live it—but for us, “off the grid” means something different. It means:

  • Raising our own food so we know where it comes from. After surviving stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer and more recently two strokes and a heart attack, I have finally realized how important my health is.
  • Relying less on outside systems—power companies, grocery stores, supply chains.
  • Building resilience so when the world goes sideways, our lives keep running smoothly.
  • Living in harmony with nature rather than fighting against it.
  • Choosing simplicity over complication, authenticity over convenience.

Our version of going off the grid is about becoming as self-sufficient as possible while still enjoying the modern comforts we love.

Think of it as building a life where the electric bill and grocery bill get smaller every month, while the satisfaction of doing things ourselves gets bigger.

From RV Roads to Rooted Homestead

Our journey didn’t start on a farm.

It started in an RV. For four years, we went up and down the East Coast, living full-time on the road.

We spent months in the Florida Keys, explored Kentucky, North and South Carolina. The RV life gave us freedom—freedom to move, freedom to simplify, freedom to explore.

But after years of rolling wheels, we longed for something steady. We wanted to take that same freedom and anchor it into land—our own land.

When we stumbled across a 3.5-acre property tucked into the hills of West Virginia, we knew it was the spot. It wasn’t big enough to be a full-scale farm, but it was just right for a micro-farm.

Enough space to raise animals, grow a garden, and move closer toward a fully off-the-grid lifestyle. We were less than 6 hours from our kids and and less than 6 hours to my husbands parents. 

That RV chapter of our lives taught us how little we really need, how to make the most of every square foot, and how much we love living outside of the “norm.”

Now, those lessons are serving us as we build a homestead that reflects who we are as a couple—and as empty nesters rediscovering this new phase of life together.

Raising Animals for a Self-Sufficient Future

Meat Rabbits

We started with meat rabbits because they’re one of the most efficient, sustainable sources of protein you can raise on a small homestead.

Rabbits require little space, breed quickly, and can provide meat for our family year-round.

Plus, their manure is like gold for the garden—nutrient-rich and easy to compost.

Chickens

Our flock gives us eggs, meat, and endless entertainment. Chickens are the ultimate multi-purpose animal on a micro-farm.

They help with pest control, provide fertilizer, and are surprisingly affectionate (with a touch of sass).

Watching them scratch and peck around the yard reminds us daily why we chose this life.

I am super excited that besides are 51 laying hens, we just got three silkies, as well as 1 frizzle and 2 ducks. My goal is to raise and sell the silkies as well as the frizzle.

Nubian Goats - Future Project

Next on our list are Nubian goats. Known for their floppy ears and sweet personalities, these goats are amazing milk producers.

Fresh goat milk means cheese, yogurt, soap, and an even greater level of self-sufficiency. Goats will also help us manage weeds and brush, making them multipurpose workers on the homestead.

KuneKune Pigs - Future Project

We’ve also got our eyes on adding KuneKune pigs to the farm.

These small, friendly pigs are easy keepers and excellent grazers. They’ll provide pork for the freezer while also helping us improve the soil and clear pasture areas.

Plus, their adorable faces make them irresistible.

Honey Bees

And of course, no off-the-grid homestead feels complete without honey bees.

These tiny workers will give us fresh honey, beeswax, and the priceless service of pollinating our garden and orchard.

They’re not just livestock—they’re partners in creating abundance on the land.

Together, these animals create a system that supports itself: rabbits and chickens for food and fertilizer, goats for milk, pigs for meat and soil care, bees for pollination and honey.

Each piece makes the whole stronger.

Growing Our Own Garden

The heart of any self-sufficient lifestyle is the garden. We’ve been turning soil, planting rows, and learning how to grow enough food to feed ourselves—and hopefully have extra to can, freeze, or dehydrate for later.

Our garden includes:

  • Staples like potatoes, beans, and corn.
  • Fresh favorites like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
  • Herbs for both cooking and natural remedies.
  • Seasonal crops that connect us with the rhythms of the land.

There’s something magical about walking outside, picking dinner from the garden, and knowing it came from your own hands.

That’s the essence of living off the grid—nourishing body and soul from your own backyard.

Building Toward Energy Independence

Right now, we’re focused on food and water, but energy independence is on the horizon.

Solar panels are in our long-term plan, as well as expanding our rainwater collection system.

Every step we take—whether it’s growing another row of vegetables, adding more fruit trees, or reducing our electric use—brings us closer to the off-the-grid lifestyle we’re chasing.

The Reality Of Going Off The Grid

We’ll be the first to admit—it’s not always picture-perfect. Going off the grid means:

  • Learning skills we never thought we’d need (like how to milk goats or build a beehive).
  • Dealing with setbacks (hello, weeds, predators, and unpredictable weather).
  • Putting in long hours (the animals don’t care if it’s raining—they still need fed).

But you know what?

Every challenge has made us stronger. Every project makes our land more abundant.

Every day, we feel more connected to the rhythms of life and more confident that we’re building a future that’s worth it.

Why We Share Our Journey

This website isn’t just about us. It’s about sharing what we’ve learned—and what we’re still learning—with others who dream of living off the grid.

Maybe you’re just starting to imagine what that could look like for your family. Maybe you’re already gardening or keeping chickens and want to expand.

Or just maybe you’re sitting in a city apartment, wondering if you could ever have a slice of this life for yourself.

We’re here to say: yes, you can. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just want to take small steps, going off the grid is possible in ways big and small.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to live as self-sufficiently as possible while inspiring others to do the same.

We believe anyone can take steps toward living off the grid, no matter where they are or how much land they have.

We’ll keep sharing our story—our wins, our failures, and everything in between—so you can learn from our journey. Because off the grid isn’t just a lifestyle. It’s a mindset.

Off the Grid: One Step at a Time

If there’s one thing our RV years taught us, it’s this: freedom comes when you stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating the life you want with what you have.

We didn’t wait for 100 acres or a big fancy farm. We started with 3.5 acres, some determination, and a whole lot of heart.

And that’s really what going off the grid is about—making the most of what you have, growing your skills, and choosing to live with intention.

So, welcome to our little corner of the internet. Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and join us as we build our off-the-grid homestead—one rabbit, one chicken, one goat, one pig, one hive, and one garden row at a time.