Living away from civilization means you don't use sewers, water and electricity. It also typically leads a minimalist lifestyle, reduces waste, and uses only essential items. To prepare for this path of life, take courses and read books on farming and gardening, homesteading, and other skills that will be required. Monitor real estate or other non-civilized communities that match your goals, and think about the type of home you want before entering this life fully.
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Method 1 of 5: Stop Using Common Utilities
Step 1. Install the solar power system
Living away from civilization means that you need an independent energy source at home. Your best option is to install solar panels at home. Consult a solar power company in your area to find out how to better install a solar panel system in your home.
The total cost of installing a solar panel system, including solar panels, batteries, backup generators, and professional installation, can average up to IDR 20 million
Step 2. Have a backup resource
A backup system will complement your solar panel system, which will come in handy on cloudy days. If you live near a river, you can install a micro-hydropower turbine as a backup system. Otherwise, you can also install a wind turbine near the house. Consult your options with a renewable energy company in the area, and if they fit, install them in your home.
- The cost of a domestic wind turbine can reach IDR 20,000,000.
- The price of hydropower turbines is quite diverse. Small turbines can cost as much as IDR 10 million, while large turbines (which produce more power) can exceed IDR 70 million.
Step 3. Reduce energy consumption
Since you're not using general electricity, you'll want to make sure you don't use up too much power. To keep energy consumption low, replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. This small change can reduce electricity usage by up to 75%. Also, turn off lights, televisions, and other equipment when not in use.
Step 4. Make a well
Since you are not using water from PDAM, you need to use well water. The cost of drilling a well can reach Rp. 8 million.
Step 5. Install the septic tank system
A septic tank is a watertight cubicle that holds all your waste because it doesn't use a public sewer system. The cost of installing a septic tank can reach Rp. 9 million.
The septic tank will need to be emptied by the suction truck periodically
Step 6. Install the greywater system
The greywater system will process the leftover water from the dishwasher, sink, bathroom so that it can be reused. Although not as important as a well or septic tank, this system can extend the life of the well by using water that has been pumped to the surface.
The water recycled by the greywater system can be used as water for flushing toilets or irrigation
Method 2 of 5: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Reduce waste
While living away from civilization, all consumption of energy, food and water must be carefully monitored and maintained. The more limited resources you use, the more dependent you are on others. Easy ways to reduce waste include:
- Do not bathe too long and reduce the frequency of watering the yard.
- Unplug the device when not in use.
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
- Make use of leftovers. Start composting leftover food so it doesn't go to waste.
Step 2. Attend a workshop
Workshops on topics like gardening, composting, and improving your home can come in handy when you live far from civilization. Check the community event schedule in the newspaper or library to find the workshop you need.
Step 3. Read about topics that will help you live away from civilization
For example, if you're planning on gardening, look up how to do it on an internet search engine. There are many videos and articles online about how to live far from civilization. You can also visit the local library and read some books on living away from civilization, growing your own fruit and vegetables, and managing solar power.
Step 4. Try staying in a secluded cabin
Rent a cabin in a secluded place that will give you a sense of living away from civilization. Spend about a week in a cabin similar to the house you want to live in.
- While cabin amenities and features may not be exactly the same as what you would have living far from civilization, spending time in the cabin will help you better define what you want.
- Use your experience to determine the location, size, and amenities of your remote home.
Step 5. Decide how remote you want your life to be
Living far from civilization does not mean you have to live thousands of kilometers from settlements. You can choose to live in remote and isolated places, but still have easy access to shops, hospitals, and family. On the other hand, you can live in a completely self-contained house or trailer away from other people.
- The distance you choose to distance yourself from depends on your preferences and personality.
- Go to various locations before choosing a home location far from civilization.
Step 6. Select your communication level
Living away from civilization will usually reduce the level of interaction and communication with the outside world. However, the level you choose varies depending on your personality and desires. For example, you can choose not to use your cell phone, computer, and radio. You can also keep using the computer, but get rid of the radio and cell phone.
There is no right or wrong in setting limits on your level of communication
Method 3 of 5: Obtaining Food
Step 1. Create a garden
Growing your own food is the best way to survive away from civilization. Even if you don't grow all the plants you want or need, you can at least supplement your diet with fruit and vegetables that grow from your hard work and effort.
Step 2. Go hunting or fishing
Hunting, trapping, and fishing can provide protein to your diet. You can use a shotgun, or, if you like a challenge, a bow and arrow to hunt down wild animals.
Step 3. Collect food from your environment
Fruit trees can be a source of ready-to-take food in the summer. This will save you time, money and energy.
Get an illustrated botanical book that describes the fruits, nuts, and vegetables that grow naturally in your environment
Step 4. Find food from the trash
Scavenging trash cans can produce a number of edible foods. Identify a grocery store whose trash can is accessible. Put on a headlight and gloves, then go into the trash and find something to eat. Avoid anything that looks stale or smells bad.
- Make sure your local regulations permit scavenging of trash cans. In most areas, scavenging waste is legal, but not in some.
- In addition to food, you may also find cleaning products, electronics, books, and other items in the trash that can still be used.
- Always leave the trash can and the surrounding area as neat and clean as possible before you leave.
Method 4 of 5: Choosing a House
Step 1. Buy an existing house
There are many houses built in remote and isolated places, which are far from civilization and easy to turn into a place to suit your lifestyle. Try checking the list of ads on the internet. Contact a real estate agent regarding homes that interest you. Visit some of the houses to see what each one has to offer and how easily it can be turned into a home away from civilization.
You can choose to live in a small house, trailer, cabin, or similar domicile
Step 2. Build a house from scratch
Custom homes that are designed according to your wishes will certainly be able to meet your needs. These days, many companies specialize in building small houses or homes away from the crowds. Contact a home contractor with experience building homes like this and share your preferences and ideas with him. Work together to create a home away from the crowds.
Step 3. Monitor cheap land
Once you know the area you want to build a house in, check the internet and local newspapers for property ads in the area. You can also contact a real estate agent who will find it for you.
It can take months or even years to find land at a price and size that fits your needs. However, with patience, you will be able to get the land you want
Step 4. Join a community of people living in remote areas
If you can't find land that suits your needs and don't want to put in the time and effort to build your own isolated house, try joining a community of people who live far from civilization and who like to share their lifestyle. This community is spread all over the world. Find one near you in your area via the internet.
- Communities living far from civilization are a great option because they let you live the way you want, while maintaining human-to-human connections.
- Different communities have different rules. Some do not allow electricity at all, while others use renewable energy to power homes and buildings.
Method 5 of 5: Managing Finances
Step 1. Save a lot of money
Your lifestyle away from civilization will be more secure if you can pay for upgrades, repairs, or other things when needed. To make sure you can do it, save as much money as possible before living away from civilization, and continue to save as much as possible after adopting this lifestyle.
Since everyone far from civilization has different needs and burdens, it is impossible to know exactly how much money a person needs to save. However, the standard rule is to have a minimum savings of six months' income
Step 2. Eliminate unnecessary expenses
Even if you have a lot of capital when starting a lifestyle away from civilization, it's best to only buy the things you need and save as much money as possible. That is, you need to do, for example, find other recreation or entertainment. Instead of going to a concert or drama show, you can watch a movie or read a book at home.
Avoid buying alcohol, cigarettes, makeup, and other non-essential items
Step 3. Use hobbies to make money
Once you live away from civilization, you will be able to save a lot of money that usually goes into utility bills. This allows you to no longer need to work or cut the number of hours worked. You can turn your hobby into a business that makes money.
- For example, if you are very good at knitting, you can sell your work online or in traditional markets.
- If you like writing, spend more time writing and start publishing a blog that makes money or write articles for online publication.
Step 4. Turn the knowledge of life outside civilization into a money-making opportunity
Many people are attracted to lifestyles outside of civilization. If you want, you can upload videos, publish a blog, or write a book about your experiences living outside civilization to make money. You can also invite others to attend some kind of out-of-civilization lifestyle exchange program.
