When folks hear the words “off-grid” or “self-sufficient living,” most people picture a cabin in the woods with a $20,000 solar setup and composting toilets. That might sound exciting to some—but overwhelming to most. The good news? You don’t have to go all-in to start saving money and becoming more self-reliant.
You can take small, practical steps right where you are—whether you’re in a mobile home, a city apartment, or a house in the suburbs. These simple upgrades can lead to real savings on your electric, water, and heating bills—and they don’t require a full lifestyle overhaul.
Start Where You Are
Most of us can’t drop everything and disappear into the woods (as tempting as that might be sometimes). But what we can do is take a hard look at our monthly bills and ask a better question: “What small change could I make this month to cut costs and gain a little more control over my home?”
That’s really the heart of self-sufficient living—it’s not about escaping modern life, it’s about being intentional with the life you’re already living. And you don’t need to be an expert, a homesteader, or have a pile of money to get started.
Start by breaking things down into categories: electricity, water, heating and cooling, food, waste. Then pick one small thing in each area you could improve. Maybe it’s swapping out a porch light for a solar-powered one. Maybe it’s installing a basic rain barrel to catch water for your garden. Maybe it’s just setting a timer so your space heater doesn’t run all night.
These aren’t massive projects. Most of them take less than an hour to install, don’t require any special skills, and cost far less than the monthly bill they’ll help reduce. Over time, those little wins add up—and before you know it, your home is running more efficiently, and you’re keeping more of your hard-earned money.
You don’t need to be perfect or go all-in from day one. Just start where you are, with what you’ve got. Small steps lead to big savings—and even bigger peace of mind.
"Small steps lead to big savings—and even bigger peace of mind.”
Add Solar Lights for Outdoor Areas
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to dip your toes into self-reliance is by installing solar-powered outdoor lights. These lights charge during the day and automatically light up at night—no wiring, no electricity bill, and no hassle.
They can help save on your electric bill and offer an alternative to installing electricty to areas that don’t currently have it; saving you hundreds of dollars or more.
We’ve used the Solar Pendant Light Motion Sensor 2 Pack Shed Lights around our shed and porch. They’re motion-activated, super bright, and weatherproof. They’re a solid investment—and at less than $50, they start paying for themselves fast.
💡 *Pro tip:* Use these to provide light without the need to run electric lines.
Collect Rainwater for Outdoor Use
Another simple step toward sustainability is rainwater catchment. If you’re on city water, even watering your garden or washing your car can cause your bill to climb.
A rain barrel system lets you collect free water every time it rains. The Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50-Gallon Barrel Kit is a great all-in-one option that’s easy to set up and includes everything you need.
If you’re more of a DIY type, you can convert a food-grade plastic drum or heavy-duty trash can by adding a spigot and overflow hole. Place it under your gutter’s downspout, and you’re good to go.
💧 *Important:* Always check your local regulations—some cities have restrictions on rainwater use.
Upgrade to a Mini-Split Heating & Cooling System
Heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy hogs in any home. One of the most efficient upgrades you can make—without replacing your whole HVAC system—is installing a **mini-split system**.
We use a setup similar to the MRCOOL DIY 18K BTU 4th Gen 1-Zone 22 Seer Energy Star Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner, and it’s been a game changer. It’s quiet, energy-efficient, and lets you control the temperature of specific rooms—so you’re not heating or cooling the whole house when you’re only in one part of it.
Best part? The DIY version means you don’t need a special license or contractor to install it. If you’ve got basic tools and follow the directions, you’re good to go.
Build a DIY Clothesline or Drying Rack
This one’s old-school—but it works. Dryers eat up a ton of electricity, especially in the summer when you’re already trying to keep the house cool.
Putting up a simple clothesline in your backyard or even a retractable line in your laundry room or porch can save you money every month. Plus, your clothes will last longer and smell better.
Don’t have space for a line? Look into a folding drying rack. Set it up inside near a sunny window and let nature do the rest.
Use Smart Plugs and Timers to Control Energy Use
It’s not just the big appliances that drain your wallet—it’s all the little things too. Devices left plugged in, lights left on, and chargers running 24/7 all add up.
A few inexpensive **smart plugs** or outlet timers can help you automate lights, fans, space heaters, and more. Set them to shut off after a certain time or only run during specific hours. You stay in control—without having to think about it.
Look for plugs that work with Alexa or Google Home if you want voice control or app access.
Why This Works
You don’t need to go full off-grid to start building a more self-reliant life. These small, affordable steps help you:
– Lower your monthly bills
– Build confidence in your DIY skills
– Create more independence from rising utility costs
Even better, most of these changes require little to no permits, are reversible if you move, and can be implemented gradually.
Is This For You?
Here’s a quick checklist to see if these small steps might be worth trying:
If you checked yes to any of those—you’re in the right place.
Start Small, Grow Big
The biggest mistake people make is thinking they have to do it all at once. You don’t. Pick one thing from this list and start there.
Install a solar light. Add a rain barrel. Try drying a load of laundry outside. Each step brings you closer to a home that’s more affordable, more efficient, and more resilient.
Want to keep learning simple ways to save money and live smarter?
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Until next time,
— PawPaw