The Starting Point: Part 2

In the 1st half of this topic, we discussed steps 1 - 5.
Here’s the rest of the story...

Step 6: Secure a 2 year food supply. Rice, beans, corn, flour, salt, sugar; you know, the whole Mormon list. After your move you may not be able to find enough work right away to purchase any but the most basic of items. If you have secured your food supply before hand you can concentrate on getting your new place set up.

You should also have 1 years worth of expenses set aside to tide you over. That is, 1 years worth of expenses at your new living standard, not the old. Since you have your food and no house, electric, water, sewer, garbage, natural gas, cable tv, etc…, the amount you need will be determined by how much you need to drive; gas, insurance, licensing, vehicle maintenance and propane for cooking and refrigeration.

Animal feed and veterinary care must be factored in if you have or plan to have livestock. Supplies to grow and preserve the contents of a large garden are no less important. Stock up on shoes and clothing appropriate for the seasons in your new locale.

Step 7: Buy your “Junk” travel trailer or camper and begin modifying it to your specs for use at your new property. This is cheaper to do when you are close to hardware stores than when you have to drive 20, 30 or more miles to the nearest town.

This is when you modify the plumbing to incorporate the greywater system and the electrical to incorporate your alternative power system. Replace any items in the trailer that are 110volt with an 12volt or propane alternative. 12volt is preferable as it will be available thru your alternative energy system long after propane has disappeared.

Step 8: If you have health insurance thru your current employer, take advantage of it. Get any dental work done. New glasses if you need them. Several pair if you can afford it. If you quit your current job when you move to your new location, all those benefits will cease until you are able to get new employment. Even then, you may have to pay your own premiums. So shop around now for coverage thru available health plans.

Step 9: Plan your security system for your perimeter. Purchase your equipment and supplies. Motion detectors, security cameras, trip flares, barbed wire, razor wire (if you can afford it), a guard dog if you don't have one already. Training for your dog is desirable, but not mandatory.

Step 10: Review your Plan. Are all the points covered to your satisfaction? Good! Its time to purchase and move to your piece of freedom. If you can reasonably commute to your old job, keep it. Otherwise it is time to sever the relationship and search for new employment near home. If possible, do this ahead of time to assess the employment prospects. Check the local paper, The Chamber of Commerce, etc...

Check bulletin boards at local establishments to see what services are being offered. Go get a haircut at the barber shop and engage the barber in conversation. He should be a great source of info. Also, stop by the local feed store and talk to them. They will know of any farmers needing help. Leave no stone unturned.

You may be planning on starting your own business. A good one would be organic produce or herbs. Another would be selling rabbit meat. Talk to the local grocery store to determine if they would buy your products. Look into a local farmer's market.

Because situations change with the passage of time, you must allow some flexibility in your plans. Don't be too rigid, especially where the desires of your spouse are concerned. And remember, these are just guidelines, a starting point to help you determine your own steps to independence. As with all things, research all your options before committing time and money.

Have I forgotten anything? Probably, but I am sure you will find out for yourself once you begin to implement your own steps.

Those of us who have not yet made the move wholeheartedly wish you the best of luck.