This Woman Hasn't Paid A Bill Since 2014

This Woman Hasn’t Paid A Bill Since 2014

Imagine living in a cozy tiny house, surrounded by nature, while producing your own food and enjoying a life free from the hustle and bustle of modern living.

Ariel has been doing just that for over six years!

She moved into her tiny house in 2014 and is now in her sixth year of this incredible journey.

Ariel strives to produce as much of her own food as possible.

Ariel in her tiny house

She carries water, splits firewood, and enjoys every bit of it.

Ariel splitting firewood

Let’s dive into her off-grid lifestyle and discover what it’s really like!

What Does Off-Grid Living Mean for Ariel?

Living off-grid means not being physically connected to public utilities.

Ariel primarily heats her home with wood.

She also uses propane for backup heat and cooking.

Ariel's propane setup

Her propane tanks only need to be filled every year and a half to two years, which keeps her usage minimal.

For electricity, she relies on a small 400-watt solar panel bank.

This setup allows her to charge her laptop and camera batteries, and she also uses oil lamps and flashlights for lighting.

Ariel charging her solar panel

Water is collected from a neighbor’s well, which she pours into an internal tank in her kitchen.

This clever design prevents freezing issues during the cold months!

Ariel filling water jugs

Ariel also uses a composting toilet, which she loves.

Ariel's composting toilet

Designing Her Perfect Tiny House

Ariel didn’t build her tiny house herself, but worked with professional builders to create her dream space.

The house is designed to accommodate all her interests, including photography and hiking gear.

Ariel's photography setup

Her tiny house is 24 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, with a height of just under 13.5 feet.

The interior features pine siding, spray foam insulation, and a beautiful cedar exterior.

Ariel's tiny house exterior

She loves the cork flooring because it’s soft on her joints and keeps her warm.

A Peek Inside Ariel’s Cozy Kitchen

Half of her tiny house is dedicated to the kitchen, which features butcher block counters and a lovely propane stove.

Ariel's kitchen setup

She has a double sink with a built-in drain board, which she appreciates.

Behind a door is her fridge and pantry, where she stores plenty of food and spices.

Ariel's pantry

Even her small bathroom is well-designed, featuring her composting toilet and a shower.

Ariel's bathroom setup

Living Space and Comfort in a Tiny House

In her living room, Ariel has a cozy couch with storage underneath.

She even has a guest bed option for visitors.

Ariel's living room setup

The front door leads to a mudroom area where she can hang her winter gear.

This setup helps everything dry quickly after snowy adventures!

Ariel's mudroom area

Creative Solutions for Small Spaces

Ariel uses a foldable table that can expand for meals or work.

Her hearth is made of non-flammable tiles, providing safety near the wood stove.

Ariel's foldable table

The design of her sleeping loft includes a partial wall that provides privacy and helps retain heat.

Ariel's sleeping loft

Her bed is on the floor, and she enjoys the cozy atmosphere created by her design choices.

Challenges and Triumphs of Tiny House Living

Ariel’s journey has not been without challenges, but she embraces them.

She recalls her first winter without a wood stove, which led to condensation issues.

Ariel's winter setup

Installing the wood stove resolved those problems, creating a comfortable living environment.

Embracing a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle

Ariel grows a variety of vegetables suited for her cold climate.

She produces all her veggies for the warm months and preserves them for winter.

Ariel's vegetable garden

Hunting and foraging also play a significant role in her food supply.

She teams up with a neighbor to harvest elk each year!

Ariel and her neighbor hunting

Ariel enjoys foraging for wild greens, berries, and mushrooms, adding to her self-sufficiency.

The Rewards of Off-Grid Living

Despite the challenges, Ariel loves the financial freedom her tiny house offers.

She has no ongoing rent or utility bills, allowing her to enjoy life without stress.

Ariel enjoying her free time

This lifestyle grants her time to relax, explore, and appreciate nature.

She enjoys walking her dog, tending to her garden, and observing wildlife.

Ariel walking her dog

Living off-grid has given Ariel a fulfilling life, filled with freedom and joy.

Are you inspired to explore an off-grid lifestyle?

Be sure to follow Ariel’s journey on her blog and YouTube channel for more inspiration!

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