Molly embraced a self-sufficient life-style by dwelling off-grid in a secondhand Mongolian yurt within the distant excessive desert of northern New Mexico.
She bought the handcrafted yurt for simply $2,800, a value that included a wood-burning range to maintain her heat throughout chilly desert nights.
Constructed by artisans in Mongolia, the yurt is comprised of pure supplies like a robust picket body and a heavy-duty cotton canvas adorned with conventional hand-painted designs.
At this time, Molly lives on a 15-acre property she co-owns along with her two brothers.
Every sibling is constructing their very own house on the land, making a small, off-grid group targeted on sustainability and ease.
Why she selected dwelling off-grid
Molly’s determination to start dwelling off-grid got here from a deep want to reconnect with nature and at last really feel at house after years of transferring round.
“I made a decision to maneuver off grid final summer time, and I knew going into it will be a problem, however I do love being in nature,” she mentioned.
Her childhood within the Appalachian Mountains gave her a lifelong love for the outside.
She felt able to cool down after spending almost three years dwelling in vans and vehicles whereas touring.
“I actually missed that house area,” Molly shared. “So simply having house once more has been so good.”
She ultimately discovered a used 13-foot Mongolian yurt by way of a web based market.
It initially got here from Groovy Yurts, an organization recognized for its genuine designs.
“I obtained a very whole lot on it,” she mentioned, noting that it got here with a wooden range. Although the yurt is small, she finds it ultimate. “Actually excellent for a single individual,” she added.
Dwelling off-grid in a standard yurt
The 13-foot diameter yurt includes a round structure with a three-wall picket body that gives construction and assist.
Inside, layers of cotton material and insulation assist maintain temperatures comfy.
The outside is roofed in weatherproof canvas and secured with conventional horsehair ropes.
“This yurt was initially from Mongolia; it’s all hand-carved, handmade, and painted by hand, which is my favourite half,” Molly defined.
She constructed a primary deck to raise her house off the bottom and added insulation beneath to dam chilly air.
“I wished mine off the bottom,” she mentioned, exhibiting how considerate planning has helped her adapt to off-grid life.
Chopping prices by dwelling off-grid
For Molly, dwelling off-grid is not only about freedom—it’s additionally about saving cash.
“One of many explanation why I got here out right here was to economize, and I’m doing that,” she mentioned.
With the land already paid for, her each day bills are low. Her most important prices embody fuel for driving into city, automotive insurance coverage, and property taxes.
“Our bills right here off-grid are fairly minimal,” she added. “However yeah, there’s actually not a lot.”
Contained in the yurt: A comfortable dwelling area
The wooden range, her solely warmth supply, is the middle of Molly’s house. It creates a heat and welcoming ambiance throughout chilly desert nights.
She constructed a small divider inside the doorway to create a mudroom-like space for coats and sneakers. It additionally holds her espresso station, giving the area a homey really feel.
Her kitchen and sleeping space are divided by one other partition. She custom-built her mattress to suit the rounded wall.
“As a result of the partitions are rounded, I’ve needed to utterly construct this in and lower a mattress as much as match the area,” she mentioned.
The marginally bigger twin mattress consists of built-in ebook storage. It sits excessive sufficient to permit storage beneath—on one aspect, further objects, and on the opposite, a comfy spot for her canine, Ro.
A small loft above the mattress presents a comfortable retreat.
“Tremendous cozy little loft area that I can learn a ebook in or typically I do some journaling up right here,” she mentioned.
Dwelling off-grid: A kitchen with a giant perform
Although small, Molly’s kitchen is absolutely practical.
“Right here’s my tiny little kitchen for my tiny little yurt,” she mentioned proudly.
With assist from her brother, she constructed a two-burner range into the countertop. Space for storing holds dishes, pantry objects, and a small sink for primary hygiene.
She brings water from a close-by spring in six-gallon jugs and makes use of a battery-powered pump to maneuver water right into a bowl.
“After which I simply dump out this water exterior as soon as I’m completed,” she defined.
To increase her storage, she repurposed a dresser for utensils, dry items, and cookware—exhibiting how creativity helps off-grid dwelling.
Artistic dwelling and powering the yurt
Molly’s artwork and craft area doubles as her closet.
“The closet might be considered one of my favourite elements as a result of my garments are out, so it’s actually enjoyable,” she mentioned.
The area additionally has cabinets for her books and small objects she’s discovered across the property. It’s additionally the place she fees her gadgets.
Dwelling off-grid means counting on solar energy. Exterior, photo voltaic panels feed right into a Purpose Zero battery system.
“When the solar’s out, I’m getting energy,” she mentioned. A backup generator helps when the solar isn’t shining.
“However primarily I’m off of photo voltaic, and we get a lot solar right here,” she famous.
A easy but resourceful out of doors bathtub setup
With out conventional plumbing, Molly and her brothers share an outhouse.
They’re constructing a sauna-shower setup at her brother’s cabin. Within the meantime, they use a fire-heated out of doors tub.
“We put water in it, after which we begin a hearth beneath it, and that heats up the water for us to wash in,” she defined.
Molly hopes to construct an improved out of doors bathe and bathroom setup this summer time.
“Finally this summer time, I’m hoping to construct a complete total out of doors bathe bathtub rest room system that’s going to be just a little bit extra luxurious than what we’ve proper now,” she shared. “However we’re off-grid, it really works, I’ve no complaints.”
Water for each day use comes from 275-gallon tanks stuffed with a spring. The water is transferred into jugs and used all through the property for bathing, cooking, and cleansing.
Molly admits that life off-grid takes effort, particularly in winter. Firewood is a continuing chore however one she welcomes.
“All the pieces form of, all the pieces takes time, which I actually love. It’s the great thing about dwelling slowly, and yeah, I don’t thoughts it.”
Dwelling off-grid: An easier life with goal
Dwelling off-grid in a Mongolian yurt has given Molly a deeper sense of goal and connection to her environment.
Although it comes with challenges, like lengthy drives into city, she feels grateful.
“General, there hasn’t been that many challenges. I’m actually having fun with it out right here, and I’m extraordinarily fortunate on this lifestyle,” she mentioned.
Molly now shares her off-grid experiences by way of YouTube and Instagram, providing perception into the ups and downs of sustainable dwelling.
“Truthfully, it’s form of waking me as much as altering my concept of how I need to stay sooner or later,” she mirrored.
Tour Molly’s ultra-tiny yurt and see how she enjoys dwelling off-grid by way of the video under:
Subscribe to Exploring Alternate options’ YouTube video for extra various house movies like this.
You may be taught extra about Molly’s off-grid life-style and her adventures by trying out her YouTube channel and Instagram.
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