Couple Living Off-Grid on an Island in an Ultra Tiny Cabin

Phoebe and Mike are living in their self-built ultra tiny cabin that's just 10 square meters or 108 square feet! It's on a piece of boat access-only property and it's fully off-grid with a rainwater catchment system, a wood stove, an outhouse, and a generator + battery bank for electricity. They had to bring all of the materials for their home using either a boat or a barge which added an extra layer of complexity to the project, but now that it's built and set up, their life is cozy, comfortable and their monthly expenses are much lower than when they lived in the city.
You can follow Mike & Phoebe's off-grid adventures here:
/ onislandoffgrid
/ @onislandoffgrid
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives
#offgrid #tinyhouse #documentary

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks for watching! You can follow Mike and Phoebe's off-grid adventures here: instagram.com/onislandoffgrid/ kzbin.info/door/alMsDgLnO_P4G_BQKPvN6A

[@wsktk40]

I live in an RV. There are awesome washers with a spin dryer that doesn't use a lot of electricity. There is also one that is a bucket with a pole with a spinner on it. That is on Amazon. Happy small living :)

[@Chris_at_Home]

Hi, that is a beautiful place.

[@wtrmrkph]

I love seeing tiny house videos that are actually lived in instead of tiny houses for Airbnb that are so immaculate.

[@solchapeau6343]

Same. "I own a tiny house, but I live here 2-3 weeks per year" is so fake. You don't LIVE in a tiny house!

[@shieh.4743]

Precisely.

[@Clogmonger]

Yessssss

[@suzie_lovescats]

@@solchapeau6343 A lot of people do permanently 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@riettevandeventer9955]

Absolutely

[@RoryZ23]

I love their energy. They are peaceful, happy and inspiring.

[@graceaxisa4213]

What a wonderful video. Nothing is sugar-coated. The realities of off-grid living are frankly highlighted. What I love is that this is about a lifestyle, not just a house. To be able to change your life so that you are working just enough to pay for the what you need, and live in a beautiful community, is surely a worthwhile endeavour!

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Grace

[@KJIgnacio]

Love how happy she is, it’s contagious.

[@CarolynsRVLife]

Yeah, I felt it too..

[@Earth-360]

Exactly. Great personality for this kind of life

[@laurencesims7911]

True, I realized I was also smiling the whole time! Happy people

[@Fuzzy_Spork]

This was nostalgic! I grew up in an off-grid cabin in Vermont in the 70's. The day we hooked up a manual pump tap in the kitchen sink which drew water directly out of the spring up the mountain was like freakin Christmas! Since it was me and my sisters' job to haul buckets of water every day and that was the worst chore! Haha! It was an amazing adventure growing up that way and it has made me grateful for many things that most take for granted. But I think I'll stick with electricity and freely running taps now! But I hope more people at least try this once in their life!

[@olebloom1641]

Grew similarly up in Northern Wisconsin in the 80's with no electricity, outhouse, and filling jugs of water as well for several years. Live in suburbia now and yeah don't want to give up those taps! lol People really should live that way for a while since it really opens up your heart to the local surroundings.

[@solchapeau6343]

@@olebloom1641 "Everyone should suffer and refuse modern convenience just because I suffered." That's literally abuse. You are proposing to abuse all of humanity because you suffered.

[@GabijaS18]

@@solchapeau6343 Shut up?

[@GabijaS18]

@@olebloom1641 💯

[@JuliaBumstead]

nice! i grew up off grid hauling water too but it was in the 90s. gas lights and running the generator friday nights for charging batteries and watching a movie 😅

[@carolewarner101]

What a charming cabin! A little enclosed front porch made of stone would create a buffer zone in winter from the wind and rain and give them a place to store wet boots, coats, etc. It would also stand firm in the face of the wind and it doesn't look like there's any shortage of stone around there. What a beautiful, peaceful life!

[@danilles.4247]

What a great idea! One of the funnest parts about this type of lifestyle is constantly renovating and improving your place

[@serenakoleno9338]

It would probably impact the view of ocean, though. Maybe something that can be erected in late fall and removed in spring. I wonder if some type of garage door like thing that rolls up into a framework for bad wind/weather. Hardy people using outdoor showers year round! I would have a tin bath in front of the fireplace, lol. If she works on a boat 2 weeks at a time the cottage must feel huge in comparison to the cramped quarters of a boat. Efficient layout except the loveseat doesn't face the fireplace. I think I would have a rocking chair or basket chair swing to put in front of the fire.

[@lynncarter4964]

Or a porch that can be pulled up over the front of the cabin, and lowered back down after the storm

[@dissendiums]

Lynn Carter ohhhh, that’s a good idea!

[@HollyBerry0255]

@@lynncarter4964 That's an amazing idea!

[@kcmarie3774]

Awe she's so giddy and can't stop smiling! I need this kind of peace and happiness in my life

[@marwasalama4228]

Imagine going for a swim in the sea whenever you feel like it! So beautiful.

[@jdchy6181]

i am very impressed by their way of life & u can really tell how warm & homely the cabin really is...this is such an ideal way to live for an introvert like me who just wants to escape from it all if possible 🥺

[@tamiweber7118]

Delightful couple doing it their way without the everyday stress 💯💜💕

[@WTFwuzdat]

[@CarolynsRVLife]

What a life! I love their set up and the whole island living thing. Great video.

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello carolyn

[@artfullyzen233]

Love their bright cheerful smiles. What an amazing way to live.

[@cece354]

I love this video. The couple looks so relaxed and appreciative of this simple but rewarding life they chose for themselves.

[@soniatriana9091]

This couple is genuinely happy, especially because they really value the life they’ve created!! I totally enjoyed watching them!! Best of luck to them!!

[@lorrainedinsmore1307]

Mmmm, nice to see. But there are times you need privacy, just to chill out. I'm not a hermit but occasionally a solitary person - I'd go crazy if I couldn't just read a book, stuff like that. Ive been told not to read in the past because it's 'selfish' Anybody else get that? concept?

[@windwhisprz]

This brought me to tears. Amazing lifestyle that this lovely couple created for themselves. I am moving towards living a lifestyle like this. Thank you so much for sharing. Blessings 💙

[@evelina2363]

Fascinating for sure. I wouldn't be able to do it but it suits them so well. His smile says it all: peace within.

[@shamsshams20261]

I like it so much !!! Little tiny house with a piece of land, that's perfect I think. Thank you for sharing!

[@nefetirisiannephele5725]

I'm ashamed to admit that i couldn't live like this and be happy. I enjoy too many creature comforts like Indoor plumbing and electricity and water. I admire them for being able to do without but i dont think i can do it. This is truly spartan and off-grid.

[@xxdrleek10]

No shame. Do what you like it is your life. I for one have better things to do with my time than spend all of it on just basic survival. I live comfortably in a small casita in a rural area. Yes I have indoor plumbing, running water. I have solar in addition to electric. I do live frugally, and sustainably for me.

[@Onlinesully]

Just Say No to Pseudoscience That's grand, if you're content there in your casita, then that's just grand

[@endlessdrive8421]

Nothing to be ashamed of, this kind of lifestyle in the modern era is not for everyone - you really have to want it for yourself. However, considering how much technology is advancing...maybe in 10 years there will be far less compromises and you'll revisit the idea.

[@Onlinesully]

EndlessDrive Hi there Are you homesteading or off grid yourself, either way how's it going ?

[@Galemor1]

Same. I live in a cabin, but it is connected to the electrical grid, I have a well, and water heater. Indoor plumbing (pipes running from the bathroom along the floor, to the kitchen) I have everything I need, I changed the dishwasher to a washing machine, as that is more suitable for my lifestyle. I would love to be off the grid, but then again, it's nice to have the safety of electricity whenever you need it. I have rabbit, fox, badger, deer and several different birds, just outside my door. Building a pond, has increased wildlife traffic through my property. It's also attracts amfibians and more.

[@srgba244]

Beautiful couple!

[@arckocsog253]

Really? We’re watching two different videos... They are amazing though, and the House is an interesting project

[@missmcphee8859]

@@arckocsog253 the bloke is old and unkept looking :/

[@OnIslandOffGrid]

@@missmcphee8859 🤣 I have to say you comment made me laugh, thank you. Old and unkept 🤔How old do you think I am? 🙃 and are you referring to having a bushy beard as unkept? That’s cute. Thank you for watching the video and for commenting it really did make me laugh. I’ll make sure I tell Phoebe this one she’ll get a chuckle from it.

[@susanmclain501]

How wonderful for people who love this kind of living. It is not for me but, I support those who do. Best wishes.

[@vincethomas811]

Love the way they live more power to them I say all the very best to them stay safe and well

[@lynnyluvbug]

I like how genuine these folks are.

[@timmyg2548]

They look so happy! Love their spirit!

[@macrostephanie]

Hats off to this lovely couple for living this way. Love the wee house and wood stove!

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Stephanie

[@aznviet93]

In this modern world, this is the definition of “this is our house” 😊

[@aayushsharma1971]

The best part is they know what they are and they live happily after. It's like they gave life a defination, it is to accept what you have and live with it. Stop complaining and live with it

[@Winterwife7]

They look so happy and content :) Really a joy to watch people having realized their dream and living it, whatever it looks like for them. I lived in a tiny house a bit bigger than this in the mountains for four years. It wasn't off-grid but yeah we didn't have a washing machine and I agree, that gets old quickly! Tiny living is not for me and certainly not living in someone's backyard like we did but I'm working to buy property, to be off-grid and self-sufficient. Really vital in the current times I think.

[@radharamanivasam7269]

This couple is really living a nomad life, wow very nice to share your life with us, Thank you

[@7Jennifer]

I wonder why they didn't build the cabin a bit larger to house a shower and fridge instead of them needing to stick both outside of their home. What a dream location for sure though. Love that old style coffee grinder too. I haven't seen one of those in a long time! They are living their dream and what a wonderful way to be.

[@WTFwuzdat]

I believe they built the largest structure they could without having to acquire a building permit. It wouldn't be a legal dwelling but they also wont have to tear it down if bylaw comes knocking. They can just say it's a "studio".

[@serenakoleno9338]

I was wondering about how it was legal. Perhaps the long term goal is to build a larger home and use this as a Airbnb or studio when she retires. My father grew up with an outhouse and well. It isn't so long ago that was the norm.

[@WTFwuzdat]

@@serenakoleno9338 , perhaps they have plans to build bigger one day. Or maybe the plan is to live simply, intentionally and to reduce their environmental footprint. The way they are currently living seems very fulfilling to me. Like you said, we used to live more this way. The more we can simplify our needs and take back our independence as individuals and as communities, the better chance humanity has going forward.

[@Indoman_71]

@@WTFwuzdat In British Columbia, you are legally entitled to build a dwelling on property that is equal to 10m sq. or 108 square feet, without a building permit, as they had mentioned in the video. I know several people on the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands that have these outbuildings as studios, rentals, etc. in addition to the 2 dwellings you can have connected to the grid.

[@tombailey5413]

I love the way the camera makes these tiny houses seem so large.

[@alexlarson833]

Congrats Phoebe and Mike! You’ve built such an amazing life! I love the tiny cabin and the puppy is just too cute 😊

[@vIBEDoUT-Channel]

just like friends?

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

THEY BUILT A NEVER ENDING LIFE OF NONSTOP WORK, 260 YEARS AGO YOU HAD NO CHOICE. WHO'D WANT TO RETURN TO A LIFE ENDLESS CHORES AND MISERY😮😥😥😥😦😦😧😧😧

[@JamieNelson.]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 No. It's fun and fullfilling

[@captainamericaamerica8090]

@@JamieNelson. NO ITS NOT. YOU'RE SHACKLED TO A LIFE OF NONSTOP LABOUR.

[@rheinhartsilvento2576]

@@captainamericaamerica8090 Well, they (and à fair bunch of others) make the choice to live in a simple manner, close to nature. Clearly it's not misery or drudgery to them, is it? Once you stop projecting your own feelings and prejudices on others, it'll become easier to understand why they make different choices from you.

[@thanosgkionis197]

I love their honesty. This channel shows the good and the bad in each case. Great content!

[@farnorthhome]

We are trying the offgrid life here in Alaska 😊 24 years young and 2 kids! An amazing way to live

[@bethdamon3136]

I love seeing people happily living minimalist lifestyle. I live in Chicago and the rural life is a great escapism especially during the pandemic!

[@lynncarter4964]

I've never tried this, but I was thinking of doing laundry in a mop bucket that has a wringer in it. Thanks for this inspiring video

[@elizabethredmond4585]

I love the outdoor shower the huge windows and the fireplace what a dream!

[@yahoodlums]

So much good energy from these wonderful humans. Lovely cabin too

[@jeroberts7228]

Wow - I am definitely impressed by this couple and the lifestyle they chose. I wish them all the best, for a long and happy life.

[@salscycleshop3416]

What a lovely couple and tiny home!

[@vickym.8276]

I love your life I wish more people could experience life in simple ways without so much clutter to weigh us down.

[@dimar7641]

That dog is such a CUTIE!

[@OnIslandOffGrid]

He is! And he knows it 😊

[@mpkelly7976]

You two are killing it! Awesome!

[@524FrmGrl]

That puppy is adorable

[@MaryOKC]

Iam impressed...I grew up in the mountains of Northern Idaho and although we technically didn’t live off the grid, there were weeks in the winter we were off grid. I loved that life my mom and dad provided for us...I still think back to those days when I see your simplicity ... and want that again. Is this the PNW?

[@leslie4551]

I love how happy they are together!

[@rebeccaaaron3082]

What a great interview. I could listen to them talk all day! I love the idea of building a platform under the stove to bring it closer to eye level and add hidden storage.

[@vickiemeisinger9632]

In so many ways you have the best of all worlds and it's very cleverly built with such serenity living on an island near the water. I love your windows and the size of your windows with so much light coming into your home. Do you have really found a piece of heaven❣️❣️🌈

[@marilynroberts6644]

What a sweet couple ! And a lovely little home. Alternative lifestyles are so interesting to see for those of us that have had to live more traditional ways. TFS.

[@XteVision]

love it! The lifestyle, the tiny house, the island. Thank you for sharing this amazing experience.

[@ravent3016]

A greenhouse is what you need to grow more. (Also, greetings, fellow Northwesterners. Your island life is beautiful.)

[@trinahill4683]

Simply magical, I also grew up on a small island off of Vancouver island the beauty and stillness is like no other. Love your tiny home such an intentional life. Well done. Love it.

[@sheilagravely5621]

Love that you don't take down trees and only salvage wood.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🙏💚🌹

[@PepperInSaltPlus]

I love them, I love their house….and the off grid concept, amazing

[@davidc8694]

What a charming couple, and their dog is beautiful!

[@umojah101]

this is much more realistic , well done

[@91Kingscrib84]

As an Island girl myself, I appreciate their creativity & ingenuity. The smallest place I lived on Vancouver Island was slightly larger & had an add-on concrete sink/toilet/shower that really made you hustle to get done in winter because it was cold - even if I kept the door open to the living area. The only hot water was from my Findlay cookstove's water jacket, so you couldn't keep it running while showering or you'd be in a cold-water shower quickly. So, rinse, off. Soap, off. Rinse, done. You get good at it. 😉 I used coal oil lamps, which gave my neighbours pause if there was a power outage & I had light. Instead of an up/down living space,my bdrm was off the main area where cooking eating & socializing happened. Aside from chilly showers, I lived happily in my home for over 10 years. It's all about choices & priorities. I only had one friend visit who said it drove her stircrazy. Most friends loved it. I admire Mike & Phoebe their place. Like mine, the view makes it all worthwhile. Island living. Nothing like it. ♡

[@soitgoes_1334]

I hope I can live like this one day. I'm sure it can still be stressful at times but seems like it would be such a peaceful way of living with way less stress than normal living. Y'all are so lucky. 😊 I'm sure it feels awesome to be almost done with the house. Congratulations & I hope nothing but the best for you two & your fur baby. I'm sure the pup loves it as well. 🥰🤎🐕💚🌲🌳🌺🌿🌸🍃🍁🏡🏝⛵🐟

[@anthonyfranklin7137]

Geez, videos like this are such a nice break from a rushed lifestyle of work and responsibilities. I know off grid living involves lots of work, but even the way they talk about their chores and way of living sounds relaxing.

[@maryannebrown2385]

I remember how enchanting these islands are in B.C. I can easily see how one could live there with occasional trips to Victoria or other local towns.

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello Mary

[@gonzcordovamayojr.5965]

Love watching tiny houses, with a good views! Love you house and the view is amazing!

[@deborahadcock978]

Great video!!Sweet couple❤️Wish only the best for them!!

[@shineyninan5705]

The tiny house video make me feel happy and peaceful

[@narinelimanoff4715]

I have watched this video 3 times. This is such a great story of tiny living. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@OnIslandOffGrid]

Thank you for watching the video, it wonderful that it makes people happy. My hats off to Exploring Alternative for coming and sharing our story.

[@michellegaeb2291]

Oh YES for the BURKEY water 💦 filter. We have the BURKEY Travel in our kitchen and I HIGHLY recommend it. No electricity required and it even cleans out glyphosate and heavy metals. Plus the filters last for years if your water is half way decent and if you fill it from the dirty creek the filters still last over a year!

[@jamescarlson6723]

It sounds really relaxing and peaceful. As compared to major city living...really nice. If I were younger I would be tempted to do the same.

[@owensmith6922]

We think your tiny home is cool! You have such a beautiful, well designed home. Especially all the wonderful windows Thanks for the creative ideas for living off the grid!

[@dalenegroenewald5853]

Wonderful. All the best to you. Lovely couple. God bless you.

[@levifiso475]

I love this! They look so happy!

[@momoparagon]

What a lovely cabin they've built. Cozy and comfortable and a nice use of space plus an adorable dog. I imagine a little vestibule outside the front door would help with those winter winds and rain. As for the laundry, I'd recommend checking out the WonderWash. My partner used one for about 6 years and it's a great way to wash clothes and a bit easier than the bucket/plunger method. Thanks for the tour!

[@sandralnwebster3204]

Love your ideas! The only way to really live life is off grid and free! I used an old wringer washer when I was first married! It might work well for you! Good luck! Sandy&Andy

[@janiec2584]

I love your Doodle! Your house too, but I have a Labradoodle, so... They're so, so cuddly, very smart and lots of fun. Congrats on your puppy. Absolutely adorable! I love your lifestyle. Your layout is great and I'm sure you'll finish eventually and make it exactly how you need it to be for you. You can always add on, if you want to. You have a roof over your head, warm home, food and someone to share your life with. God bless you. I wish you well.

[@janiec2584]

I just watched one of your videos during your water issues. I am so sorry you've had so many struggles. You're both really hard workers and I'm glad you're doing better. I will keep you in my prayers for things to be smoother in the future. I will Subscribe to keep up with your progress. Blessings and Doodle hugs.

[@OnIslandOffGrid]

Thank you, and yes Zephyr is an amazing dog. He’s a great addition to the family.

[@stephannirichards8163]

That was a joy to watch. Thank you. More of that please!

[@ZolaBolingo]

La vie simple peut être merveilleuse. Merci.

[@Alecasand]

Yes, so simple, two boats and a car.

[@ronbaltazar8773]

This is very inspiring! Living a simple and mortgage free life.

[@kathleenp9643]

Loving this cabin. What a beautiful area! Bravo!

[@Memorial_Memory]

All I want in life is a tiny house!

[@amandanicole3999]

this is life goals 😊

[@richardazari9912]

What a wonderful cabin! What a lovely young couple of adventurers!

[@Nokenify]

Way to go.

[@gregblakeley3868]

Thank God for both of you and what youve done....i am presently living in a very similiar structure...mine is in the mountains...its 8'x12'....it is unfinished without a loft yet and sometimes i lose site of my goal...you've given me the insporation ive needed.....thank you !

[@johnhudson1965]

Have you considered getting a small wind turbine? You can get some really nifty ones that should generate all your electrical requirements , especially if its windy as suggested in the video. Thanks for sharing!

[@anneillerbrun7909]

I have the same axe you're using, it has the job of sitting and rusting now, the Fiskars has sent it out of the league. Incomparable.

[@juliejackman2649]

I've seen a portable outdoor washer where you set a hose in it, put the clothes in and fill it. Then the washer agitates by itself then you then there's an opening to let the water out. Then take the clothes out and put them in the other side and it will spin it, then gang to dry. It doesn't take much electricity and doesn't cost much and I think it sounds better than washing everything by hand.

[@endlessdrive8421]

I really want to live like this at some point in my life. Even if it's only for a chapter (2-5 years) in my life, I want to at least be able to look back and know what the experience was like and the invaluable lessons I'll have learned.

[@uphillhomestead6188]

What a great house!! Phoebe's design is spot on! :)

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello beautiful

[@cynthiapowers3469]

I think this is an amazing little setup and very brave ,smart way of life

[@naomidoss1837]

Stunning 😍

[@suklinkner8684]

Wow what a great lifestyle, not sure I could do it but you two seem very happy there.... God bless.

[@ZadieBear]

I love these video. And while I know this lifestyle isn't for me, I love hearing the stories. When I lived in the American San Juan Islands, my dad's place was facing towards the view, which was great for 90% of the year. During that 10%, the wind blew, sometimes very hard and on those days heating the house with electricity was a lost cause; most days I couldn't get the internal temperature above 59 degrees (F). When I added a heat pump, I could get the cabin up to 65 degrees.

[@bronyaclimateshield1416]

this is the definition of “this is our house” 😊

[@dianesavant2818]

I love the windows!!!! I would want my home to have a bathroom and shower and a way to better wash my clothing. BUT that is just my opinion. You are living your best life and that is what matters the most! Continued success and happiness.

[@janecarli6204]

You can just tell that she's super smart

[@garypeterson2921]

Hello jane

[@lindacoleman4657]

It takes strength to make such a huge life change. Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@lucianomarini2600]

She has a good energy!

[@dbkyhere9229]

Beautiful place, and couple 💕

[@sabrinawanderer7560]

I would love to surround it with flowers, fruit trees😃

[@evaadams8298]

Cute doggie 🐶❤️😁

[@SSR00000]

I clicked because of the adorable pupper...😍💕🐾

[@jerryogstad2775]

love them