What Project Should We Start First? Week One On Our Off Grid Homestead
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- čas přidán 17. 04. 2020
- In the current climate we all find ourselves we have some difficult decisions to make in regards to which projects we should prioritize first here on our currently off grid North Idaho homestead. Do we start with our build your own home project or build out a tiny home in our pole barn first?
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We are a homeschool and homesteading family currently building off grid on our new 20 acre homestead in North Idaho. We garden, seed save, raise meat rabbits, raise chickens, process our own meat, save our own seed, can, bake, and do just about everything that we can ourselves to achieve a self sufficient and debt free life for our family.
wow that is really a beautiful area you live in!
Survival Lilly thanks so much! We’re big fans of you and your channel. Thanks for stopping by.
@@GoodSimpleLiving cool, I already subscribed to your channel, can't wait to see the progress on your homestead!
I would start with the garden! You have a safe place to live right now. You can do pole barn stuff when you can't garden. And with our world doing the crazy stufit right now, food security is paramount.
But, even after all is said, follow Gods leading, like I know you do, and you will be good.
Absolutely agree 👍
That's the best follow God's lead!!
Just what I thought!!
Proverbs 24:27 "Put your outdoor work in order
and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." The work done outside is what will sustain you longterm. The work on a living space is predominantly an issue of comfort, not sustenance. It's much wiser to do what would make you uncomfortably fed than to be comfortably hungry.
Ha, I was just going to post that same scripture until I saw you beat me to it.
Was trying to remember the scripture reference. Good for you, Stephanie. Wisdom from the Bible, words to live by.
@@charlesburkhart800 I knew where it was for 2 reasons. I am hoping to start my own homestead in just a few years when I retire. Secondly, I have the Bible on mp3 and often listen to a book over and over. Proverbs is one of my favorite ones to listen to. I've probably been through it a couple hundred times. When I heard this verse, it gave me direction on what to do first when I finally do retire. I've been planning this for years.
So true! 💜 We're all in the same nightmare. Best wishes from Europe and God bless!
@@StephanieSomer I think you would like to start right now. The UN warned about foodshortages a couple of weeks ago. In a few weeks you'll see more and more empty shelves.
Gardens first, it will grow while you decide what you do
When amending clay base souls use Gibson to help break down the minerals and the clay instead of 5 to 10 years I'll take maybe one to tow. and I think food should de your first project then the house. The pole barn is a barn remember and your trailer is only supposed to be temporary housing till the house is finished But put a wood stove in the Pole barn you will want it there for the winters after the house is dun so you can work out of the cold and parking Tractors so they don't have to defrost In the Winter to use them
Personally I prepare...
Water
Shelter
Food
In that order... You already have water. You already have shelter (no matter how cramped it may be). And while you may have food storage, I think it wise to work on and finish the garden before any other project. You have a short growing season. If you don’t get the garden going now, you won’t have one. Then while those garden is growing, work on expanding your temporary living space.
Survival. You have shelter and water. Get your livestock and food source going.
Yes agreed!
Yes! Food first, and consider the LONG COLD WINTERS, and prepare for that.
How to keep your family and your animals sheltered and warm; with food. (Food, feed, heating)
Yes I agreed get your shelter & water ready for winter, while working on your garden and livestock living quarters
28" trailer for 6 people will get very old, very quick during a long winter...
I’d build in the pole barn and work on the garden simultaneously
I agree
That's what I was going to say as well! You have shelter so garden should be number 1
I agree
I think you should start on your house I think that is top priority at the moment and then do bits and odds for your garden all my love Anita from the UK
I agree
Garden and apartment gets my vote. That way your not so stressed if the house build takes longer than expected... which it will.
Yes, it will....And the stress....
Your home is where your heart is. You are never homeless. You have beautiful family and a wonderful homestead in the building. Keep up the great work. You all make a great team. God Bless.
I always thought the “apartment” in the pole barn was a great idea! I would start that first, with the gardens and animals build at the same time.....the big house is gonna take awhile, so you need to plan for Winter now.....
Animals,food source and then living space in pole barn. You already know what you need to do, so do what's best for your family
1. garden 2. fencing for garden 3. firewood/ heat source 4. living space in barn 5. greenhouse & seedlings planted 6. starting house foundation 7. stocking up on supplies
Garden and then apartment. You can get started on the house afterwards because if any snags come up and the house takes longer than expected you'll still be making food and have a warm place to live.
100% agree
The gardens and barn apartment would be my first projects. Our family is rooting for you guys! 🙌
1. Garden and Animals (food and shelter for protection from the elements and predators).
2. Apartment/outside lighting for the pole barn as well!!!
3. House since that might take a couple of years to complete but in the meantime you can have a bigger area for your family and heating and then eventually a guest apartment and after that an apartment for your daughter. Another reason for the house to be last is because you do not know if you will have an early winter and then you are left being just inside of your trailer all of you and that can get kind of maddening.
Loving your sheep with their smiles and faces they are absolutely so sweet to watch.
1. get food stuff put together (garden, animals etc)
2. house before the weather turns wet
3. once the fall weather gets too wet to work outside, THEN build the appartment
If it was me, I’d start with the garden then move on to the house and continue to live in the trailer. I’d maybe order just a bit more propane than you need every time you get it, that way you could have some extra built up when winter comes? I don’t store more than two or three little tanks myself though, so I don’t know how you’d need to store it to make it safe.
Great video!!! You guys are smart, sounds like you have a plan! The garden is a great idea, even if smaller than usual. The drone footage was spot on! Keep up the great work, the sheep look happy as always.
Thank you guys!! That drone has been an awesome way to see things we couldn't otherwise. I agree, gotta get that garden going.
What a blessing WISDOM is - as a sustainable grandpa & organic farmer of many years
1. Water
2. Shelter (you have a great pole barn!) keep trailer inside & insulate & build inside (heat rises).
3. Food - garden, even buying veges locally & canning for next year.
4. Protection - Psalm 91 & hunting equipment
Gods best 2 u all, grandpa eric
Its Great to see Neveah jumping in now on the work instead of backing down from it !!! brings tears to my eyes, I raised my daughter by myself she now 20 n came home last week to target shoot with me and my girlfriend !! AND i can tell how much U love your land Mama, to watch you running with the sheep !!! OH IM HAPPY
Thank you Jimmy. It was hard to let go of my old home, but what a blessing at the sane time. Yes, these daughters of ours are quite capable aren't they :)
@@GoodSimpleLiving Yes your girls are. I recall you talking about that in a live feed , that you n Jeremy really need her to help work. I t will only make her a strong independant woman, you will have pride in. I do not know why I am so sensitive, I hunt, ride a Harley, butcher my own deer, but I am more sensitive than any girlfriend I have ever had. Oh well, guess it takes a man to admit it.
You're not "homeless", you have a pole barn! 😄👍
Starting with garden and apartment makes sense to me. As you live and work you'll have a better perspective as far as what you really love and need in your home as you build it. Great land and views.
. . . . . . .I agree with this chic, and I have a good friend named Adria, Both pretty names
1. Garden/Greenhouse
2. Safe Living Space
3. Well/Cistern for water
We recently moved full time to our Northern Idaho home. Built a shop and apartment- house in a year or so. The apartment will make sense and a huge difference. We RV’d for 9 months-just the two of us. Our 640 sq ft apartment is heaven and we can now work freely on our 50+ acres. Water, sewer, power, Living space, animals, garden
Make a list so you don't get overwhelmed. Include pros and cons for each item.💚👍
Focus on the garden, including getting those fruit trees in even though they won't feed you this year, it's one year sooner that they will provide, and work on the apartment in the barn. Food first, then the larger living space so you are all comfier while building the big house. Just my thoughts. I loved the video, especially the happy dance and cute sheep cuddles.
I would build an outdoor bbq/ cooking, eating area. Then at meals look around the property and think/plan. I also would not rush with the house, and build apartment inside barn and gardening for now. It’s awesome watching you guys living the dream!
Hello from the Catskill mountains, central NY. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. I know it’s only April but in the grand scheme next winter is around the corner. It’s how we think up here. I’d hit the garden hard and do the apartment in the pole barn for this year. Get thru the winter , then hit the house. My kids are all grown. I really miss this stage of life!
Cog Hill has flags around the garden, above the fence, to help keep critters out also. Yes, get food in, remember those orchard trees are going to take years before producing. Good plan to build a living area in your pole barn before building the house. I don't count on "normal" really happening. It's always better to be prepared.
. . . . A gypsy wind is blowing warm tonight / and this comment is correct
Garden and Pole Barn Alternately. Then the house. Like the Idea of the apartment for the kids as they grow up.
It makes my heart warm to watch ye guys work together. That's what a marriage is all about. Team work 👊💪
We live in Missouri and in 2017 we sold our house in town and bought 40 aces. We have 10 kids, 5 still live at home. We have been in the same process as yourselves. We ran water lines to the top of the hill and tilled for our garden. Our next project was getting our pole barn with an apartment done, but my husband was in a hurry to get the pond done so we could stock it with fish. We finished the pole barn and have been working on the house while my husband has a full time job. It has been quite the adventure for us. We had officially moved onto property December 1st of 2017 into a camping trailer that was borrowed from a friend so we could finish the apartment side. That winter it got down to -12 and our little propane tank froze up. We survived it and have some very interesting memories. Here we are in May of 2020 and hope to finally have our house done within the next month or so. As a family we are closer and are extremely blessed to have been able to go through this. We pray all goes well for you and your family and enjoy watching your story.
Having lived off grid in Idaho with our closest neighbors 12 miles away. I think your idea of living quarters in the barn is a good one. First I would get that set up with a wood stove and a wood cook stove. Also if funds are there get a good wood chipper to build that clay soil. I watch the Back To Eden videos on gardening and now get wood chips delivered because I know tree trimmers best soil ever after first year. Paul Gautschi is one of the best BTE gardeners. Good luck ill keep watching your homesteading life!
Agree
I'd start with the gardens. It's already planting time for some things and will be for everything else soon.
Thanks Kerry, food is important
1- Garden - if your goal is to have a harvest prior to winter. ensure you have a place to put and store harvest
2- Ensure water, gas are prepared for winter
3- Apartment
Proverb says prepare your work outside then build your house.
1. start compost pile, work on raised beds,fencing and greenhouse
2. Start on working on house
3. When it’s raining work on the apartment
I still think it's a waste of time and resources building a living space in the barn and maybe a bit too indulgent. But It's your choice.
You could just have the barn spray foamed and that would make the whole barn warmer. Be good for the sound and animals eventully, when you need to keep them in and warm.
I follow a family called Wild Wonderful Off-Grid and they've managed to live in a camper with 3 small children for over a year and they didn't have it in a barn and it's no where near as luxurious as your camper. Seems a shame to be doing that when you could be focusing on more important things like the garden and house.
grace x I love wild wonderful off grid but they are in a much warmer climate than northern Idaho.
The drone introduction to the video was beautiful 😍 and you might make that your signature, changing it as your homestead changes. Loved the deer but really loved the mountains.
House isn't going anywhere and is going to take time. Plant the food and build the apartment. Warmth and comfort with your size family is important to peace in the home.
Really enjoying your channel and thank Daniel from Arms Family Homestead for sending me over, but I had already found you. 💙💞🌹
My choice is to build the living space in the pole barn and the garden. I think you would be very comfortable and with these times you can't get the garden going soon enough
I would get the garden going and work on the pole barn as time allows to get set for your family. It will make a very nice space for your kids or company when it's needed. What a beautiful place to be homeless!
I think the garden/greenhouse, and the apartment in the pole barn, should be the number one priority. Secondly, a covered outdoor bbq/picnic, canning kitchen and root cellar area, would be very handy. Next the main house and then, the orchard. Question, is the pole barn for storage of vehicles, tools, and equipment only? If so, I think a proper barn for the animals (now and for future ones) should be considered.
Plant some fruit trees, doesn’t take that long and the longer you put it off the longer it’s going to take, animals set up, gardens, fruit and berry bushes, perrenials
1. Garden
2. Animals (Chicken, pigs) and do rotational grazing to start healing the land
3. House
Have you seen the Hollar Homestead channel? They live in a trailer too and they are even worst than you, that means they don't have the pole barn to protect the trailer from the element. So they winterize their trailer while working on their garden, fruit trees, chicken, pigs to heal the land and the place to live. Their first priority this year is food.
So I think you can live in the trailer for a while and winterize it in the winter. I don't see the need to build the small apartment in the pole barn now. Great adventure ahead!
I think you two are spot on with the Apartment idea.... You can build it non-stop without any weather delays and you can have storage above it for other needs.
Garden then barn and I have to say your a great family and I love to see how happy you are with your new homestead . What a great family and role model you are to all of us . Keep up the good work your place is beautiful .
Wow that garden! It is HUUUUGE! I CANNOT wait to see it in full production! I love seeing you guys so excited about it!
1. Garden
2. Someplace to can your food.
3. Make a room for kids to sleep. You sleep in trailer. Living room area in pole barn like now.
4. House
Welcome to North Idaho! My thoughts: 1) Garden AND orchard. 2) Once that is planted you will still have lots of time to make a living area in the barn. 3) If you have wood to clear on your property cut as much wood as you can. If no or little wood is available to cut on your property then, cutting permits on public lands are cheap. 4) Last priority is house build because, that will probably take a couple of years. Kids are adaptable! This a big adventure for them and, even if they do complain, this will give them a perspective on life that few of their peers have. 5) Consider sliding in a chicken coop and chicken yard after garden and orchard. Once that is up, the kids can be assigned to feed and care for them....I did A LOT of that when I was a kid!
I would do animal hold, garden, field with grass for hay, start apartment with just a living room in barn (as you have kitchen and beds in trailer)
Are you guys doing solar power? I would fit that in to be off grid. Also you will need a lot of firewood for winter.
When it starts getting cold, you can start on making kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms in barn apartment - it should be relatively fast.
But whatever you do - and you know best of course - have fun and enjoy the experience :-)
PS - I would think about a tool shop in the barn to speed up all construction...
The barn is first and then you can get it done with in 2 weeks or less while youstill build the beds get garden going
1. Start on the garden.
2. Living area in the pole barn.
3. Then start on house.
1)Animal enclosures, shelters
2) Raised beds, cold frames, greenhouse
3) Living quarters
4) Rain water collection
Clay soil good for a pond and a pig wallow ...
Beer and fajitas sounds good ... I have stew fixings in the slow cooker ... Maybe you could use a sun oven ... Keep barn heat down ...
makes my heart happy to see your family on this new adventure, best of luck with al of it, love the happy dance.
Yes garden first. Growing season is short. Living space in barn then the house.
Yes.
Like a lot of the comments, start the garden! The apartment would be my next priority. We did that when we built our house. We lived in the apartment for a year. 24 X 36 with a bath. Kids slept on convertible couches. The wife and I had our bed. Now we have a pool table in there as well as our canning kitchen and we can all use it when guests come. The kids really enjoy it when their friends come for movie night! The house will have set backs, especially where you are trying to maximize what you are doing. Make it where you and your family are comfortable even if it takes a couple of years to finish the house.
Building the living space in the pole barn is a great idea and getting the farm situation in order, the sheep look very happy in their new space !
I absolutely love the mountains in the background. Wow just stunning. 😁 Cheryl
Awesome view guys! I agree with starting with the apartment in the pole barn. Then work on others things as you can.
It all looks so good! Our shop is 2500 sq ft. with 20 ft ceiling, metal. There is no way a wood stove would heat our shop. I use a tiny heater in my office, the guys outside the office freeze...so, Garden and living space simultaneously, back n forth according to daylight and supplies. I like one persons suggestion of the animals in the fenced garden, utilizing manure to help with soil. It is large enough that you could keep them safe and put some food in...maybe use that electric fencing as well...There are also the wolves in Idaho to be on the watch for. Maybe creating the living space, doing the garden, food production, animal winter preparedness, wood gathering and storage area (in barn?), lots of giggidy dancing and getting settled are enough for this season. Then focus 100% on house next spring. Gods Got It, you both got it, and we are all cheering and praying you on!!! Blessings!
Guys: Maybe to add four tie down straps over your sheep round house. This will prevent blow-always and blow -downs during storms. Then to reinforce the ends with wood. ♥️ your sleepies....
. I think the living space is a good idea. I know this sounds crazy but I have a cousin who has a working farm air b and b. One apartment above in the barn. They raise goats and teach making goat cheese to guests.
I was gonna say, I think offering some homesteading classes a couple times a year might be fun, if you have the time. You guys are awesome!
Apartment first. A comfortable home will make for a happier family thus resulting in attitudes that will make doing the rest easier. Still weeks of planting season left.
My suggestion would be to:
1. Food (gardens, raised beds and orchard)
My reason for planting the orchard is it won’t give you food this year but it will give you food. Sooner planted the sooner you will get food from your orchard.
2. Animals (done)
3. Water (done)
4. Heat (done, for the summer)
5. Apartment (later in the fall)
6. House (when you are “caught up” from your projects that will sustain you and family.
7. If you are using propane I would recommend stockpiling it. LP doesn’t go bad and it only runs out at the most inopportune time. 100 lb tanks if you can.
Garden, green house, canning kitchen, root cellar (is there tornadoes there?), wall to keep heat in,, wood stove, fire wood. There is a difference between have a usable place to live and creating a complete apartment. Come winter and rainy days you would have more time to work inside. Use the good weather while you have it.
So happy that you closed on your home in Washington. I would plant a garden ASAP and then build inside the pole barn. I am wondering if that electric fence will protect your sheep from wolves? Are you going to get chickens this year? Best Wishes. Grandpa Jones. 😃
Congratulations on closing the sale of your Washington home!
Wow! It's March 31, 2022 today. Almost 2 years since this video. Y'all have come so very far and accomplished so very much in 2 years of your self-build. I'm proud if y'all, not that it matters 🤣and y'all should be so proud too. The Big House is 85-90% finished. You two are a powerhouse together.👏👏👏🙏✌
Garden, livestock, pole barn, house. In that order 😁😁😁 enjoy whatever you decide to do
Animal’s, Garden, Apartment.
As i mentioned on another video, I would
1 order your house frame Pre-fab, when it comes in a few weeks (remember most ppl are off work so you stand a good chance of instant order (almost) if you are paying cash which you are. you may even get a builder to help you get the frame up for a big discount.
2 plant your fruit trees in the ground, should only take you a day or so for that and then they will be good to go next year (use the excavator for the holes)
3 work on your raised beds for your seasonal crops until your house frame arrives on the truck.
4 get the house frame up (2 days for two people here in Australia)
5 Windows doors and external wall cladding about 2 weeks (roof can be done at the same time if you are contracting that one out)
So in theory you could be "dried in" as you call it, we say "lock up" in about 6 to 8 weeks from now.
6 Bathroom inside the house
6.5 Start the bedrooms while you wait for some bathroom tasks to finish, like tile glue drying etc paint drying....
7 finish bedrooms and tag team on the laundry room same as the bathroom
8 Leave the kitchen till last, I know this sounds strange but the kitchen can wait if you have other options, and you want the kitchen to flow well and be the heart of the home, not a rush job you will hate in 5 years time
just my 2 cents worth, good luck, no doubt you will smash all the ideas together and find a good solution.
You are not homeless you are houseless, your home is we're you are with your family, keep on keeping on Lisa in East Central Ohio.
I would do the following:
1. Applying for a grant for a High Tunnel 26' w 60'. You'll be growing year around. It take about a year to get the grant.
2. A. Making sure you can keep the Moose and Bears out, besides the Elk's and Deer's.
B. Make new big space for the Fruit orchard, not in the garden area.
3. Start working on on your fencing and raised beds. Growing soon.
4. Kitchen area for you meals and preserving, and food storage. In the Barn. Later this late summer if you have to add sleeping quarters then added them then.
5. A. Starting on your Home is the most important item on your list, and by the end of Summer you may have the shell done. This way you can work on the inside of your home during the late fall and winter months.
B. Starting winter quarter for your animals soon.
C. 500 gallon propane tank would get you through most of the year. We fill our 2 times a year, end of September and April. This way you use more in the winter months and less in the summer months.
Im in a similar situation. I bartered for 12 undeveloped acres. I already have bulldozed off a spot for a house and built a barn to store tools. My priorities is food,water, shelter. Im going to buy a shed cabin for temporary. It will have basic setup as its not permanent. When my house is done I will just sell it. My advise to you beings you have a large family is to make sure there is a warm shelter in place before working on other tasks. Winter comes fast though it seems so far away. Beings you may not have the house done by winter. I'd build a good shelter in the barn now with just basic amenities. Then start worrying about the rest. If you cant do the garden, so be it. A garden will not help when its 20 below out.
P.s. Im filming now what I am doing at my place. I've yet to post a video but will soon. Good luck though with what ever you choose to pursue.
Chris
When is the best time to plant a tree? Answer: 20 years ago! Plant your orchard first!
I think you have the right idea to make the barn a little apartment and get your garden started. The house build will definitely monopolies all of your time so I would do the smaller quicker things first so then you can focus all of your time on the house build. Every time I see your sheep I have to tell myself I don’t need them but man they’re so freaking adorable.
1. Garden raised beds - hold off on the greenhouse for now
2. Then get your wood stove piped
3. Living situation in pole barn (doesn’t have to be perfect just functional for now )
4. House (you’d have some where comfortable to be in the winter and if you just make pole barn functional you could possibly get things done to the house before winter)
Just have a living room no bedrooms sleep in the trailer, it’s a waste of money then
I would do trees now so that they can spend the year getting roots established. Also with your sheep cover I would consider modifying it so that you can shut them in at night because there are wolves to consider. But I like your small housing in your shop idea and I would do that and your gardening and other stuff first and do the main house later.
1: Garden. Get some veggies planted.
2: Pole barn apartment. You aren't going to get the house finished this year.
3: Prep to build the house next spring.
1. Kitchen dining living space. You can turn it into a canning kitchen later. You can sleep in the camper. (Stud walls with a beam insulated ceiling. This will provide storage above. Should be done in a week)
2. Garden. Get a crop in.
3. Then work on the house.
For next year look at below level ground heated growing spaces. There is a guy in Montana (I think) growing oranges!!
Kristen Dirksen has a video of it on her channel. Steady 50 deg all year!
I think the pole barn living space is very smart, but I would get my food growing first, then move on to that project.
agree with Rebecca S. Remember left over hay, rabbit poop, chicken poop, and sheep poop are needed to amend soil that is 90% clay. Use animal tractors for bunnies, chickens and even sheep
Raised beds and garden fencing first, then the pole barn apartment, and I would make a nice area to can and preserve your food, and green house, which you won't need until fall. Then you will have food and a place to stay and be warm. Then you can work on the house without feeling rushed to get it done by winter. Good luck with this amazing adventure.
Good advice. Build your business before you build your house. A bird has a house.
Just remember that when you create your apartment in the pole barn, think of the storage space you will make above it. Plan accordingly. Great video.
I would think having a smaller more manageable garden while focusing on building your home would be a wise choice. The pole barn idea is time, money and energy you can put into your home. Guests don’t need a place to stay right now.
It's going to take a lot of time to build a house. Guests are not in the picture, but a comfortable, warm place to be in, especially with 4 kids, in the winter, is.
Food and Shelter should always come first.
Using an existing building like the barn to make a good shelter makes the best chance to have both food and shelter.
Garden and livestock. Just put a wood stove in the pole barn for heat then start on your house♥️🏕️🐷🐐🐔🐔🐓
Yay on actually closing in WA. That’s a big problem off your chest.
As the appartement goes, I would get the materials to build it, including woodstove but hold off on actually building it. Going into fall you can still decide if it’s a necessity for this year or not, based on progress of your house build. If it takes you two weeks to build that might be the time needed to get the house ready.
Definitely do a garden. Get all the heavy lifting for it out of the way and develop a program that can be done by the kids without supervision.
Then start on the house. Remember that everything takes longer then you anticipate and you will have to rent heavy equipment for much of the year.
Time management will be very important. In particular consider what needs to be done in daylight and what can be done at night. Cooking, laundry, dishes, cleaning, schooling, planning, researching and many other tasks don’t need daylight.
However, also plan for breaks and relaxation. Consider a 60-hour work week and allocate time accordingly.
I like that you stay flexible and are willing to reprioritize, but don’t go so far that you don’t get enough accomplished.
For the time being, consider that outdoor bath/shower. It can be a simple setup.
You mention propane, but your generator needs gas as well. If you want to stay off grid, consider making a proper solar setup one of your top priorities. You need power in the camper, pole barn and the house. If you install it at the barn, it’s easy to later put power into the house. But it will reduce generator time, noise, fuel, breakdowns and headaches.
Engineer775 on CZcams is a great resource for information and if you want can ship materials or come for an I stall. You need power, now is a good time.
Lot easier and quicker to build an apartment in the barn than a house. Two weeks is not going to be enough time to build a house, but it will be enough time to get you an apartment, where you'll be warm and comfortable in the dead of winter.
Get that garden going! That’s what we’re doing ASAP!
I love how simple that hoop barn was! Totally stealing that!!! 🤣😂👍
Those sheep are soooo friendly!! 😍
They are awesome!!
First thing I would do is cover the garden area entirely with a thick layer of wood chips - start building up, covering the soil, retaining moisture and protect it while you walk on it and build raised beds - which you probably won't need after a couple of years of the wood chips, the soil will be good. That would mean you don't have to build too many this year.
I would start the garden and get that started. With the apartment you can work on that on rainy days and of an evening. Build up your animals so you have eggs, meat, etc. Keep in mind you have the camper and with it in the shop, it has protection from the elements. Love you new home. So peaceful and serene.
I agree with others below, 1) Pole barn living area, 2) Garden area at same time if possible, 3) Animals & 4) House
we've done the same thing. Build the area out in the pole barn and just don't worry about bed rooms. Make it a larger living area that can later easily converted into a (heated/cooled) wood workshop. You will have a comfortable living area for the kids to roam and to 'live'. A restroom with shower would be good and an kitchen area. You can sleep comfortably in the camper at night and will be happy not to stay in there for anything else.
Our pole barn is 40 x 44 - three bays, one with camper, one with other equipment and one completely framed in 12x12 kitchen, 8x12 restroom & shower and washing machine, 20x12 woodworking shop. Ensure you use 12"x2" rafters for the ceiling as you will (inevitably) store a lot of weight on top of the build out in the future.
This would line up with your main priorities of securing the garden and build some life stock shelter.
I agree with Rebecca, I think that is what you should do . You need a place to live and food to eat and you can always work on outside projects when weather permits and inside when it doesn’t. Also making sure animals have a great warm place for those very cold days and nights. Love what you are doing ! God Bless you and stay safe!
Shorter growing season means a shorter season of being able to get work done outside.
1. Garden (even if you only get a smaller crop this year, you will be ahead of the game for the next year).
2. House
3. Work on pole barn during winter. And maybe research into ways to winterize your trailer. You can skirt the bottom with foam boards to insulate it. I know people who have wintered in trailers in Montana during the winters.
We've been homeless and are still trying to make a broken shell a home. Y'all are going to be ok!!! We have gone without many things for so long. Any issues you might want ideas for you're welcome to message me. Just a heads up according to DCFS they expect the boys and girls to have separate rooms. So maybe split the kids room? Past that when you put the bathroom in have you thought about doing a black rainwater collection barrel above the bathroom to make a shower? Also look into an Amish wood burning water heater!!!!!
Especially with a teenage daughter.
Here's what I did years ago. My 8x50 Mobil home trailer was set on blocks. A 10 x 50 attached building to the Mobil home was added. A wood stove was added and.later electric heaters against the wall. I took the windows out of the trailer going into the attached room to spread the wood heat which heated it all with a gas furnace as back up. Two cross walls added to the room made a washroom and an extra bedroom. It was very easy to maintain heat.
My first reaction was wow. You have a beautiful piece of paradise. The scenery in the background is amazing. I hope you enjoy every moment. At first i thought that leaving was hard, but when i see this i think this is the best decision you have made. I hope your family enjoys every moment of it. It is a pleasure watching you work and seeing how organized you are.
Do what makes sense for your family. I’m sure your decisions will be thoughtful as always so just keep filming what you do, grow your channel and we’ll keep watching.
#1 garden area, I do like the idea of a small living area inside the pole barn. Wouldn’t take a lot and would really make a difference. It will and always does take longer to build a new home than one thinks. Make things comfortable for you.