What Is Homesteading?
Homesteading is a lifestyle choice based in self-sufficiency. It can be a lot of work getting started and staying motivated, but it is extremely rewarding and worth starting.
I believe the heart of homesteading is sustainable living. Making do doesn’t mean living with less but living more consciously: like where your food comes from, or where your money goes, or even how reliant you may be on systems set in place. Sometimes when people think of homesteading, they think you have to have acres of land with livestock, but this is not the case. As a matter of fact you can start homesteading right in your bedroom.
EASY Ways You Can Start HOMESTEADING
- Start composting
- Learn how to garden
- Make your own breads
- Learn about canning food
- Raise livestock for food
- Collect rainwater to water plants
- Start your own vegetable and fruit seeds
- Make your own cleaning spray
- Mend your clothes instead of buying new
- Learn to make your own soap
Before You Start Homesteading
- Consider what homesteading can involve. Homesteading can mean different things to different people. Some people homestead to grow their own food, raise animals, start composting, preserving food etc. You may also want to consider other aspects of homesteading, such as energy independence, water conservation, or sustainable living. Once you have a good understanding of what homesteading means to you, you can start to develop a plan for the type of homestead you want to create.
- Set goals for yourself. What do you hope to achieve by homesteading? Do you want to be completely self-sufficient? Do you want to reduce your reliance on the outside world? Do you want to reduce your waste? Once you know your goals, you can start to make a plan to achieve them.
- Decide where you want to start. If you are planning on raising animals, do you currently have the space to house them? You may have to check city ordinances before getting them. Are you planning to homestead by reducing your waste and starting a compost bin? Do you plan to start by making your own breads and cheese? There are so many ways to get started.
- Make a budget. If you plan to go big, homesteading can be expensive, so it is important to make a budget before you get started. You will need to factor in the cost of land, housing, livestock, equipment, and supplies. You may also want to consider the cost of insurance, taxes, and utilities. Remember you can start any way you want.
- Starting Small. I believe when starting something new, it is important to start small. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start with a few key projects, such as composting veggie scraps, starting a garden, or buying your produce from farmers’ markets. As you gain experience, you can add more projects to your homestead lifestyle.
- Learn from others. There are many resources available to help you learn about homesteading. There are books, websites, magazines, and even homesteading communities where you can connect with other people who are homesteading. The more you learn, the more successful you will be.
- Be patient and persistent. Homesteading is not easy. It takes time, effort, and patience to be successful. Just keep learning, keep working, and keep trying. With time and effort, you will achieve your homesteading goals.
Related post on Homesteading:
- How to Start Composting for Beginners
- Save money while starting your vegetable garden
- How to Start Seeds Indoors
Tips
- Get involved in your local community. There are often homesteading clubs or associations that can provide you with support and resources. You’ll make friends that can support you on your lifestyle change.
- Take classes or workshops. There are many opportunities to learn about homesteading through classes and workshops.
- Volunteer on a homestead. This is a great way to get experience and learn from experienced homesteaders.
- Start a blog or journal. This is a great way to document your homesteading journey and share your experiences with others.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are many people who are willing to help new homesteaders. Facebook groups are a great place to learn tips and tricks from other homesteaders.
Homesteading can be a challenging at time but take it in bite size pieces. One change at a time. If you are willing to put in the work, you can create a beautiful and sustainable homestead that will provide for your family for generations to come!
Happy Homesteading!