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So You Want to Start Homesteading?
I get it. You’ve been daydreaming about fresh eggs, homegrown tomatoes, and maybe even a chicken or two. There’s something about the idea of self-sufficiency that just feels right—especially in today’s world of uncertainty. But where do you even start? Do you need acres of land? A barn? A beard and suspenders? (No, but if that’s your style, go for it.)
The truth is, homesteading isn’t a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. It’s not about living in the middle of nowhere with a cellar full of canned goods—although, let’s be honest, that does sound pretty great. It’s about taking steps toward self-reliance in a way that works for you. So, whether you’re on a few acres, in a suburban backyard, or even in an apartment with a balcony, there’s something here for you.
What Homesteading Really Means
Homesteading is a mindset more than anything. It’s about producing instead of just consuming. It’s about learning skills that our grandparents relied on for their own survival, things we take for granted—like growing food, preserving it, raising animals, or even just making things with your own hands.
But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it all at once. In fact, you shouldn’t.
So let’s try to break this down into something manageable.
Start Where You Are (Yes, Right Now)
You don’t need 10 acres to start homesteading (although it does help). You don’t even need one. What you do need is a willingness to learn and a little bit of patience.
If you have a backyard, start with a small vegetable garden or a few chickens (check with your local laws first). If you’re in an apartment, try container gardening or learning how to bake your own bread. If you want animals but aren’t ready for livestock, start with something simple—maybe quail instead of full-size chickens, or a worm composting bin (yes, worms count as livestock in the homesteading world).
Pick One Skill to Master First
Instead of trying to do everything at once, pick one homesteading skill to focus on. Here are some easy ones to start with:
- Growing your own food – Start with herbs or a small garden.
- Preserving food – Learn how to dehydrate or can something simple.
- Raising small livestock – Chickens are a great first step.
- Making homemade products – Bread, soap, candles—whatever interests you.
- Reducing waste – Composting is a great place to start.
Once you feel comfortable with one skill, move on to the next. Over time, these little skills add up, and suddenly—you’re a homesteader.
Embrace the (Inevitable) Mistakes
Do you remember Murphy’s Law – anything that can go wrong will go wrong! Trust me, something is bound to go wrong. Your garden will get eaten by bugs, your first loaf of homemade bread will probably be rock-hard, and at some point, you might accidentally set something on fire (ask me how I know).
That’s okay. It’s part of the learning process. The true homesteaders are the ones who keep going, even after they mess up.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. The most important thing is to start. Start small, start where you are, and don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture.
I’ll be here to help guide you along the way with practical tips, real-life experiences, and probably a few stories about the things I’ve messed up (trust me, there are plenty).
In the meantime, stick around! There’s a lot more to come. And if you’re looking for a way to jumpstart your homesteading journey, grab a copy of my free Homesteading Starter Guide —it’s packed with easy steps to get you going.
So what’s your first homesteading goal? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about it!
