Beginner Homesteading: How to Start Your Journey

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming more self-sufficient, growing your own food, and living a simpler life, homesteading might be the perfect fit for you. Whether you live in a suburban home or are planning to move to a small farm, homesteading can help you embrace sustainability and provide for your family. Starting small and getting your family on board can make all the difference as you ease into this rewarding lifestyle. Here’s how to begin your homesteading journey.

Easy First Steps for Beginner Homesteaders

Starting your homesteading journey doesn’t mean you have to buy a farm right away. You can begin right where you are, in your backyard.

Start Small and Simple

Begin with easy projects that won’t overwhelm you. This could be as simple as planting a few herbs in pots or starting a compost bin for kitchen scraps. If you have space, try raising a few chickens for fresh eggs. These manageable steps can help you gain confidence and experience without committing to large-scale projects.

Understand Your "Why"

It’s important to understand why you want to homestead. Is it to grow your own food? Reduce your reliance on supermarkets. Live a more sustainable lifestyle? Knowing your motivation will help you stay focused on your goals and enjoy the journey, even when challenges arise.

Research and Plan

Homesteading requires some research and planning. Look for resources like books, online forums, and local workshops that can teach you skills like gardening, animal care, and food preservation. The more you learn, the more prepared you’ll be to handle the ups and downs of homesteading.

Making Simple Lifestyle Changes for Homesteading

Homesteading is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. Making small changes now can help you transition smoothly into a more self-sufficient way of living.

Reduce Your Reliance on Stores

One of the first steps toward homesteading is reducing how much you rely on supermarkets. Start by making some of your own food, like baking bread or preserving jams. Over time, you can work toward growing your own fruits and vegetables or even raising livestock for meat and dairy.

Incorporate Self-Sufficiency Slowly

Self-sufficiency doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to start slowly by growing some of your own food or learning to preserve it. As you gain experience, you can expand into raising animals or producing other essentials like soap or household products.

Prioritise Sustainability

Homesteading is about living sustainably, even in small ways. Incorporate eco-friendly practices into your home by harvesting rainwater, composting, or using solar energy. These small changes can help you live a more sustainable life even in a suburban environment.

How to Get Your Family on Board and Handle Overwhelm

Homesteading is a family affair, and getting everyone involved can make the journey more enjoyable.

Engage Your Family in the Process

To make the transition easier, get your family involved. Have your kids help with planting a garden or caring for the chickens. This makes homesteading fun and educational for everyone and helps ease any fears about the lifestyle change.

Manage Overwhelm

Starting a homestead can be overwhelming, especially if you try to do everything at once. Break large projects into smaller tasks and tackle them one at a time. Don’t be afraid to take breaks or ask for help when you need it.

Time Management Tips

Time can be a challenge, especially if you’re balancing work and family life. Set aside specific times for homesteading tasks, and start small enough that your new projects don’t feel like an added burden. Remember, homesteading is a journey, not a race!