Self-Sufficiency for Family's

How to Get Started

Getting self-sufficiency for your family started in your household might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you're used to urban or suburban living. Here’s how to start being more self-sufficient without trying to jump from a townhouse to 500 acres overnight.

Start Small 

Start small; focus on the things that interest you most, because if you enjoy it, you’ll stick with it. If growing your own garden is what you’ve always wanted, start with a few easy plants like herbs and cherry tomatoes. Even if you don’t have a backyard, you can use containers. Many gardening stores give away old pots for free, or you can check out marketplace to see if anyone is giving some away. If you have a backyard, consider swapping your grass for a veggie garden. 

Do What You Can

If gardening is not your thing, start indoors with some basics like canning and preserving. You don’t need to grow your own produce for this—buying in bulk from local markets is a great option. Look for deals on seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially towards the end of market days when vendors often mark down prices.

Bread and Cheese

Making your own bread and cheese is another easy way to try self-sufficiency. Sourdough is a healthier option for many families; it has minimal ingredients, and you can start with small loaves for daily use. Consider cheesemaking with store-bought milk; non-homogenised is best, or even raw milk from a local farm if you can find it.

DIY and Reuse

Frugal living is often mistaken for cheap, but more about spending money wisely. Focus on high-quality essentials but cut back on things that don’t matter as much, like overpriced cleaning products. DIY cleaners can be made from vinegar and baking soda and are incredibly effective. If you buy bulk, they are much cheaper than store-bought alternatives.

Health Benefits

A healthier diet is standard once you start homesteading, mainly because you will stop using so many pre-processed foods. With access to fresh, homegrown produce, you'll eat healthier and consume fewer processed foods. It's confirmed that freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, and eggs simply taste better, and you'll know exactly where your food comes from. Additionally, you'll see a reduction in artificial ingredients, preservatives, and excess sugars. This naturally leads to improved health, more energy, and better well-being for you and your family.

Financial Savings

Some people joke about spending more on gardening supplies than they save on store-bought produce, which can feel true; however, over time, homesteading can lead to significant financial savings. For instance, raising chickens for eggs can be much cheaper than buying pasture-raised eggs at the store. I calculated that three “pasture-raised” eggs from the supermarket cost around $1.31, while raising them at home can bring that down to around 60 cents for three eggs. It might not seem like much, but these savings accumulate, especially when paired with healthier food choices, leading to long-term financial benefits that may not be immediately obvious.

Family Bonds

Homesteading can mean more family time if you involve your kids in chores. Mine won’t milk goats at dawn, but they will harvest veggies in the afternoon. Managing a small homestead requires teamwork, and spending time together as a family becomes essential. This lifestyle can work to bring families closer, teaching everyone responsibility, patience, and the value of hard work. 

A Transition Plan

A gradual transition into homesteading is the main thing to remember. Jumping in all at once can be overwhelming, especially for those transitioning from an urban or suburban lifestyle. Start small—perhaps with a veggie garden or a few chickens—and gradually expand as you gain experience and confidence. Having a transition plan helps prevent burnout and giving up. It also ensures that each new part of your homestead is manageable. 

Having a mentor to help you is important too. Mojo Homesteads podcast Not The Farmers Wife is a great source of information.

Which is it you want to try first? Backyard chickens, raising goats, maintaining a bee hive, or starting a larger garden? Just be sure to take things one step at a time. This will help you establish a successful and sustainable homestead without feeling overwhelmed.