Self-Sufficiency for Family's

How to Get Started with Self-Sufficiency (Without Losing Your Mind)

Starting the journey to self-sufficiency can feel like a lot—especially if you’re coming from a suburban block or an inner-city apartment. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to jump from a townhouse to 500 acres overnight. Small steps lead to big changes. Here’s how to ease into a more self-sufficient lifestyle without the stress.

Start Small (Seriously)

The trick is to start with what you enjoy. If you love the idea of growing your own food, begin with something simple—herbs on a windowsill or cherry tomatoes in a pot. No yard? No worries. Containers work just fine, and many garden centers give away old pots for free. Check your local marketplace for freebies too.

If you’ve got a backyard, consider swapping a patch of lawn for a veggie garden. Grass looks nice, but you can’t eat it.

Do What You Can With What You’ve Got

Not into gardening? That’s okay—self-sufficiency isn’t one-size-fits-all. Try preserving food instead. You don’t even need to grow it yourself. Buy in bulk from your local farmers’ market, especially at the end of the day when vendors are clearing stock. Seasonal fruit and veggies are cheaper and perfect for making jams, chutneys, and preserved goods that’ll fill your pantry.

Bread and Cheese, Please

Homemade bread and cheese are two easy wins when it comes to self-reliance. Sourdough is simple, nourishing, and requires only flour, water, and salt once your starter is going.

Cheesemaking is also doable using store-bought milk—non-homogenised is ideal, or raw milk if you’ve got access to a local supplier. Start with soft cheeses like ricotta or paneer to get the hang of it.

Frugal and Proud

Frugal doesn’t mean cheap—it means smart. Focus your money where it matters (like good boots or proper tools), and DIY the rest. Homemade cleaning products made from vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils are cheap, effective, and chemical-free. Buy ingredients in bulk and you’ll never need another overpriced “green” spray from the store again.

Healthier Food, Healthier You

Once you start growing and making your own food, you naturally eat fewer processed products. Homegrown veggies, fresh eggs, and homemade bread don’t just taste better—they are better. You’ll ditch preservatives, artificial additives, and excess sugar without even trying. The result? Better energy, clearer skin, and a family that actually knows what’s on their plate.

Saving Money (Yes, Really)

People love to joke that homesteaders spend $50 to save $5—but over time, it really does add up. Let’s take eggs, for example. At the supermarket, three pasture-raised eggs can cost $1.31. When we raise chickens at home, it costs us around 60 cents for three eggs. That might not sound like much, but over the course of a year, those savings stack up—especially when paired with a lower grocery bill and fewer takeaway nights.

Bringing the Family In

Homesteading isn’t just about food—it’s about family. Getting your kids involved builds connection and responsibility. Mine won’t milk goats at dawn (fair enough), but they’ll happily harvest beans and tomatoes in the afternoon. Chores become moments of teamwork, teaching patience, problem-solving, and the joy of finishing a task together.

Plan Your Transition

The most important thing? Don’t go full steam ahead all at once. A slow, steady shift into homesteading is the best way to avoid burnout. Start with something manageable—maybe a raised garden bed, a couple of laying hens, or a compost pile. Build your skills as you go, and give yourself time to adjust.

Get a Mentor (Hint: We’re Here)

Having someone to guide you makes all the difference. That’s exactly why we share what we do at Mojo Homestead. Tune into our podcast, Ditch the Store (formerly Not The Farmer’s Wife), where we talk about all the practical, funny, and sometimes messy parts of homesteading. From goats and gardens to sourdough starters and bee hives—we’ve got you covered.

So... What’s Your First Step?

Will it be backyard chickens? A veggie patch? Making your own soap or setting up a beehive?

Whatever you choose—start small, take your time, and don’t forget to celebrate the wins (like your first tomato or a jar of homemade jam). One small change today can lead to a completely different lifestyle tomorrow.

You've got this—and we’re here cheering you on every step of the way.