8 Easy Ways To Start Homesteading

Last Updated: June 1, 2022

Interested in homesteading?

You're not alone.

Urban homesteading is becoming increasingly popular as city folk becomes interested in living more self-reliant lives, reducing their carbon footprint, and getting back to their country roots.

When you hear the word homesteading you probably picture big open meadows, free-range chickens, and a windmill.

You probably think of milking cows, and tractors traveling down long rows of cornfields.

If you're living in the suburbs or in the city you might find this image of country living out of reach.

But just because your neighbors are a few feet away, rather than miles away, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience a little bit of the homestead lifestyle too!

Just like you can transition to off-grid living step-by-step, you can add layers of self-sufficiency and start urban homesteading one step at a time.

How To Start Urban Homesteading

Easy Ways To Start Homesteading

And while you probably won’t be able to have a windmill or a grain silo in your backyard, there are still many homesteading projects you can try in the suburbs!

Ready?

Great!

#1 -  Start A Garden

Easy Ways To Start Homesteading

One important part of homesteading is practicing self-sufficiency, and what says that better than growing your own food?

The great part about gardening is that you can start simple and slowly develop your garden and plant catalog as you learn more about your specific soil’s requirements and qualities.

There are plenty of vegetables and fruits that you can grow in containers on your porch, patio, or apartment balcony.

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#2 - Collect Rain Water

Collect Rain Water

Depending on your local city’s laws and regulations, you may or may not be able to try this homesteading idea. 

But if you are allowed to have a rain barrel on your property, you should definitely try harvesting rainwater at home.

Rain is an excellent source of clean, free water that can be used for all sorts of different household chores.

Use it to:

  • Water the plants
  • Wash your car
  • Water the lawn
  • Fill your backyard pond

Not only will you be taking advantage of water that would otherwise go straight into the storm drain, but you’ll save money on your water bill in the long run.

#3 - Have A Compost Bin

Have a compost bin

One of the cornerstones of homesteading is sustainability and reducing waste.

And the kitchen is one of the biggest places that we tend to create waste. Food waste is a huge problem in the United States, and the average household throws away a pound of food per person every day.

So instead of throwing away food than went bad or the leftover scraps from your dinner plate, turn them into a  garden additive instead.

You don’t necessarily need a huge compost bin in your backyard to make a difference. 

Here are 16 (Surprising) DIY Compost Bins To Make

#4 - Learn To Preserve Your Food And Crops

How to preserve your food

Once you have your garden up and running you’ll be harvesting a whole bunch of fruits, vegetables, and herbs in no time!

And if it goes really well, you’ll find yourself with so much food that you can’t possibly eat fast enough before it all goes bad.

So instead of letting all of your hard work go bad, learn how to preserve some of it:

Here are some free ressources to help get you started:

Pro Tip: Learn how to preserve them even longer by having you own root cellar. (Here's how to build one)

#5 - Have Some Off-Grid Power Sources

Self-Sufficiency

For many, going 100% off the grid is a dream.

Not only that it could save you money, but it also can bring you that incredible feeling of satisfaction, knowing that you are doing everything you can for the environment.

If you’ve ever wanted to make the leap to off-grid living but weren’t sure where to start, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to transitioning to a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.

Related posts: How To Generate Your Own Electricity and How To Go Off Grid Step-by-Step

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#6 - Build A Backyard Chicken Coop 

Build a backyard chicken coop

Again, this is another homesteading project that you’ll have to make sure is allowed in your neighborhood before doing.

But that being said, if your city allows you to have a backyard chicken coop, and you’re ready to have your very own homegrown fresh eggs, adding a couple of chickens to your family is another way to be a bit more self-sufficient.

Though this isn’t necessarily the easiest homestead project to try, if you’re up for the challenge and want to teach your kids about raising animals, adding your own flock of chickens to your backyard is definitely an endeavor worth considering.

#7 - Find Ways To Save Money

Make money homesteading

One of the cornerstones of homesteading is learning to live more self-sufficiently without the weight of debt on your shoulders.

Though eliminating debt certainly isn’t something that will happen overnight, it is definitely an endeavor worth pursuing, and one that you can definitely start in the suburbs.

  • Make dinner at home rather than ordering something to go. 
  • Eat the food you grow and raise.
  • Take advantage of coupons and sales.
  • Use alternative power sources.
  • Before buying someting ask yourself "Do I really need this?"

Keep a list of all the money you’ve prevented yourself from spending and you’ll be surprised at just how many unnecessary purchases you’re making.

#8 - Find Ways To Make More Money

Make money homesteading

You want to take the plunge and start a homestead, but now you are worring about working yourself to death to run it and pay the bills with your day job.

What do you do? The bills keep coming, but your heart just isn’t with your 9-5 responsibility anymore.

No fear!

It may not be common for people to leave the workplace behind to homestead but it can be done.

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That is the great thing about being a modern homesteader. There are many options to make income without ever leaving home.

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Here are a lot of the ways you can make money homesteading.

Homesteading is a great way to get back to your roots, connect with nature and learn more about the world around us.

How will you get started with homesteading in your own home? Let us know in the comments below!

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