15 Ways To Homestead Anywhere

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Think it’s too late to start your homestead? Or maybe you’re worried you don’t have enough space? Good news—I’ve got you covered. This actionable list of 15 easy ways to homestead anywhere will get you on the path to a healthier and more purposeful lifestyle.

These simple homesteading tips will help you take a big step toward self-sufficiency. Use these tips to take control of your kitchen—stock your fridge and pantry with the freshest, most nutrient-packed foods, bring a little daily focus to boost your productivity, and enjoy a fulfilling life that works within your means.

What does homesteading mean to you?

When you hear the word “homestead,” what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a man in coveralls out in a field planting corn. Or perhaps it’s a woman in the suburbs collecting eggs from her three backyard chickens. Could it even be a family in a city apartment growing tomatoes on their terrace?

These days, homesteading can look like so many different things—from sprawling farms to tiny urban gardens on a balcony. But at its heart, the idea is the same: make it, grow it, or raise it so you don’t have to buy it.

At the end of the day, homesteading is all about getting more of what you need right at home, instead of heading to the store.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on 100 acres in the countryside or smack in the middle of a bustling city—the “where” isn’t what’s important. It’s the “how” that really counts. Homesteading is all about learning to make more so you can buy less. It’s a mindset, a way of life that shapes how you move through your days.

Homesteaders live with intention. They don’t shop aimlessly or spend just for the sake of it. When they head to the store, it’s with a clear purpose, a list in hand, and just enough money to cover what’s on it.

This kind of intentional shopping is a game-changer, and honestly, I recommend it to everyone—homesteader or not. If you’re ready to embrace more self-sufficiency, here are a few quick tips to help you start living like a homesteader.

15 Ways To Homestead Anywhere

These tips are for everyone—whether you’re young, retired, or somewhere in between. Start with one tip at a time, and gradually add more as you go. The more you do, the more you save—and that’s always the ultimate goal of a homesteader.

Tip #1. Shop With Intention

Whether shopping for food, stocking up on supplies, getting pet food, or clothing, learning to limit your trips to town is a huge part of homesteading. One of the biggest perks of living this way is the ability to save money and the easiest way to save money is to stay out of the stores.  

How do you do this? You need to plan your trips and shop with intention.

Remember, you are there to purchase something you need, something you cannot make. Your best approach to shopping is to get in and get out, sticking to your list. Each time you stick to this plan you will save a large amount of money.

Tip #2. Pare down on what you own

If you don’t treasure, love, or use something routinely, then odds are you probably don’t need it. I have “declutter” on my to-do list continuously. Having random stuff lying out can make it impossible to find things when you need them. If you can’t find what you need, you run the risk of buying what you already have.

Simplify what you have—clear out the stuff you don’t need or use, and stop wasting time searching for things. The bonus? Decluttering gives you more time and space to focus on creating, tackling projects, and reaching your goals.

Not sure how to start? Read more here to get awesome simple tips on how to take that first step.

Tip #3. Start a garden

Gardening is hands-down my favorite way to homestead—I absolutely love it. If you’re new to it, my best advice is to start small so you don’t get overwhelmed.

Get tips and our FREE checklist on How to Start From Scratch.

Keeping it simple lets you grow right along with your garden. Jumping in headfirst with rows and rows of veggies might sound exciting, but it’s a quick way to burn out.

And don’t underestimate the power of starting small. You’d be amazed at how much you can grow in a tiny space. Here’s the secret: you don’t need a huge garden to grow enough fresh produce to feed your whole family.

Good news, right!?

If you live in the city, container gardening is the perfect solution. Totes, bins, buckets, and even bags will work perfectly in a small space like a patio or terrace. If you have drainage, plenty of sunshine, and room for the roots to grow, you can use it for your garden.

No more excuses. It’s time to get your tomato on!

Tip #4. Make it, don’t buy it

Making what you need instead of running to the store multiple times a week is a total game-changer—especially in the kitchen.

Don’t Buy It

Sure, convenience foods can save you a ton of time, and it’s fine to keep a few staples in your pantry for those busy days when you need something quick and easy. Just make sure you’re using them for what they’re meant for—convenience.

The key is not to rely on them for every single meal. Instead, try making a meal plan to map out your dinners for the week. A weekly menu isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a great way to save money too.

Make it

There is nothing as lovely as fresh muffins or homemade bread still warm from the oven. Learn a new backing skill and try your hand and what might become a new family favorite recipe.

Rediscover the magic of your crockpot—dig it out, dust it off, and get cooking. I absolutely love mine and try to use it at least once a week, no matter the season.

Just toss in some frozen meat at breakfast, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a full, hearty meal waiting for you.

It’s easy, fast, and seriously delicious!

Making what you need isn’t just about food—it’s about so much more. There are many things you can create right at home, like:

• Soap – Surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients, and it’s great because you can customize it with scents and oils that are gentle on your skin.
• Lotion – Simple to whip up with natural ingredients, and it’s a fantastic way to avoid harsh chemicals while keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
• Soy candles – Easy to craft with soy wax and wicks, and they’re perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere while being cleaner-burning than traditional candles.
• Herbs – Incredibly easy to grow and dry at home, and they’re a wonderful way to add fresh, homegrown flavor to your cooking.
• Flavored oils and butters – Quick to make by infusing oils or whipping butter with herbs and spices, and they’re a delicious way to elevate your meals.
• Salts – Super easy to mix with herbs or essential oils, and they’re a versatile addition to your kitchen or even for relaxing bath soaks.

Soap Making Kit with Melt & Pour Base, Cutting Box, Molds, Fragrances – for Adults & Kids by Prime CreationsJUYRLE Body Butter Making Kit- Shea Butter Lotion Making Kit, DIY Crafts for Adults with Organic Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Mica Powder, Natural Whipped Body Butter Maker Skin Care Gifts for WomenSAEUYVB Candle Making Kit for Adults with Hot Plate, DIY Starter Soy Candle Making Supplies/Kit – Perfect as Home Decorations（Black）

 

Tip #5. Store more, waste less

Learning to preserve what you grow is a huge reason to homestead and something you can do no matter where you live.

We all want to be more self-sufficient, and what better way than to get the food we eat from our own homes? If you are new to canning and don’t want to try your hand at it yet, there are other ways to preserve your food. Dehydration, freezing, and cold storage are easy and efficient ways to keep food for your family.

Make a goal to work throughout the summer months filling your freezer for the winter. Most produce will freeze wonderfully and it’s so simple to do. Berries and peppers fill our freezers along with diced onions, shredded zucchini, and sugar snap peas.

Food Preservation Resources:

• How to Freeze Corn
• How to Freeze Strawberries
• How to Freeze Blueberries
• How to Freeze Peppers

The trick here is to plan.  

For example. Chocolate Zucchini Bread is a fast and favorite breakfast for my family. It takes about 25-30 loaves to get us through the winter. To make that huge chore more manageable, I try to make six loaves a week during the summer until my quota is filled. Having a game plan helps stop the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Tip #6. Conserve water.

This is so simple to do and whether you are on a well or in the city, it can benefit you to conserve water whenever necessary.

If you use a dehumidifier in your basement, don’t dump the water out, use it instead to water your herbs and patio plants. I dump the water into old milk jugs as my humidifier fills up. In the lid, I have holes punched out creating a perfect watering can.

SLCG Pro Tip: Do not use water from a dehydrator for animals because it can be dirty and undrinkable. Save this type of water for your plants only.

Another tip is one I use every day. When you are filling your sink with warm water to do dishes, don’t let that cold water go down the drain as you are waiting for it to warm up. Instead, fill a couple of clean milk jugs with the cool water. This water is clean so it can be used to water animals or you can put it in your fridge to drink later.

Finally, you can a rain barrel out by your garden and use it to catch rainwater. Any container will work for this but if you want to purchase one to get started, this rain barrel is a good option to look into.

To use this water, cut the top off of an old milk jug making sure to leave the handle intact. This is the perfect water scoop that you can use to water your garden plants. You can also use the barrel water to do a quick hand wash after a weeding session.

Tip #7. Use it up, wear it out, do without 

By now, you’ve probably noticed the theme here—buy less so you can save more.

• Got a tear in your shirt? Mend it instead of replacing it.
• Broken zipper? Replacing the zipper is way cheaper than buying a whole new coat.
• Hole in your barn boots? A little duct tape can stretch their life for weeks, maybe even months if you do it right!
• Hole in the finger of your gloves? Snip off all the fingers and use them when you need some warmth but don’t want your whole hand covered.

The idea is to completely wear things out before replacing them. Clothes, especially good-quality ones, aren’t cheap—so make them last! Sew, mend, patch—just don’t toss them out too soon.

SLCG Pro Tip: Don’t have a sewing machine? Maybe it is time you invest in one. Yes, the upfront cost will be a hit, but the savings you will have over time will be worth every penny spent. You don’t need an expensive machine to do the trick. I love this machine and the cost is very reasonable, and you also get an instructional DVD if you are new. 

Tip #8: Tap into your inner DIY genius

My favorite part of having a homestead? Perfecting my “red necking” skills to the point of mastery (is that even a word?).

I’ve gotten so good at creating something out of nothing that I feel like a pro in my field. Honestly, give me a couple of zip ties and some baler twine, and there’s nothing I can’t tackle—or at least it feels that way.

Sure, Hubby might cringe at my cheapskate projects, but I’ve caught him more than once proudly showing off my creations to visitors when he thought I wasn’t looking.

Zip Ties 14 inch (100 Pack), Black, 50lb Tensile Strength, UV Resistant Cable Ties for indoor and outdoor by SKALON1000FT Jute Twine Rope 3mm Natural Thick Garden Twine String Heavy Duty for Gardening Bundling Crafts Arts Gift Wrapping Packing Material Wedding Christmas Decoration Bulk3M Utility Duct Tape, 3 Rolls, 1.88

 

Tip #9. Make your own cleaners 

One of the easiest homestead skills you can start practicing anywhere is making your own cleaners.

Sure, companies have come a long way in offering “safer” options, but many store-bought cleaners still contain chemicals that can be harmful to your family. By making your own bathroom cleaner, all-purpose spray, dishwasher detergent, or even laundry soap, you get to control exactly what goes into them—and what doesn’t.

Plus, it’s cheaper, better for the environment, and honestly kind of fun to whip up your own cleaning supplies. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

• DIY Cleaners From the Amish
• DIY Cleaner Recipes for Their Home

Tip #10. Hang it up 

Nothing soothes my soul more than clothes on the line. The site and sound bring me back to a simpler time. I have a line in my yard and even in my basement. Not only does drying your own clothes save energy, but it also saves the life of your clothes as well.

If you are limited in space, you can use a retractable clothesline or even a drying rack. Both of these tools can help you to create extra space where you may think you have none.

SLCG Pro Tip: Our system is an old broom handle suspended from the ceiling that I use to hang up clothes to dry in our laundry area. No, it’s not pretty, but it is super efficient. You would be amazed at how many shirts you can fit on the hanger to dry this way.

Tip #11. Compost

Composting is such a great way to cut down on food waste and to help your plants at the same time. It is surprising how little room you need to compost. I have a small metal bucket under my sink for food scraps and a large pile outside our barn.

The key to a good compost pile is all in the layering.

Alternating green and brown matter keeps things in sync and helps it to break down more quickly. You can read more about composting here. The good news is that you do not need a lot of room. A small container will make enough for your patio garden. Things like an old trash can or plastic tote.

The material from your compost setup will help to jumpstart your backyard garden so you can grow really healthy vegetables.

Tip #12. Buy locally

This tip is simple, important for everyone to implement, and can make a huge difference no matter where you live.

With the rise of the farm-to-table movement, more cities are embracing the charm and benefits of farmers’ markets. There’s something so peaceful about wandering through a market on a Saturday morning, filling your basket with fresh fruits, herbs, veggies, and homemade goods. The vibrant colors of freshly grown produce are truly a feast for the eyes—bright, beautiful, and absolutely delicious.

Try a Garden Co-op

Another great option to consider is joining a food or garden co-op. My brother lives in the city and is part of one, and let me tell you, when I visited, I was blown away by the quality and convenience of getting fresh, locally grown food. It’s such a great way to enjoy the benefits of gardening without needing a ton of space—or even a backyard!

If this sounds like something you’d love, give your local extension office a call to see if there’s a co-op in your area. You might just find a whole new community of like-minded folks who share your love for fresh, homegrown goodness.

Tip #13. Recycle more

Not everything you have can be used again, I get that, but before you toss it in the trash, consider these options.

Whether it be in a recycling bin, sold at a yard sale, placed into a donation box or given to a friend. Try to get more life out of your things either by you or someone else. Do your part to keep the trash out of the trash bins.

Tip #14. Barter, trade or borrow 

You don’t always need to own a tool especially when it requires a one time use.

Ask around before you purchase and offer the use of your own tools while you are at it. Homesteading is a community and communities work as a team and help each other out. Don’t just ask for help, offer it too.

You will be amazed at what you have to offer others.  Don’t keep your talents a secret. Baking, weeding, planting, canning, laundry, are just a few ideas of what you can do for trade or barter.

Almost Amish: One Woman’s Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable LifeThe Amish Cook’s Family Favorite Recipes by Lovina Eicher (2013-01-01)Amish Baking: Traditional Recipes for Bread, Cookies, Cakes, and PiesThe Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living off the Land & Doing It Yourself

 

Tip #15. Learn from a simple people

I’m constantly amazed by the Amish and how they manage to live such a simple, intentional life in the midst of our fast-paced, modern world.

Even adopting just a few of their practices can make a big difference in your own life. Their ability to live off the land, creatively make use of what they have, and foster an incredible sense of community are qualities I strive to emulate every day in our home.

The Amish remind us that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrifice—it means focusing on what truly matters. If you’re curious to learn more, you can read about their way of life here. Who knows? You might just find some inspiration to bring a little more simplicity and connection into your own life.

Whether you live on 100 acres or in a high rise apartment, homesteading is simple to do at any stage. Follow one or all of these tips to not only achieve your goal of homesteading but also to gain lasting benefits for you and your family.

More Homesteading Resources:

• 7 Steps to Take Before Starting a Homestead
• How to Start a Homestead
• Books to Have in your Homesteading Library