Modern Homesteading
Even though I don’t live in a rural area anymore, I’m still all about homesteading, both inside and outside my home. Modern homesteading is really taking off as more people want to have more control over their food, lifestyle, and overall well-being.
With a few simple and updated homesteading tips, you can begin to live a healthier, more self-reliant life your way.
When I first got into homesteading, it was all about one thing—staying out of the stores and growing or raising as much of our food as we could. Back then, I was young, full of energy, and ready to take on whatever work came with it.
Today, things have changed. Not only am I older, but we no longer live in a rural area with a sprawling yard and rural property. That’s meant a shift in how we do things. We’re still homesteading, just in a different way.
What is Modern Homesteading?
Modern homesteading is all about living a more self-sufficient and sustainable life, no matter where you are or what resources you have. It’s a mix of traditional practices, like growing your own food or making things from scratch, combined with the convenience of modern life.
The goal stays the same—to be thoughtful with your choices and create a lifestyle that’s more independent. But it can be scaled down to fit older folks, suburban neighborhoods, or even city living. It’s about making it work for you, wherever you are.
Living a homesteading lifestyle allows you to step back from the busyness of today’s world and really connect with your daily life. It’s about getting hands-on with the food you eat, being mindful of the tools you rely on at home, and being more aware of nature and the joy of simplicity.
Homesteading is Not All About Farming
When you hear “homesteading,” you might picture someone living on acres of land, raising cows and planting fields of crops. And while farming can be part of it, homesteading is so much more than that. It’s more about intentional living and bringing self-sufficient skills into your modern home.
You don’t need a sprawling farm to call yourself a homesteader. For many, it starts with something as simple as a small garden or a few potted herbs on your back patio. The main focus of homesteading is eating and living healthier, and when you can grow some of your food, you are doing just that.
Can You Homestead Anywhere
If you live in the suburbs or even a big city, you can still homestead. Urban homesteading is on the rise, with people keeping backyard chickens in small coops, composting their scraps, or setting up rainwater collection systems. It’s proof that you don’t need wide-open spaces to live a self-sufficient, sustainable life.
Homesteading is about doing what works for you and making choices that bring you closer to the foods you eat, simplicity, and independence. Whether that’s farming, gardening, or DIY projects, it’s all part of the beautiful, flexible world of homesteading.
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Easy Steps Towards Modern Homesteading
The best way to start is to think small. It’s easy to get excited and take on too much, only to feel overwhelmed later. With homesteading and intentional living, it’s smarter to pick just one to three areas to focus on at first. Then, as your skills grow, you can add more. Don’t forget—small steps can still lead to big changes in how you live.
Start in Your Kitchen
Take a good look at how you’re eating. A great place to begin is by growing something small, like herbs, on your windowsill. Fresh basil or rosemary can make any meal feel special, and they’re so easy to care for.
Or how about trying your hand at baking bread? It’s simpler than you might think and so satisfying. While you’re at it, spend some time learning about healthy, whole foods so you can discover what makes sense to grow or make based on your family’s needs.
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Rethink Cleaning Products
Check out what you’re using to clean your home. Many store-bought cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals. A simple swap, like using vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap, can keep your home just as clean and is much gentler on the environment (not to mention your lungs).
Look for recipes to make your own cleaning sprays, scrubs, or laundry detergent. Not only are they easy to make, but they bring a sense of accomplishment that you are able to make what you need without having to rely on the stores.
DIY Cleaning Guides:
Start Composting
Composting is an awesome way to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil for your garden, whether it’s a traditional one or a few container plants on your patio. And here’s the best part—you don’t even need a big yard to do it.
If you’re in a small home, a countertop compost bin is all you need to get started. It’s a fun, hands-on way to cut down on waste while doing something good for the planet.
Reduce Waste Where You Can
Speaking of waste, try cutting back on things like single-use plastic. Switch to reusable grocery bags, jars for storing food, and metal water bottles instead of plastic. You’d be amazed at how these simple habits can make you more mindful of what you bring into your home and how you use it.
Try a DIY Project
Homesteading often means doing a little more yourself, and small projects are a great entry point. Try making your own candles, sewing reusable napkins, or building a few raised garden beds for planting vegetables. These kinds of hands-on activities not only teach useful skills but also give you a real sense of accomplishment.
10 Easy Ways to Add Homesteading to Your Home and Lifestyle
Modern homesteading is all about small, intentional changes that bring a sense of self-sufficiency and intentional living to your daily life. Here are ten simple ways to get started:
- Grow Your Own Herbs – Start small with a windowsill herb garden. Fresh basil, rosemary, or mint is easy to grow and makes your meals so much better. Plus, there’s a special kind of joy in snipping your own herbs while cooking.
- Bake Homemade Bread – There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread to make your house feel cozy. Baking your own isn’t just satisfying; it’s healthier too! Start with a basic recipe and work your way up to experimenting with different flavors.
- Compost Kitchen Scraps – Turn those veggie peels and coffee grounds into nutrient-rich compost for a garden or even a few potted plants. If space is tight, try a countertop compost bin or a worm composting setup. It’s super easy and cuts down on food waste.
- Switch to Reusable Items – Take a look at what you’re throwing away and find reusable alternatives. Replace paper towels with fabric ones, use glass jars for storage, or carry a reusable water bottle. These swaps are small but add up over time.
- Learn to Preserve Food – Canning, fermenting, or freezing fruits and vegetables lets you enjoy them all year long. Start with something simple, like making jam or pickles, and feel the pride of preserving your own food.
- Make Your Own Cleaning Supplies – Ditch the chemicals and make your own cleaners using items like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. It’s cheaper, safer, and better for the environment—not to mention, surprisingly easy.
- Start a DIY Project – Build a small raised garden bed, sew reusable tote bags, or make beeswax wraps for food storage. Even small projects can help you build practical skills and give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Plant a Small Garden – Whether you have a yard or a balcony, try growing a few veggies or even just a tomato plant in a container. Watching something grow from seed to harvest is endlessly rewarding (and delicious!).
- Reduce Food Waste – Be mindful of what you buy and use. Plan your meals, get creative with leftovers, and only purchase what you can eat before it spoils. You’ll save money and cut down on waste all at once.
- Build a Rainwater Collection System – If you’re ready for something a little more advanced, try collecting rainwater. Set up a simple rain barrel system to water your garden. It’s eco-friendly and can save on your water bill.
Modern homesteading is all about finding what works for you and taking steps, big or small, toward a more intentional, self-sufficient lifestyle. Maybe you start with something simple, like switching to DIY cleaners or learning to cook from scratch. Or, you take on a bigger project, like composting your kitchen scraps.
Whatever you choose, every little action makes a difference and moves you closer to the life you want to create. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the process.
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Keep the journey going by adding more intentional living tips to more areas of your home and life!
