simple homestead living
Not many people hear “simple” and think about homesteading, do they? The truth is, living self-sufficiently can seem like a lot of work, and it often is. But here’s the good news—I want to make it easier for you. If you’re ready to take a step toward simple homestead living, I have a few practical tips that don’t involve overhauling your entire life.
These ideas can help you get back in control of your kitchen, your diet, and your budget, all while keeping things manageable. Think of this as the start of your guide to simple living by infusing one small change at a time. Let’s start where you are and make things work for you.
What Does Simple Homesteading Mean?
Simple homesteading is about taking the idea of a self-sufficient lifestyle and shaping it to fit your own home and needs. It’s really about being more intentional with what you keep in your home, especially when it comes to food. The goal? Choosing ingredients that are fresher, healthier, and made up of ingredients that you actually recognize and can pronounce.
Over the years, traditional homesteading has grown and changed. It’s no longer just for farmers in overalls living off the grid. These days, it’s more about taking charge of your home and the way you live. Instead of running to the store to spend money on an easy solution, you learn to adapt what you already have to fill a need.
Simple homesteading, at its core, is a mindset. It’s about seeing your home as more than just a place to live but as your haven, a base for healthier habits, and a space where you and your family can truly thrive. It’s not about doing it all; it’s about doing what matters most to you and finding joy in the process.
Simple Ways to Homestead Where You Are Now
Now that you’ve got a sense of how to make homesteading work for your life right now, let’s talk about some practical, easy ways to get started. The idea isn’t to overwhelm yourself but to make small changes that still have a big impact.
Here’s the simple goal to keep in mind: Make it, Grow it, or Raise it, so you don’t have to buy it. It’s really that straightforward.
With Your Food
Taking control of the quality of your food doesn’t mean you need a massive garden with hours of daily chores. Simple changes can make a big impact, and the best part is, they’re totally doable.
Here’s how you can start making your food work for you without stepping into a traditional homestead lifestyle.
1. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a game-changer. Not only can it save you money, but it also ensures you always have quality food on hand, keeping you out of the stores each week. Think bigger cuts of pork, beef, or chicken, or even a bushel of your favorite seasonal produce.
The trick is to freeze anything you aren’t using right away. A vacuum sealer is a smart investment to keep food fresh and free from freezer burn.
Every time you pull something from your freezer, you’ll know you’re getting great quality while cutting back on waste.
2. Shop Local Farms and Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are a great way to bring fresh, healthy food into your home without growing it yourself. Check out a few local markets or roadside stands and see what’s available. When you find a stand you love, don’t be shy about asking if they offer discounts for buying in bulk.
For example, buying a bushel of ripe tomatoes to can or freeze can save you money and stock your pantry with fresh, organic food that you can enjoy in the winter months.
3. Fill Your Freezer with Quality Meat
If you eat meat, consider reaching out to a local farm or butcher shop to purchase a side of beef or pork. This allows you to stock up on high-quality, grass-fed options for a lower cost per pound.
Not only is grass-fed meat leaner, but it also contains more omega-3s, which are great for heart health. Plus, you get to choose the cuts and portion sizes that are best for you and your family.
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4. Try Making Food From Scratch
When it comes to making your own food, you don’t have to change your entire routine overnight, but trying one or two things can help you take more control over what goes on your table. The beauty of making your own food is knowing every single ingredient that goes into it.
Simple ideas to try include homemade bread, ice cream, yogurt, pickles, granola, or even salad dressings. If you feel adventurous, you can branch out into soups, pasta, or baked goods.
The possibilities are endless, and there’s nothing more satisfying than saying, “I made this myself.”
5. Grow What You Can
Even if a huge and sprawling garden isn’t in the cards, there are so many ways to grow fresh food that fit into your lifestyle.
- Have a medium-sized yard? A traditional garden might be perfect for you. Divide it into smaller sections to make watering, weeding, and harvesting easier. A few stepping stones or a sprinkler stand can make maintaining your garden a lot less work.
- Working with a small backyard? Raised beds are a great option. Find a sunny corner and set up a few close to your home so watering and care are quick and easy.
- No yard, but a porch or patio? No problem. Grow bags or containers are perfect for herbs, leafy greens, or even tomatoes. You can tuck them into a flower bed or go for a grow table, which gives you a compact way to grow a collection of herbs and vegetables.
- No outdoor space at all? Don’t count yourself out. Check out local gardening co-ops. Many offer small plots you can rent, or you can join a program to get fresh produce delivered weekly. It’s a simple way to still enjoy the benefits of homegrown food.
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Growing a little bit of what you eat not only adds flavor and nutrition to your meals but also brings a sense of satisfaction when you see the fruits of your labor.
6. Preserve Your Harvest
When you do grow or buy fresh produce in bulk, preserving it can be a lifesaver. It’s a practical way to make sure nothing goes to waste and keeps your pantry ready for any meal.
Ways to preserve your food include traditional canning, freezing, dehydrating, or fermenting. Start small with one method and expand as you feel more comfortable. There’s something wonderful about opening a jar of homemade jam or reheating a frozen soup you made from scratch on a chilly winter evening.
In Your Home
Your home is such a big part of your life, and it’s a great place to start simplifying. By making small, thoughtful changes, you can create a healthier, more comfortable space for yourself and your family.
Here are some easy ways to bring the spirit of homesteading into your everyday life without too much hassle.
1. Try DIY Cleaners
Many store-bought cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals, but you don’t need them for most cleaning jobs. Simple DIY cleaners can be just as effective and are better for your health (and your wallet). Plus, you likely already have what you need right in your pantry. Here are a few basics to have on hand:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Dish soap
- Lemon
- A good scrub brush
With these simple ingredients, you can tackle everything from countertops to tubs.
Action Tip: Refresh your sink drains with a quick DIY cleaner. Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then follow it with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and do its thing for 10–15 minutes, then flush it out with hot water. Your drains will be cleaner and smell fresher in no time.
Read our list of DIY Amish Cleaning Supplies and stock your home with cleaners that really work.
2. Ditch the Paper Products
Cutting back on disposable items can be surprisingly easy. Swap paper towels for washable cloths, try cloth napkins instead of paper ones, or even make your own homemade baby wipes. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference!
Action Tip: Repurpose an old tablecloth by cutting it into reusable cloth napkins. It’s a fun, simple project and saves you from buying new ones.
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3. Simplify Your Wardrobe
Rethinking your clothes through a “homesteading” lens means focusing on quality over quantity. A smaller, timeless collection of clothing not only creates less clutter but also saves money in the long run.
Action Tip: Spend 10 minutes each day going through your closet to declutter and organize. Remove clothes you haven’t worn in the last year, and keep only the pieces you love and wear often.
4. Cut Back on Costly Entertainment
We often stick with expensive cable TV out of habit, but today’s streaming options are affordable and filled with great choices. Simplifying your entertainment setup can save you money without sacrificing your favorite shows.
Action Tip: Do a little research on streaming services. Many offer free trials, so you can test them out and find what works best for you before committing.
5. Save on Pet Care
If you have pets, you know how pricey their care can get. But you can take a more hands-on approach to keep them happy and healthy while staying on budget. Try grooming your pet at home or taking them to a local dog park for exercise that will help keep them healthy avoiding expensive vet visits.
Action Tip: Invest in a good set of grooming tools. Even if you start small, like trimming nails or brushing their coat at home, the savings will add up quickly.
Simple Homesteading for Everyday Life
Bringing a bit of simple homesteading into your daily routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few small tips, you can feel more organized, less stressed, and maybe even rediscover a bit of joy in everyday tasks.
1. Simplify Meal Planning
Meal Prep doesn’t have to feel like a chore—in fact, it can be a simple way to save both time and money while bringing a little extra ease to your week.
Here’s a fun and flexible way to tackle it:
- Grab paper and pen. Write the days of the week down one side.
- Choose a protein or theme for each day. Keep it simple! Here’s an easy example you can tweak to fit your style:
- Monday – Chicken
- Tuesday – Beef
- Wednesday – Pizza or tacos
- Thursday – Fish
- Friday – Cook’s choice (leftovers, takeout, or whatever you love!)
- Saturday – Soup and sandwiches
- Sunday – Family dinner (something special or traditional).
- Tape this plan to your fridge where you’ll see it every morning. It’ll give you a clear idea of what’s ahead, and you can adjust the details as the week unfolds.
SLCG Pro Tip: Keep your pantry stocked with simple sides like rice, pasta, canned veggies, or salad kits. That way, rounding out each meal will always be a breeze.
2. Tame Your To-Do List
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to feel like you’re always playing catch-up. A weekly to-do list can help bring a sense of calm and control to your days. Take a moment at the start of each week to think about what you really want to accomplish.
- Prioritize what matters most, and don’t sweat the rest.
- Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps so they don’t feel overwhelming.
- Use a notebook or even your phone to jot things down so they’re not swirling in your head.
Action Tip: Pick three tasks each day to focus on. Keeping it simple ensures you’ll feel successful without burning out. This is one of my top midlife productivity tips!
3. Try Something New
Homesteading is all about rolling up your sleeves and learning skills that make life easier and often more rewarding. Why not challenge yourself to try something new?
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Learn to sew or mend clothes, so you can fix a tear instead of tossing it.
- Try basic carpentry by building a small shelf or repairing furniture.
- Experiment with soap-making to create homemade bars for your family or as gifts.
- Cook something from scratch, like baking bread or making soup with garden-fresh veggies.
- Try some amazing herbal teas ditching the bags and upgrading to a healthier option.
Action Tip: Pick one skill you’ve been curious about and make it a priority this month. You might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.
Simple Homesteading FAQ
What is the goal of homesteading?
The heart of homesteading is pretty simple. It’s all about growing, raising, or making what you need instead of buying it. This way, you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your own pocket instead of handing it over to stores.
What’s a common misconception about homesteading?
A lot of people think you need acres of land and pricey equipment to start homesteading, but that’s just not true. You can start small—even a little backyard or a few pots on your balcony can grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs. If you’ve got the space, you can add a couple of chickens for fresh eggs. Start with what you have, and you can always grow your setup as your skills and confidence grow.
Can you simplify a homesteading lifestyle?
Absolutely! Homesteading doesn’t have to mean doing every little thing from scratch or feeling overwhelmed. Pick one or two areas to focus on, like growing herbs on your windowsill or learning to bake bread. Little changes like these make a big difference without adding stress. Plus, there’s joy in discovering what works for you and your lifestyle. Homesteading is all about progress, not perfection.
Living a simple homestead lifestyle is full of rewarding moments, big and small. Whether it’s growing your own veggies, trying your hand at preserving a batch of tomatoes, or even simplifying the things you have in your home, the possibilities are endless. The best part? You don’t have to do it all at once. A few homesteading tips here and there can make the journey feel manageable and fun.
Simple Homestead Living is all about finding what fits your life and makes you feel more connected and purposeful in all the things you bring into your home. Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the process of creating a life that truly feels your own.
