small-scale homestead IDEAS
This helpful list of small-scale homestead Ideas will help you live a more self-reliant lifestyle no matter where you live or what age you are. Easy and life-changing ways to do more at home so you can stay out of the stores.
Homesteading tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily life will transform how you see your things so you can save more money every day.
We started homesteading over 30 years ago, even though, at that time, I did not realize that was what we were doing.
As a young family, money was tight, and as I worked hard to find ways to do more at home to help us stay out of the stores, we transformed from consumers to repourposers.
We did not live on a farm, actually we lived in an urban area, but we were still living as homesteaders even without the livestock and acres of land.
What is homesteading?
If you ask me, homesteading is a way of life. A choice that we made and are still making every day. One where we choose to grow what we eat, repurpose things into what we need, and DIY as much as we can without continually relying on stores.
When you look at homesteading through that lens, it opens up a world of possibilities.
Today, I like to define homesteading as this: Make it, Raise it, or Grow it so you don’t have to buy it.
small-scale Homesteading
Small-scale homesteading is all about bringing self-sufficiency into your life in manageable ways. It’s about finding simple, creative things you can do to live more sustainably.
The key is to start small and gradually incorporate more self-reliant practices into your daily life. Whether it’s making your own cleaning products, growing herbs on your windowsill, or composting your food scraps, every little step towards homesteading makes a difference.
Get tips on Homesteading Basics to help better understand each area.
Gardening
Gardening is the backbone of any homestead. The more you can grow, the less you will need to buy. By growing your own food, you will know exactly where that food came from and what was used to grow it to ripeness.
That knowledge can be life-changing and may encourage you to do even more.
The main goal of gardening is growing food in any amount you are comfortable with. This doesn’t mean you need a large traditional garden and the good news is there are many options you can use to grow your food.
#1. Raised Beds
Raised beds are a popular option for easier gardening as they allow you to grow food without the backbreaking work of a traditional garden.
Instead of tilling up soil or removing sod, you create a garden on top of the area using what you can for the border, such as wood, bricks, block, sticks, or metal.
#2. Container Gardening
If space is limited, container gardening is a great alternative to traditional in-ground gardening. You only need some pots, soil, seeds, or seedlings to start. You can also get creative and repurpose containers such as buckets or mason jars for your plants.
Containers work great on a patio or balcony, or you can line them up on a set of outdoor steps. Just be sure you choose a sunny place, and you are good to go.
#3. Grow Bags
I love to use grow bags to grow our food. They are affordable, lightweight, and easy to move around as needed, which is great as I get older. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes, so you can grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables.
Similar to container gardening, all you need is some soil and your preferred seeds or seedlings.
#4. Vertical Gardening
Vertical gardening is perfect for small spaces as it allows you to use the vertical space available instead of just the horizontal ground. You can use trellises, hanging baskets, or even repurpose old pallets to create a beautiful and productive garden.
#5. Community Gardens
If you don’t have any outdoor space of your own, look into community gardens in your area. These are shared spaces where individuals or families can rent a plot to grow their food.
Not only do community gardens provide access to land for those who may not have it, but they also offer the opportunity to connect with other gardeners and learn from their experience.
Livestock
Think small if you are looking for a more practical way to raise animals. A few great options are backyard chickens, rabbits, or bees.
#1. Chickens
Chickens are also becoming a popular option for homesteaders. Not only do they provide fresh eggs, but they also eat insects and help keep your garden pest-free. Just two chickens are all you need for a dozen eggs each week.
#2. Bees
Many cities allow you to have one or two hives of honeybees in your backyard, which can provide not only delicious honey but also pollinate your plants and support local bee populations.
#3. Rabbits
Rabbits are another animal that can thrive in a small setting. They are low maintenance quiet, and produce nutrient-rich manure for your garden. Plus, they can provide a source of meat that you can use for yourself or sell to others.
Food Preservation
Growing your food is just one part of homesteading. Knowing how to preserve it properly can also be crucial in making sure nothing goes to waste.
#1. Canning
Canning is a popular method of preserving fruits and vegetables for later use. It involves heating the food in jars to kill off any bacteria, creating an airtight seal that keeps the food safe for months or even years.
Canned foods last from one to five years or even longer.
#2. Freezing
Freezing is another simple way to preserve food without needing any special equipment or skills. Simply wash and chop produce, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags before storing in the freezer.
Frozen foods last from three to six months, depending on the type.
How to Freeze Guides:
#3. Dehydrating
Dehydrating is a great way to preserve food while also reducing its size for easy storage. Fruits, vegetables, and even meats can be dried in a dehydrator or an oven set to a low temperature.
Dehydrated foods can last from one to two years if stored properly.
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Where can you find additional produce?
If you are unable to grow all the produce you need in your backyard, there are other options for obtaining fresh and local produce.
- Visit local farmers’ markets and purchase locally grown produce. Many times you can get a discount on bushel purchases, giving you plenty to can and freeze.
- See if there are any pick-your-own farms. Usually, the price is much lower than what you would find in the store. Also, by picking your own produce, you can be sure you are getting the best selection.
- Join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. By becoming a member, you will receive a regular share of fresh produce from local farmers.
Make it, Don’t Buy it
Another concept of homesteading is making what you need so you don’t have to rely on the stores as often.
#1. Cleaners
Instead of purchasing expensive and potentially harmful cleaners, try making your own with simple and natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils.
Not only are these options more affordable, but they are also better for the environment and your health.
This list of DIY Cleaners From the Amish will get you started with some easy projects.
#2. Personal Care Products
Similar to cleaning products, personal care products can be made at home with natural ingredients.
From soap to toothpaste to deodorant, the internet is full of recipes you can use to create your own personal care items that are both effective and cost-efficient.
#3. Food Mixes
Instead of buying pre-packaged food mixes, try making your own at home. This can include things like pancake mix, soup mix, or even spice blends.
By making these mixes yourself, you not only save money but also know exactly what ingredients are going into your food.
#4. Herb and Spice Blends
Herbs and spices can be expensive when purchased individually, but buying them in bulk and creating your own blends can save you money in the long run.
Making your own spice blends allows you to tailor them to your taste preferences.
#5. Repurposing Items
Homesteading also involves being resourceful and finding ways to repurpose items rather than throwing them away.
- Old clothes can be turned into cleaning rags.
- Scraps of soap can be turned into liquid soap.
- Glass jars can be used for storing food.
- Egg cartons can be used for starting seedlings.
- Mason jars can be turned into drinking glasses or even candle holders.
By repurposing items, you not only save money but also reduce waste and get creative with what you have on hand.
#6. Reusable Products
Another way to save money and reduce waste is by using reusable products instead of disposable ones.
- Invest in a set of cloth napkins instead of constantly buying paper ones.
- Use washable cotton pads instead of single-use makeup wipes.
- Switch to reusable water bottles and eliminate the need for plastic bottles.
- Use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones.
- Use paperless towels in the kitchen and for cleaning.
Not only do these reusable products save money in the long run, but they also help to reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the environment.
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Be Aware of Your Finances
Being a homesteader means juggling a lot, and keeping an eye on your finances is a big part of making it work. Budgeting doesn’t have to feel like a chore, though—it’s all about staying on top of your money so you can avoid debt and keep things running smoothly.
#1. Track Your Spending
Knowing where your hard-earned cash is going can be a total game-changer. Look for areas where you can cut back, like skipping that extra trip to town or finding a cheaper way to fix something before looking to replace it.
#2. Make Saving a Priority
Saving is another habit worth building, even if you can only stash away a small amount each month. It’s a huge relief to have a little emergency fund ready for those “uh-oh” moments—like when the washer breaks down or you need a quick repair.
#3. Shop Intentionally
When it comes to shopping, try asking yourself, “Do I really need this right now?” before making a purchase. This helps to avoid impulse buying and spending money on unnecessary items.
Consider shopping at secondhand stores or garage sales for items you may need. Not only is it often cheaper, but it also gives new life to used items instead of contributing to more waste.
#4. Plan Ahead for Expenses
Being prepared for expenses can save you from financial stress in the long run. If you know your roof will need to be replaced in a few years, start saving for it now so it doesn’t hit you all at once. This also applies to any major renovations or repairs both inside and outside of the home.
Homesteading isn’t just about growing your own food or living sustainably—it’s also about being smart with your money and making choices that stretch your budget. By trying out some of these tips, you can save more while still enjoying all the benefits.
Look for ways to grow your food, DIY whenever possible, repurpose items you already have, and find joy in making do with less. Every little step adds up, and you’ll be amazed at how these changes can transform your home and habits.
Start small, stay consistent, and use any of these small-scale homestead ideas to transform your life into a more self-sufficient and sustainable one.
