Affordable Homesteading
Have you ever thought about homesteading but felt unsure where to begin or worried about the costs? When I picture homesteading, I think of a charming scene from Little House on the Prairie—animals, land, gardens, and homemade goods. The dream of creating that idyllic lifestyle often feels out of reach, especially if you’re starting from scratch. How does anyone afford it all?
When my family started homesteading, we didn’t have it all figured out. It wasn’t just about having the perfect land or equipment. It was about faith—without God’s guidance, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Starting with minimal resources, we had to be frugal and make major lifestyle changes, but it’s all been worth it.
At first, we rented five acres and gradually created a small farm—five Nigerian goats, six Icelandic sheep, one cow, ten Silver Fox rabbits, 28 chickens, three Karakachan livestock guardian dogs, two herding dogs, and four cats. Then life threw us a curveball. A job change forced us to leave the farm, and now we’re living with family. We’ve had to downsize, but we’re still making it work—and I truly believe it’s possible to homestead on a single teacher’s salary.
Homesteading is not just a dream; with determination and a little help from above, it can become your reality too.
Why Should You Start Homesteading
Homesteading can look different depending on your budget, space, and the way you choose to live. But no matter the scale, it brings a variety of benefits. One of the most rewarding aspects of homesteading is the financial savings. By growing your own food, raising animals, and learning to DIY, you can significantly cut down on grocery bills and reduce your reliance on commercial products.
Let’s take a closer look at how homesteading can save you money and help you live a more self-reliant life.
Save Money
Homesteading does have its costs—feed, vet bills, and the occasional purchase of supplies or livestock. But when you start thinking more sustainably and naturally, many of these costs can be minimized. Growing your own food, preserving it through canning or freezing, and cutting back on trips to the grocery store are all excellent ways to reduce your expenses. And by using fewer processed foods, you might even find yourself visiting the doctor less, saving even more.
What’s even better is that food scraps can be fed to your livestock, helping cut down on feed costs. You can also grow herbs, which benefit both you and your animals. Herbs can boost the health of your livestock, resulting in fewer vet visits. As a bonus, enriching your garden soil with animal manure (from real food, not processed feed) makes your crops more nutrient-dense year after year.
By embracing a no-waste mindset, you can break free from a linear lifestyle and become more dependent on what you can provide, with a little help from your animals and the land.
Self-Sufficient
When you start homesteading, you quickly learn to become self-sufficient. You can’t always call someone to fix a broken fence or solve a problem. But that’s exactly why it’s so rewarding! My family has learned countless skills that have made us more resourceful and independent. From working with animals to maintaining the garden, every day brings new lessons and a sense of accomplishment.
Even our daughter has grown in ways that surprise us. She has learned not only the value of hard work but also how to help out on the farm. The confidence and skills she’s gaining will stay with her for life.
Living a self-sufficient life has also brought us closer as a family. It’s comforting to know that, no matter what life throws at us, we have the skills and resources to take care of each other.
Gain Knowledge & Confidence
One of the greatest joys of homesteading is the opportunity for personal growth and learning. There’s always something new to master, whether it’s growing heirloom vegetables, hand-sewing, or crafting homemade apple cider vinegar. These practices connect us to a rich tradition and history that we might not have explored otherwise.
The satisfaction of creating something with your own hands—whether it’s a hand-stitched quilt or a batch of homemade bread—goes beyond just the end product. It’s about the process, the learning, and the memories made along the way.
How to Start Homesteading Cheap
- Build Community: Find like-minded individuals who share an interest in sustainable living or homesteading. Whether through social media, local homesteading groups, or farmers’ markets, connecting with others can provide you with valuable advice, resources, and support. We’ve saved a lot of money just by borrowing tools, swapping goods, or trading labor. A community offers not only practical help but also encouragement during tough times.
- Be Frugal: When homesteading, it’s essential to differentiate between needs and wants. Before purchasing anything, ask yourself if it’s a necessity for your survival or just a luxury. If you can live without it, chances are it’s not a need. Being mindful of your spending ensures you prioritize essentials and make the most of your budget.
- Plan Ahead: Planning can save you more than you might think. Watch for sales, hunt for free items, or learn how to make or fix things yourself. A little foresight goes a long way in keeping costs low.
- Gardening: Even if you’re starting small, plant herbs or vegetables. They’ll save you money in the long run, especially when they’re in season. Plus, growing your own food gives you a sense of accomplishment and control over what you eat.
- Canning: If you’re worried about the abundance of your garden, canning is a great way to preserve extra produce. Done right, canned food can last for years, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the winter.
- Learn to Sew: Knowing how to mend clothes or create new items from old materials can save you money. For example, I’ve sewn dresses for my daughter and myself for under $30—by shopping the clearance sections and learning how to make the most out of affordable fabrics.
- Dual-Purpose Animals: Consider raising animals that serve multiple purposes. Our Icelandic Sheep, for example, give us wool, meat, and milk, all while being smaller and requiring less feed. Other great options include Buff Orpington Chickens and Scottish Highland Cows.
- Look for Free or Low-Cost Animals: Don’t overlook the opportunity to find free or discounted animals. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to rehome animals, especially if they’re moving or need to downsize. Just be sure to check the animals’ health before bringing them home.
- Simplify Your Life: Homesteading is a time commitment, so you’ll need to evaluate your current lifestyle. Some activities or outings may need to take a backseat, but the time spent working on your homestead will be well worth it.
- Make What You Can: While it may take extra time, making things from scratch brings your family closer together. Whether it’s homemade soap, candles, or furniture, these projects create lasting memories and provide a sense of satisfaction.
Conclusion
Homesteading offers many rewards, including saving money, becoming self-sufficient, and learning valuable skills. It also brings you closer to your family and helps you live a healthier lifestyle. However, it’s important to recognize that homesteading isn’t always easy. There will be times when your garden fails, animals fall ill, and things don’t go as planned. Your social life may shrink, and others might not understand your choices.
But don’t let the hard moments discourage you. Seek out support, keep learning, and remember that the challenges of homesteading are part of what makes it so rewarding. Keep going, because the joy and fulfillment you’ll experience will far outweigh the struggles.
Homesteading isn’t just a dream—it’s a lifestyle that, with patience, effort, and faith, can be made to work for anyone willing to put in the time and energy. Happy homesteading!
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