10 Tips for Starting Your Homestead: Simple Steps to Turn Your Dream into Reality
If you’re dreaming of a quiet, self-sufficient life surrounded by nature, starting a homestead might be the perfect adventure. I made the leap from a stressful career to a life that’s more grounded, and although it’s been full of challenges, it’s been worth every moment. Whether you’re starting fresh in the woods, like I did, or you’re on a farm passed down through generations, these ten tips will help guide your journey to building your own homestead.
1. Start Small and Plan Big
The first step in homesteading is to dream, but don’t get overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. It’s tempting to think you need chickens, a garden, bees, and solar panels all on day one, but it’s more sustainable to focus on one or two things at a time. I’ve learned this firsthand—running a knitting business and homeschooling my son on 8 acres means I’m always balancing my goals. Start small, get good at a few things, and then expand.
2. Know Your Land
Before diving in, understand what your land offers and what it needs. I’ve dealt with a lot of bindweed after leaving my garden unattended for just a few weeks, and it taught me the importance of knowing your soil, the local climate, and potential pests. Spend time on your property and note how the sun moves, where water naturally drains, and what wildlife might be passing through.
3. Get Ready to Learn
There will always be something new to learn when you are starting your homestead. Whether it’s figuring out how to preserve vegetables, raise livestock, or fix broken fences, you’ll need to embrace the learning curve. I built a business from scratch, and while that didn’t prepare me for everything (hello, endless weeds), it gave me the confidence to learn as I go. From learning to use a woodchipper to digging ditches with a backhoe, homesteading requires different skills than city-life. Research, ask for advice from experienced homesteaders, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s all part of the process.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Homesteading is a long-term lifestyle, not a sprint. It’s important to be realistic about what you can accomplish each season. One mistake I’ve made is pushing too hard and trying to do too much, which left me feeling overwhelmed and behind. Set small, achievable goals, and enjoy the process. It’s okay if you don’t produce all your own food right away.
5. Budget Wisely
Homesteading can cost more than you think, especially in the beginning. From tools to seeds to livestock, expenses can add up quickly. When I first moved to my cabin in the woods, I learned quickly that unexpected costs are part of the package. Budget not only for essentials but also for the unexpected, like a chicken coop that suddenly needs fixing or a new fence for your garden.
6. Embrace DIY
There’s a lot of satisfaction in building and fixing things yourself, and it’s an essential part of homesteading. Over the years, I’ve learned to take on projects I never thought I’d tackle, like repairing equipment, building sheds, and maintaining my own cabin. You’ll save money, and the sense of accomplishment is incredible. Plus, doing things yourself keeps you resourceful and self-reliant, key traits for any homesteader.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Even though homesteading can feel like a solo adventure, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s reaching out to neighbors, hiring help for big projects, or simply asking online communities for advice, support is out there. I struggled with isolation in my rural setting, but building connections with others—even digitally—has made all the difference.
8. Stay Flexible
Homesteading teaches you that things won’t always go according to plan. Crops fail, livestock gets sick, and weather can ruin your best-laid plans. My experience working in different careers taught me resilience, but nothing quite prepared me for the unpredictable nature of homestead life. Adaptability is key—if one thing doesn’t work, try something else and don’t get discouraged.
9. Focus on Sustainability
The heart of homesteading is self-sufficiency, but sustainability should be a major focus as well. Whether you’re using solar power, rainwater collection, or planting a permaculture garden, try to think long-term. In my own homesteading life, I aim to leave things better than I found them. Small steps, like composting kitchen scraps or conserving water, add up over time.
10. Find Joy in the Simple Things
At the end of the day, homesteading is about finding peace in the small moments. For me, it’s walking outside to see my son playing with our dogs or spending a quiet evening knitting in front of the fireplace. Don’t forget to slow down and appreciate the life you’re building, even when things are tough. Homesteading isn’t just about the work; it’s about the lifestyle you create for yourself and your family.
Starting a homestead is an incredibly personal journey. If you’re willing to put in the hard work and take things one step at a time, the rewards are beyond measure. For me, homesteading has been about reclaiming my time, my energy, and my connection to the world around me—there’s no better feeling than knowing you built something from the ground up. So roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath, and get started—you’ve got this.
