5 Simple Ways to Start Homesteading Today (Even If You’re on a Budget)

Homesteading doesn’t have to wait until you own acres of land or have a big budget. In fact, you can start living a self-sufficient lifestyle right where you are, even if you're renting or living in a small space. Here are five simple ways to start homesteading today without breaking the bank.

1. Grow Your Own Food (No Matter Where You Live)

You don’t need a huge garden to start growing your own food. Use containers, window boxes, or even recycled buckets to plant herbs, vegetables, and fruits. If you have a little outdoor space, try vertical gardening to maximize your area.

Pro Tip: Start with easy-to-grow crops like tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions. You can even regrow scraps from your kitchen!

2. Make Your Own Household Products

Save money and reduce chemicals in your home by making your own cleaners, soaps, and personal care products. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can replace dozens of store-bought items.

DIY Idea: Try making an all-purpose cleaner with just vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil. It’s budget-friendly and eco-friendly!

3. Preserve What You Grow (or Buy Locally)

Canning, dehydrating, and freezing are great ways to extend the life of your food. Even if you don’t grow everything yourself, you can buy produce in bulk from local farmers' markets when it's in season and preserve it for later.

Starter Tip: Begin with water bath canning for simple recipes like jams, pickles, and tomato sauces.

4. Learn Basic DIY and Repair Skills

Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, and that means learning how to fix things yourself. Start small by repairing clothing, building simple shelves, or repurposing old furniture.

Budget Hack: Use free resources like YouTube tutorials and community workshops to learn new skills without spending money on classes.

5. Start a Frugal, Self-Sufficient Mindset

Homesteading isn’t just about physical tasks—it’s a mindset. Focus on reducing waste, reusing what you have, and finding joy in simplicity. Bartering, trading, and connecting with like-minded communities can also help you save money while gaining valuable resources.

Mindset Shift: Instead of thinking, “I need to buy this,” ask, “Can I make it, grow it, or find an alternative?”

Ready to Dive Deeper? Stay tuned for my upcoming eBook, "Homesteading on a Budget," where I’ll share more tips, personal stories, and strategies for living a self-sufficient life without spending a fortune.

Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list to get updates and a FREE copy of my current eBook, "10 Reasons Why Homesteading is a Good Idea." 

Let’s make your homesteading dreams a reality—one simple step at a time! 🌱