DNS 20 APLHA

The Total Guide To Starting A Homestead

Perhaps you want to move from the hustle and bustle of the city, away from the rush and into the hush of rural living. Every year thousands of people make this choice, to leave the convenience of urban life and to embrace a simpler, more sustainable way of existing.

A way of life where nature meets necessity and the sound of owls hooting replaces car horns and sirens. A place where food is fresh, air is clean and tranquility resounds. Where your hands stay dirty but your heart is happy. Many call this practice homesteading.

There was a time in history when homesteading was all that existed. The family farm was a way of life for the majority of people. Today, there is a subtle, yet increasing, move back towards a simpler way of being. A style of life that reduces stress and enjoys all that the land has to offer.

Here are just a few of the cited benefits of homesteading:

Less stressful living – homesteads report a significant decline in stress levels compared to previous life in an urban center.

Pride in provision – it is a wonderful thing to be able to provide for your family from your own land.

Security – many homesteaders claim they feel more secure on their homestead than anywhere else.

Bonding – homesteading brings families together.

Better physical health – homesteaders report that the physical labor of running a homestead combined with more nutritious food and a less stressful life helped them become and stay healthy.

Learn new skills – when you take up homesteading, it is likely that you will acquire news skills and hobbies.

Not that starting a homestead is easy, it is especially more challenging if you are not prepared for what might come. However, lessons are always learned through the challenges in life, and starting a homestead is sure to present plenty of these “growing” moments.

Here are just a few tips from seasoned homesteaders, who wished they had the knowledge they do now before they started their homesteading journey.

Before you start a homestead:

Perhaps you are in the market for a homestead. Here are just a few things to keep in mind as you set out on your search for that “perfect” place to call home.

Is this really something you want to do? It is important not to buy into the “romantic” notion of homesteading. It is a lot of work and not everyone is cut out to do. Don’t be discouraged if you find that it is not really the kind of lifestyle you desire. If you just want to have a few chickens and a garden and reduce your carbon footprint, that can still be achieved even if you live in an urban or semi-rural setting. It is also important that your partner agrees on the kind of lifestyle you both want.

There is nothing worse than acquiring a homestead only to find out that one partner is not so set on it. Be sure you have lots of open and honest discussions before moving forward.

Do your research: Too many people jump blindly into thinking that living a sustainable lifestyle is easy. Doing your research before you embark on such a journey will help you keep things in perspective and give you the opportunity to prepare. If you have friends or family that homestead, be sure to ask lots of questions and spend lots of time on their homestead.

Read books, watch documentaries and gather as much knowledge as you can before diving in. Here is a great list of books to get you started.

Define your goals: Know ahead of time what it is that you want to accomplish on your homestead. For instance, how sustainable do you want to be? Do you want to raise livestock, have gardens, fruit, chickens, live off grid, on grid etc….. Once you have a good idea of what kind of homestead you are looking for, it will help you firm up your search parameters.

Location: It is a good idea to know where you want to live, at least, a general area. Do you want to be super remote or just a little outside of town?

Don’t blow the bank: When considering your homestead property, don’t spend all you have or over extend yourself. If you use all of your savings to purchase your home and land, there will be no money to create a system of self sufficiency. Always error on the side of spending less, not more.

Think about generating income: Many people who begin homesteading leave the hustle and bustle of their city jobs behind for something less stressful and more rewarding. Before you finalize the deal on some property, think about how you might be able to generate some income from your homestead. Some ideas include starting a lavender farm, raising alpaca, selling raw milk products, spinning wool and making clothing, selling fresh organic produce etc…

Know the land: If you are buying property for your homestead, be picky. Be sure that the land is going to work for the type of homestead you desire.