Assessing Your Homesteading Potential: Where Are You Now?

Lets discuss something that’s crucial when you’re starting out on this journey: figuring out where you’re at right now. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test – it’s more like taking stock of what you’ve got to work with.

When I got into homesteading, my husband and I had to take a good, hard look at our situation. Sure, we had some land, but I also had a whole lot of learning to do. So, let’s break this down into bite-sized pieces, shall we?

Location, Location, Location

First things first: where are you living? Are you in the heart of the city, the suburbs, or out in the countryside? Each has its own challenges and opportunities.

We’re lucky enough to have a couple of acres in the city. It’s a bit of an oasis in the urban sprawl, but it comes with its own set of rules and restrictions. If you’re in an apartment, don’t despair! Windowsills, balconies, and community gardens can be great starting points.

Space: How Much Do You Really Need?

Here’s a secret: you don’t need acres of land to be a homesteader. Sure, more space gives you more options, but it’s amazing what you can do with even a small area.

When I started getting serious about growing food for my health, I began with just a few containers. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Now, think about your space. Do you have a yard? A balcony? Even a sunny windowsill can be a mini garden!

Time: The Real Currency

Let’s be honest – homesteading takes time. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do it all at once. When I first started, I was working full-time and dealing with health issues. I had to be realistic about what I could manage.

Take a look at your schedule. How much time can you realistically dedicate to homesteading activities? Remember, even 15 minutes a day can make a difference. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something.

Skills: What’s In Your Toolbox?

Now, don’t panic if you feel like you don’t have any “homesteading skills.” Trust me, everyone starts somewhere. My husband grew up with this lifestyle, but I was a total newbie. I had to learn everything from scratch.

Make a list of skills you already have. Can you cook? That’s a great start! Ever fixed something around the house? Those DIY skills will come in handy. Love researching? That’s a superpower in the homesteading world. With sites like YouTube at your fingertips, there’s no reason to not just give it a shot and learn. Plus those skills add up over time and can save you a bunch of money!

Resources: What’s Already At Your Fingertips?

Resources aren’t just about money (though that’s part of it). Think about what you already have that could be useful. Old containers can become planters. That forgotten corner of your yard? Potential garden space.

Also, consider your local resources. Are there farmer’s markets nearby? Community gardens? Classes at the local library? When I started out, I was amazed at how many free or low-cost resources were available in my area.

Also things like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace can be a treasure trove of cheap or even free items.

Here is a planting bench we built from an old free gazebo that was going to be thrown away!!

It may not be perfect… but do you know it is, almost free. All it cost was a piece of plywood, some old 2×4 scraps we had lying around, and some screws. Everything else was free!

Setting Realistic Goals

Alright, now that you’ve taken stock, it’s time to set some goals. But here’s the key: be realistic. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a homestead.

When I began, my goal was simply to grow some of my own food to support my health journey. I didn’t aim to be completely self-sufficient overnight (and almost 20 years later and I am still not!). Start small, celebrate your successes, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned (because trust me, they won’t always go as planned!).

Remember, homesteading is a journey. It’s about progress, not perfection. So, take a deep breath, look at where you are now, and think about where you want to go. You might be surprised at how much potential you really have!

In the next post, we’ll take a look into some essential skills for beginning homesteaders.

Deanna

P.S. How did your assessment go? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments. I’d love to hear about your homesteading journey!