Homesteading 101: How to Begin Your Journey Toward Self-Sufficiency
In 2020, I met my husband amidst the growing global fear and uncertainty. Everything was shutting down, we had both lost our jobs, and our only solace was taking walks in nature. We often fantasized about escaping to the middle of nowhere, where we could live freely without restrictions.
Soon after, as life began to settle into a "new normal," I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and anxiety. At the time, I was a mother of two and a full-time college student, overwhelmed by this diagnosis. But as I reflected on my symptoms and why I had felt such a strong urge to retreat into nature, everything started to make sense. I discovered that many others shared similar feelings and had chosen to become homesteaders.
Curious, I dove into research and found that homesteading is about living self-sufficiently—growing and preserving food, living in harmony with nature, and embracing simplicity. It resonated deeply with me. My caffeine-fueled days and anxiety attacks felt unsustainable. I recalled how much better I functioned during periods of solitude and travel: sleeping soundly without city noise, staying active in nature, and enjoying peace and privacy.
In 2021, my husband and I took a leap toward that dream. We found 40 acres of land in a small town, three hours from the city, where we could start our homesteading journey. But let me be honest—it's now 2024, and these past three years have been anything but smooth.
We quickly realized how inexperienced we were. Despite my husband's construction background and my basic gardening skills, we relied heavily on YouTube and Google. We started small: I bought a canning book and a dehydrator on sale, while my husband learned about building expandable solar power systems. It took us 2.5 years of trial and error.
We still don’t have a permanent structure on the land. Every time we tried to build, nature had other plans, forcing us to rethink and regroup. Finally, we sat down, created a solid plan, and set realistic goals for our move.
Our land is over an hour from the nearest cities with grocery stores, so we’ve prepared for challenges. We’ve successfully grown a mid-sized garden in our suburban backyard and started canning. My husband, already skilled in carpentry, has expanded his knowledge even further.
One often-overlooked aspect of homesteading is first aid. My basic military training in wound care wasn’t enough, so I prioritized learning more. I involved my kids by turning their fear of insects into a learning opportunity. We now know how to identify potential dangers and what to keep in a well-stocked first aid kit.
I’ve also expanded my knowledge of herbal medicine and taken a comprehensive first aid course, learning to use an AED, an EpiPen, and perform CPR on people of all ages. These skills have given me confidence, and I can’t emphasize enough how valuable they’ve been for my family.
Another key aspect of our journey has been connecting with others. Our property’s Facebook group allows us to network with neighboring ranch owners, and we use social media to learn from experienced homesteaders. Whether it’s raising chickens or managing livestock, these resources have been invaluable.
If you’re considering a similar lifestyle, or simply want to develop self-sufficient skills, I hope this post encourages you to start. Transitioning from suburban life to homesteading is a big deal—it’s not an overnight journey. Be prepared to spend time reading, watching videos, and brainstorming.
One last tip: camp on your future property during different seasons. Even a weekend can teach you so much about the environment—like the types of insects and wildlife you’ll encounter, and what essentials you’ll need to stay comfortable. Plus, there’s something magical about sharing a bowl of chili and gazing at the stars with your family.
Homesteading has been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I wouldn’t trade the lessons we’ve learned for anything.