Top Ten Essential Facts to Consider Prior to Embarking on Homesteading Life

Going backyard farming wasn't even on my radar ten years ago. I never imagined I'd become a homesteader, not with the idea of milking cows, raising pigs, and tilling soil for my own crops. It all seemed like a far-fetched fantasy.

But, once my daughter came along, everything changed. I realized there was more to life than working a soul-sucking job, paying off bills, and settling for generic grocery store food. I wanted more for our family, a better quality of living, and a sustainable lifestyle.

Now, the thought of roosters crowing, the scent of fresh soil, and the feel of kneading homemade dough sounds like paradise. And yet, the glamorized image of farm life quickly fades when reality sets in.

Suddenly, you find yourself covered in mud, battling bugs, bleeding from scrapes, and wondering if you've lost your senses. But, it's a grungy kind of peace, a simpler way of life that's full of rewards. Here are ten things you should know before jumping headfirst into the chaotic world of homesteading:

Brace Yourself for Mess: The backyard farm life means mud, blood, sweat, and plenty of it. It becomes a part of your existence, and dirt won't be something to shy away from anymore.
Be Prepared to Tire: Homesteading is a full-time job, and you'll quickly realize that the late nights and early mornings add up. It's not always easy, and there will be moments when you'll feel drained, but the satisfaction is worth it.
Embrace the Winter: Frankly, winter is a gift. It's the perfect time to rest and plan for the upcoming year, and it offers a chance to catch your breath before the next season of hard work begins.
Expect Skepticism: Modern homesteaders are rare, and most people won't fully understand your lifestyle. They'll wonder why you'd rather get your hands dirty than buy store-bought food, but that's okay. You know the truth.
Prepare for the Emotional Rollercoaster: Homesteading comes with its fair share of highs and lows, and you'll find yourself bonding with your animals in ways you never thought possible. The day may come when you have to harvest them for food, and let me tell you, it's not easy. But, recognizing the cycle of life and being grateful for the role your animals played is an essential part of the farming experience.
Learn from Your Mistakes: You'll make mistakes, and you'll learn from them. Maybe you'll plant your garden in the wrong spot, and maybe a bad storm will wipe out your entire crop. It's all part of the learning process, and each mistake you make will take you one step closer to becoming a skilled homesteader.
Find Joy in the Rewards: Homesteading may be messy, tiring, and emotional, but there's an immense reward that comes with it. The sense of satisfaction you'll feel when you can cook a meal using the food you've grown with your own two hands is unmatched.
Be Ready to Adjust Your Diet: As you become more in tune with your food and your surroundings, you'll find yourself seeking out local and sustainable options. You'll become more aware of food industries and the impact they have on both the environment and your health.
Patience is Key: Homesteading isn't a quick fix, and it requires time, effort, and patience. Don't rush the process, but instead take your time and enjoy the journey.
Prepare for Transformation: Homesteading will change you, and you'll find yourself growing in ways you never thought possible. You'll become more self-reliant, more patient, and more connected to the world around you.

If you're ready to embrace the messy, challenging, and rewarding world of homesteading, you might find these posts helpful:

15 Homesteading Skills to Learn This Winter
12 Ways to Save Money on Your Homesteading Dream
41 Ways to Become more Self-Sufficient

Welcome to the world of homesteading, where self-sufficiency meets nature, and traditional values find a modern home. Join our community of like-minded folks in the Facebook group, The Self Sufficient Life. Click here to join.

In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, you might find yourself ditching designer labels for durable, practical clothing suitable for homesteading, as the focus shifts from style to functionality.
When planning food-and-drink menus, organic, locally-sourced ingredients become the norm, reflecting the homesteading commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Homesteading also impacts relationships, as you learn to rely on yourself and your community, fostering close bonds with neighbors and fellow homesteaders through shared experiences and mutual support.
For pet lovers, homesteading may offer opportunities to care for unconventional pets like chickens or goats, rather than the traditionally domesticated ones like dogs and cats.
Traveling might take on a new meaning as you explore Farm Sanctuaries and Sustainable Living Conferences, seeking knowledge and networking with other homesteaders from around the world.
Shopping habits evolve, with a focus on supporting local farmers' markets, co-ops, and independent craftsmen, rather than big box stores.
Car maintenance becomes more crucial due to the increased likelihood of owning vehicles capable of navigating rough terrain and carrying heavy loads, essential for homesteading duties.
The home-and-garden transformation includes not only the outdoor space but also the interior, as you convert spare rooms into mini-workshops, offices, or storage spaces for homesteading tools and supplies.
Finally, the joy of escaping the confines of city life leads to a renewed appreciation for nature, fostering a deep connection with animals, plants, and the environment as a whole.