People have lots of reasons for homesteading and we have discussed this in other articles, so today I want to discuss how to start homesteading. 

Homesteading Goals

I would start by making a list of things you want to accomplish. If you have a life partner, I would have you each make these lists separately without discussing your list until you are finished. This way, you are both more likely to write down things you truly want without the influence of the other person. Looking at your list, I would circle your top three priorities. After deciding on my top three priorities, I would assess my skills by listing my them and then rating them to indicate which skills were my strongest.

My next step would be to get a piece of paper, or if there are two of you, a whiteboard or other large sheet of paper that both of you can see. Make two columns. In the first column, write the  top three priorities for both of you on the paper with the other items on your list below. In your second column, write down your combined strongest skills with the other skills below. These two lists can give you a really good overall view of where all of your strong points are and what your first goals might be. 

Find A Mentor

Mentors can save you time, money and frustration but they are hard to find. Not only do people not have the time to give to others when they themselves may be working, raising a family and doing all the things required in homesteading. It is equally hard to find someone who has a patient and generous nature that will nurture you and encourage you. When you look for a mentor, try to find someone who is a good communicator and a good teacher. Not all people who know how to do something are good at teaching others about it. Most of us can remember that teacher in High School, lol. In addition, be sure to check to make sure the person has actually done what they are teaching, even if they aren’t living the lifestyle anymore. Sometimes, especially with elders, they have a lot to teach on a topic although they are no longer doing it.

Hone Skills

Once you know what your goals are and where your skills need to be stronger you can look for resources, like the SongCroft Homestead School, to learn more and to strengthen those skills. Choose one or two skills at a time to really get proficient at before taking on your full list at once. Once you get good at one skill, learn another. 

Go Slow

Just don’t get in over your head by taking on so much that you get frustrated and burn out. Definitely don’t quit your job and spend your life savings on your new homestead with all of the bells and whistles before you know how to maintain it and know it will be financially sustainable for the long haul. The reality is that you will need money even if you are a homesteader.

Reduce Overhead and Increase Income Streams

Consider different ways that you can cut back on expenses. The less you are spending on unnecessary expenses, the more freedom you have from “having” to make money. If you are able, try to develop multiple streams of income or even better, residual income. Depending on your financial situation, these might need to be more income producing than “pocket money” producing.  I consider myself a polyculture when it comes to how I make money. Some examples of things I have done or do are: selling eggs, selling produce including micro-greens in the winter, selling personal care products made with some of the herbs I grow, providing garden designs and consultations, massage therapy, wellness coach, community herbalist, homestead teacher and speaker.

Take Time to Enjoy the Journey

If you were drawn to homesteading because of the idea of freedom and more choices, keep that as your “True North” and come back to it every now and then. This doesn’t mean that your ideas, dreams and desires won’t change because sometimes they do, but please check in with yourself to see if you are still on course. It can be easy to get so busy with the day-to-day that we forget where we were headed and why.

To learn more about Marilene, Songcroft, and permaculture ethics, visit www.songcroft.com. Oh, and if you like this article, you will love our courses.