Things to Keep in Mind Before Starting Homesteading

Nowadays people are opting to homesteading as it is completely off the grid that allows people to adopt such lifestyle that ensures safety in case of disasters and protect freedoms.  Homesteading needs dedication, a strong desire, a good efforts to make it work.  Also, maintaining homestead requires long days, repairing tools, livestock caring, fixing fences and much more. 

Before plunging yourself into homesteading, few things should be taken in mind that are listed below:

Homesteading Planning:

Strict planning is required that should cover every aspect of homesteading. This planning must include buildings, livestock, crops and income producers. Start listing the things that you need to accomplish while homesteading. Such as if you want to completely off grid or want to produce 100% of the food every year.

Budgeting is Critical :

Though planning and research is essential for homesteading, but a huge portion of homesteading requires setting a budget. For the success of every homesteading venture, setting up successful budget is really critical.  First start with making rough budget as it will help you to prioritize the projects that you are going to complete each season. Afterwards a detailed budget can be formed that can include household expenses, homesteading expenses and major projects. One thing should be keep in mind that the budget must be used for household things during first few years. Once the land becomes more productive, small portion of the budget can be then shifted to other areas or can be used for emergency stockpiles.

Consider Location as Priority:

For building homesteading, location should be taken into priority.  You should be clear for the number of acres you will need.  Livestock can easily thrive and number of crops can be produced on the right lot without considering the size. 

People looking for off grid, can search for a land having at least two water sources. One well and one pond is enough to provide water for household use and for livestock sustaining purposes. 

There are various things that need to be learned. Well stay where you are try to learn homesteading skills even if you are a urban homesteader with restricted settings.  Make changes in your lifestyles that will help you to take smooth transition to homesteading lifestyle.