What is modern homesteading? I’m sure you’ve heard about it or at least seen some pretty pictures on Instagram. But this is a deeper dive. What does it mean to be a modern homesteader? What makes you a “real” homesteader? It’s simpler than backyard chickens or wearing an apron.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I’m Not a Homebody, I’m a Homesteader
I have always preferred to be at home. There is something about your own pillow and a familiar routine. My mom actually used to ask me to go do things with people on Friday night instead of setting a curfew. She knew that if I was out late on Friday night then I must be at my Papa’s house. I was a party animal like that.
As it turned out, I’m not a homebody, I’m a homesteader. Although, some could argue the other one as well. I enjoy being at home to tend to the garden, bake sourdough bread, care for the chickens, and clean the house. The homesteading life has always been my dream even if I wasn’t able to fully explain what that meant.
Pin it for Later!
What is Modern Homesteading?
The Homestead Act of 1862 was the government’s way of promoting and encouraging westward expansion. Any man that wanted to farm had the opportunity to get “free” land. He must live on and improve upon the land for 5 years. Then for a small registration fee he could own the land. The land was distributed in 160 acre lots. This act is why the Ingalls family moved west in the Little House series.
But what is modern homesteading? Modern homesteading is living a simple life with a producer mindset. There is no free land involved and the government is not the one behind the movement. There is a generation of people that are seeking to reclaim their food, families, and homes. Modern homesteading is a mind set.
What Makes A Modern Homesteader?
Modern homesteaders come from a variety of backgrounds with varying levels of self-sufficiency. Some may live on 160 acres, while others live in studio apartments or something in between. A modern homesteader isn’t defined by where they live.
There are many skills associated with the modern homesteading movement. Far too many to list, but I will give it a go:
Baking
Sourdough
From Scratch Cooking
Fermenting
Canning
Dehydrating
Freeze Drying
Backyard Chickens
Dairy Cows
Meat Birds
Dairy Goats
Worm Farms
Pastured Pigs
Rabbits
Gardening
Orchards
Butchering
Sewing
Knitting
Quilting
Crochet
Weaving
Herbalism
Homemade Body Products
Homemade Cleaners
Line Drying Laundry
Carpentry
Root Cellaring
You get the idea. There are so many skills for the modern homesteader, many lost to the generations before us. Don’t worry, you don’t have to do all of these things to be considered a modern homesteader. Some choose only one, while others go all in. I go back to the initial question, what is modern homestead? It is a mindset.
How Do I Become a Modern Homesteader?
To become a modern homesteader you need to shift your focus from consumerism and the face paced life most people live to a slower life focused on producing. That’s it. You don’t have to run out and buy land or start a garden or buy chickens. Homesteading can start right where you are now. Set some homesteading goals to move towards your homestead dream. Maybe you can’t keep a cow right now, but you could buy raw milk and make your own yogurt and butter at home. Perhaps a garden isn’t possible in your current home. But you could put herbs in the windowsill or try an Aerogarden on the counter. It could even be as simple as turning off the TV to read a book or knit a scarf. So what is modern homesteading going to look like for you? Let me know in the comments down below.
The site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Revive EO Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply