These five steps will help you determine whether or not homesteading or trying to live more self-reliantly will be right for you.
1. The first thing you will need to consider, is whether or not you believe this type of lifestyle is going to be right for you. While the rewards are substantial, keep in mind that this lifestyle can be both physically and mentally demanding, and will require much of your time to be spent outdoors. So, keep those things in mind.
2. What are your goals around starting a homestead or trying to live more self-reliant? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint, try your hand at living off-grid, or are you trying to raise your own food? Regardless of your own goal, it is going to be important to determine so that you can make a sufficient plan.
3. Where will you be homesteading? Will you be a Citysteader? It will be important for you to determine where you would like to commit to your self-reliant lifestyle. The type of homesteading you are doing will also play a role in determining this. For instance, if you are planning to go off-grid, you need to plan to do so somewhere it may be allowed. What are your specific land needs? What about your access to water and power sources? How will those be handled? Additionally, consider children. If you have or plan to have children, do you plan to homeschool them or will you need access to a school system?
4. Budget. The type of homesteading you are planning to do can tell you quite a bit about the initial investment requirements you will need to get going. Will you have a job while you homestead? Remember that cost and time requirements for a homesteading/self-reliant lifestyle are substantial. Take all of these things into careful consideration as you plan your first moves.
5. Get started! You may not be able to get to your ideal homestead situation right away, but you can begin to learn and implement small practices one at a time that will better prepare you for your own life of self-reliance.