Being self-sufficient
is a difficult but rewarding way of life.
Living a life of total self-sufficiency is a daunting task but one many deem worthy of attempt. Being self-sufficient does not mean you forgo an income or produce everything you need yourself; you will need a community and some resources. The definition of being self-sufficient does mean if the outside sources of power, water, food and the like were not available, you can and do provide your own and live just fine. A simpler life of providing ones own needs without the complications of urban life has its appeal.
Instructions
1. Examine your finances, including all current debt, mortgage and monthly expenses. The goal will be to remove all debt, and fund projects that are designed to be long-term self sufficient, such as solar power. Design a plan to pay off all debt as quickly as possible. One key to self-sufficiency is not to rely on currency to gain most of what is needed. Plan to retain an income, as having currency still gains more ground in self-sufficiency.
2. Move in small steps; don't expect this change to occur overnight. Living completely self-sufficiently often can take several years. Begin with moving toward no debt. At the same time, study and research what type of setup you would like to achieve. A small homestead with standard livestock or a compound that is self contained and can maintain more than one family are some choices. Plan carefully; lack of planning can be disastrous if any key things are not considered.
3. Begin with the basics. Shelter, water and food are primary. You must be able to cultivate and provide these things without outside assistance. Consider options for each. If you have a stream on your property or spring that you can divert to a cistern, water is covered; however, always have a backup, such as a hand pump to a ground supply of water. Plan for an energy-efficient home that is off the grid, as in, no power or water except what you supply yourself. Examine sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, or both. Use backup power storage for additional use.
4. Calculate the amount of food you need to get by comfortably. Merely subsisting is not enough; you will soon tire of being self-sufficient if you are only barely getting by. Plan for a large variety of foods. If you haven't farmed before, consider working part time at a farm as a hand to learn the important tasks of caring for livestock and growing your own food.
5. Model how other self-sufficient homesteaders or communities operate. The Amish, for instance, have never embraced modern technology or reliance on means to live other than the traditional self-sufficiency. Knowledge is the biggest key to being able to survive outside the modern grid of technology.
6. Expect to change your lifestyle. Your day-to-day activities will involve cultivating food, making sure the livestock is fed and cared for and doing chores to maintain your homestead. Modern-day wants and things such as MP3 players or television may go by the wayside to more simple wants and needs, but you need to be prepared to embrace this lifestyle.
7. Set up a homestead gradually that is powered by means you provide yourself. Have animals that support your food supply and allow you to trade or sell their meat or products, a reliable protected water supply and crops for food for yourselves and your animals.
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