101 Ways to Practice Self-Sufficiency(Even If You Don’t Have Land)

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Many want to practice self-sufficiency, but think they need 12 acres and unlimited time to do so. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Real self-sufficiency is less about where you live and more about how you live. It’s desiring to slow down, create something with your hands, and steward your resources wisely.

Even if you live in a city apartment complex, you can still take steps towards simplicity and sustainability. These skills will build confidence in your abilities, food security, peace, and maybe even a little gratitude.

Below you’ll find a list of 101 practical, bite-sized ways you can start living more self-sufficiently today. Don’t try to do them all at once; rather, pick a few, start small, master those few things, and grow as you go!

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the best places to become more self-sufficient! There are endless possibilities from bread baking to bulk purchasing.

Bake your own bread. I’m convinced, homemade bread is the gateway to all things self-sufficiency. It’s a simple way to save money and learn a new skill. Start with an easy no-knead recipe, or if you’re super busy, invest in a bread maker.
Learn sourdough. Sourdough is one of the best ways to create food security. No yeast needed! Plus, you can use the discard in several recipes, like my Sourdough Discard Bread. It’s way easier than it looks. Check out my favorite sourdough starter (Captain Sourpants) here.
Make your own yogurt. All you need is whole milk and a spoonful of live-culture yogurt. Use a yogurt maker or the “keep warm” setting on your Instant Pot.
Grow herbs on your windowsill. Basil, parsley, and mint thrive indoors with bright light and consistent watering. Bonus: they make your kitchen smell amazing and jazz up omelets, soups, and more!
Make bone broth from scraps. Don’t toss those chicken bones or veggie ends. Save them, toss them in a slow cooker with herbs and water for 24 hours. Want an easy recipe? Here’s how I do it.
Cook dried beans instead of canned. They’re cheaper, less wasteful, and taste better. Soak overnight, simmer, and freeze in meal-sized portions. Delicious for bean burritos, salad toppings, etc.
Make simple cheese. Disclaimer: This is on my list of things to do, so I thought I’d share with you, too! I want to start with homemade ricotta and mozzarella. If you try it first, let me know how it goes. 😉
Save bacon grease and butter wrappers. We use bacon grease for frying eggs or sautéing veggies because it gives them so much flavor. Butter wrappers can be used to grease pans instead of spray oil.
Freeze produce before it spoils. When berries or bananas start to become overripe, freeze them for smoothies or baked goods.
Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Easily found at thrift stores, these relics feel special, cut waste, and can be washed with your towels.
Start a “scrap soup” bag. I always have a freezer bag for onion skins, carrot tops, and celery ends. When the bag is half full, I turn it into bone broth!
Make your own spice blends. Combine staples like chili powder, cumin, and garlic for taco seasoning or ranch mix. Even kids can help with this, and it’s great to have seasoning blends with no additives.
Buy pantry staples in bulk. Items like flour, oats, and rice are cheaper in larger quantities. Use glass jars or (my husband’s favorite) 5-gallon buckets to store them safely.
Dehydrate fruit. Apples, bananas, and strawberries make healthy snacks for kids (and adults!). (favorite dehydrator)
Store your dry goods in glass jars. I love doing this because it makes the pantry look so pretty! Bonus: If you use glass jars, you can take them to refill stores to get a discounted rate on pantry staples.

Indoor & Small-Space Gardening

You don’t need acres of land to create a sustainable garden. In fact, you can grow many things within a small space.

Grow lettuce or microgreens in trays. If you adore salads, you can cut your grocery bill down by planting in trays. You can harvest nutrient-packed greens in 10–14 days using just soil, trays, and light. Super easy and a HUGE return on investment.
Use mason jars for herbs. Hydroponic herb kits or (budget-friendly option!) simple jars with water can grow mint, basil, or cilantro on your windowsills.
Try container gardening. If you have a little patio space, you can plant tomatoes and peppers in containers. Or, keep an eye out for a plant tower, which really maximizes a small space.
Regrow scraps in water. This is the best trick in the book! Seriously, you have to give this one a try. Stick green onions, celery, or lettuce bases in a jar of water and watch them regrow!
Propagate houseplants. Same concept as regrowing scraps. Snip a cutting of a plant, root it in water, and replant it in a separate container. The best way to expand your greenery without spending a dime.
Start a small compost bin. Yes, even apartment dwellers can compost! You can get a cute compost container, but let’s be honest, a simple countertop bin also works great.
Collect rainwater. If allowed in your area, use a rain barrel to water your plants without upping your water bill.
Start a worm bin. A little gross, but great for those who value high-quality soil. Worms break down kitchen scraps quickly, and their castings make the best fertilizer!
Use grow lights. We live in the Midwest, where half of the year is dark and chilly. If you also lack sunlight, full-spectrum grow lights allow you to harvest greens, herbs, and more all year round.
Swap seeds and plants with friends. My community has this event, and it’s such a fun concept. If your area doesn’t have a plant swap, create one! Chances are, there are others looking to save money and discover new plant varieties.

Preserving & Storing Food

A big part of reducing food waste is learning how to preserve and store it properly. Here are a few ways to do so.

Learn water bath canning. Water bath canning is the easiest canning method with so many options. Start with jam or pickles. All you need is a water bath canner (can often be thrifted) and some jars, with rings and lids.
Flash freeze veggies. If you have excess produce, you can flash freeze it by placing in a single layer on a baking tray until frozen. This prevents clumping, and the veggies are a great addition to quiche, soup, and casseroles.
Make smoothie packets. Fresh berries, spinach, and bananas can be frozen in small Ziploc bags for smoothies. When you want a treat, pull it out of the freezer, add it to your blender with milk, and voila! An easy breakfast.
Dehydrate herbs. My favorite end-of-the-season trick. Air-dry or use a dehydrator, then crumble into jars or Ziploc bags. If you have enough, you can even make your own tea blends.
Vacuum-seal dry goods. Want your bulk goodies to last months longer? Vacuum seal them.
Ferment something simple. Ferments are delicious, gut-healthy, and set-it-and-forget-it. Sauerkraut, pickles, or kimchi are easy first projects.
Label and date everything. Self-sufficiency means limiting waste, and labeling all of your freezer, canned, and pantry items is a great way to stay on top of what you have.
Save seeds. Another item on my to-do list that I’m sharing with you. Saving seeds is another way to stretch last year’s harvest and plan for the future.
Learn to stock a basic pantry. Think about the items your family uses the most and keep them on hand. This means you have the elements to make your favorite meals without having to run to the grocery store.

Homemade & Natural Living

Infuse your life with homemade and natural living skills. The tips below are a great place to start.

35. DIY natural cleaners. Totally easier than you think. Start by mixing vinegar, water, and, if you have them on hand, essential oils. This creates a great all-purpose cleaner that you can use for mirrors, most surfaces, etc.

Make your own laundry soap. Laundry soap is so expensive, and while not everyone’s cup of tea, DIYing it can save a lot.
Learn basic sewing. Sewing skills are priceless. Even knowing how to fix a rip or replace a button saves money! Plus, you can repair stuffed animals and dolls, delighting little ones.
Launder clothes correctly. You’d be surprised at how many clothing items are destroyed simply because they’re laundered wrong. Check the tags!
Make beeswax wraps. Plastic wrap can be hard to use and piles up fast. Try making your own beeswax wraps out of cute cloth and beeswax pellets.
Try homemade candles. Okay, I’ll be the bad guy. Traditional candles are full of synthetic fragrances that contribute to headaches, skin issues, and so much more. Soy or beeswax candles are easy, smell wonderful, and avoid synthetic fragrances. We made our own during last year’s Christmas season, and it was so much fun.
Whip up your own body care products. I adore making my own body care products and we often give them as gifts to my husband’s coworkers. One of my favorite things to make is scrubs. Check out this post with a few different varieties.
Brew herbal teas. Take time to learn which herbs tackle what ailment and create your own tea blends out of them. Often, you can save money by buying herbs in bulk vs. buying the blends outright.
Switch to reusable containers. Glass or stainless steel beats plastic every time.
Simplify your wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe helps you live with less and focus on what matters most. There are lots of options for fancy wardrobes, but you can find the same staples at your secondhand store.

Frugal & Practical Skills for Self-Sufficiency

Self-sufficiency and frugality go hand in hand. It’s time to get creative and learn new skills to keep your wallet happy.

45. Eat at home. Every meal made from real ingredients saves money and keeps your family healthier. And, once you become an expert at cooking your favorite meals, you won’t even miss the takeout versions.

46. Learn to budget and track spending. Stewardship matters. If you haven’t checked out where your money is going, do it ASAP. You’ll be surprised at how much wiggle room you have.

47. Repair before replacing. Before replacing, ask yourself if you can mend that shirt, glue that chair leg, or tighten the cabinet knobs. And, if you don’t know how to do it yourself, YouTube is a great teacher.

48. Buy secondhand. I always keep a running list of items we need and make regular visits to the thrift store to cross them off the list! I adore our local thrift store, but yard sales and online marketplaces are also treasure troves. You can find the best items you need to start homesteading on a budget for so much less.

49. Repurpose what you already have. Most of the items in your home can do double-duty. Glass jars become storage, old t-shirts become cleaning rags, and baskets can organize your pantry beautifully.

50. Barter and trade with friends. Does anyone want to become barter buddies? 🙂 I hear of so many people boosting self-sufficiency by partnering with someone else! Folks are trading bread for eggs, produce for soap, and even services. This is such an endearing idea to keep resources circulating.

51. Learn to use basic hand tools. Yes, even ladies should know how to use a simple toolkit with a hammer, screwdriver, wrench, etc. This will help you tackle minor repairs confidently.

52. Trade knowledge. Your circle matters, and everyone should have someone they can call with questions about plumbing, electricity, homestead fencing, baking, etc.

53. Learn first aid skills. Keep a small kit with bandages, salves, and anything else you need to treat minor injuries. It’s empowering to know how to treat simple ailments at home.

54. Keep a small emergency stockpile. You don’t have to have a total doomsday stash, just enough food, water, and other essentials to help your family through an unexpected job loss, storm, or power outage.

Faith & Mindset for the Simple Life

Simplicity, slow living, mindfulness…it’s all rooted in faith. Cultivate the right mindset with these ideas.

55. Pray about it. Ask the Lord what skills would be most beneficial to your family…then listen for His still, small voice and take action.

56. Practice gratitude daily. There is so much beauty to be found in everyday life. Gratitude shifts your focus from what you don’t have to the blessings you overlook. Like food, water, and a home.

57. Take a Sabbath from screens. Take one day a week to rest, read, learn something new, and be present with your family. You’ll feel so recharged and ready to tackle the next thing.

58. Read Proverbs 31 with fresh eyes. The Proverbs 31 woman is often seen as unattainable, but this woman wasn’t overwhelmed. She was equipped by God to plan, nurture, and provide through various skillsets.

59. Memorize verses about contentment. Verses like Philippians 4:11–13 remind us that we are capable of so much more than we think. And… that we need less than we think we do.

60. Find joy in daily routines. Yes, there is something to the “romanticize everything” trend. Slowing down and leaning into self-sufficiency helps us find joy in the work of our hands.

61. Involve your kids. Kids need to learn life skills to grow into confident, capable adults. This often means slowing down enough to involve a little one or letting an older child take a risk.

62. Embrace slow mornings. How are you starting your day? Mindset matters. Make coffee, light a candle, read a verse. Peaceful beginnings set the tone for your whole day.

63. Remember: self-sufficiency starts with God-dependence. We are self-sufficient to a certain extent, but all the DIY skills in the world mean little without Him. True self-sufficiency means we trust God as our ultimate Provider.

Self-Sufficiency for Kids

Kids can practice self-sufficiency too, and they need these skills to be successful in life! Here are some of our favorite ways to get kids involved.

64. Start a weekly family bake day. There’s nothing better than stocking the freezer with homemade baked goods, and kids are the best helpers. Kids love measuring and kneading, and it’s a sneaky way to teach math and patience! Plus, homemade muffins or bread make great snacks.

65. Create simple morning and evening routines. A steady rhythm helps kids feel secure and makes home life flow smoothly. And, your kids learn time management skills.

66. Let them meal plan. One of the best things we do in our house (according to my kids) is let each one take a turn planning a meal. We give them a budget, and they help with the entire process from shopping to cooking.

67. Teach kids to fold laundry or wash dishes. Small chores build responsibility and create a team culture in your home.

68. Start a “mini garden.” Give each child a pot with a few seeds to water and watch grow. Or, let them plant potatoes. My sons love doing this!

69. Read living books about nature and farming. Stories like Little House on the Prairie and Blueberries for Sal spark curiosity about simple living.

70. Make it fun. If kids are reluctant to learn life skills, try gamification. Turn on some fun music, create a challenge out of it, and lead with a good attitude.

71. Use natural learning moments. Life is full of learning opportunities. Cooking teaches fractions. Gardening teaches biology. Caring for animals teaches responsibility. The list goes on and on.

72. Practice highs and lows at the dinner table. Everyone shares the high and low points of their day. This can help identify areas for improvement and things to learn.

73. Celebrate small wins. When your kids master a new skill, make a big deal about it. Everyone needs someone in their corner.

Seasonal Self-Sufficiency Rhythms

Living seasonally helps you make the most of what’s currently at hand. Here are a few ways you can celebrate the season you’re in.

74. Follow the seasons. There’s a reason people used to live seasonally! It just works. Plan meals and projects around what’s growing or available locally. Living by the seasons helps you slow down and appreciate God’s natural rhythm.

75. Start seedlings in late winter. Even if you only have a few pots, you can still get a head start on your spring garden.

76. Preserve summer’s bounty. Freeze, can, or dehydrate extra produce while it’s cheap and plentiful. Come winter, you’ll thank yourself every time you open a jar. And, yes…freezing is a great, reliable method of short-term preservation. 😉

77. Create a fall pantry stock-up list. With so many holidays occurring in the fall, it’s important to be stocked up with basic pantry essentials like flour, salt, baking powder, etc.

78. Make homemade gifts for the holidays. We love making homemade gifts for my husband’s co-workers. We’ve done everything from DIY body care items to homemade peanut brittle!

79. Try winter planning. Use the slow months of winter to plan new skills, projects, garden layouts, etc.

80. Practice cozy living in winter. Winter is an invitation to slow down, so take advantage of this rest period to renew yourself for the busyness of warmer months.

81. Spring clean and maintenance. You’d be surprised how many problems can be avoided by simple maintenance and cleaning. Create a list of what needs to be done and do it.

82. Celebrate each season intentionally. Each season is worthy of celebration. Come up with family traditions that involve things you can do yourself. Baking a cake for Jesus during Christmas, dyeing eggs with all-natural items, and creating homemade May baskets for friends are all fun options.

83. Learn a new seasonal skill each year. Maybe soap-making this winter, gardening next spring, or canning in summer. You’ll build confidence without overwhelm.

Old-Fashioned Skills Worth Learning

84. Learn to make soap. Soapmaking feels intimidating at first, but it’s truly just chemistry and patience. This is a beautiful skill to learn that you can customize to fit your body’s personal needs.

85. Try hand embroidery or crocheting. Handwork is relaxing, portable, and lets you create gifts and décor from scratch. One of my favorite things (especially during cold months) is punch needling.

86. Bake something new every month. From biscuits to pies, homemade baked goods are fun to make and give you a great reward for your work. On my list? Chocolate. Croissants.

87. Learn basic herbal remedies. Herbalism is one of the BEST skills you can learn because it helps you make the most of what’s on your land. Need to know where to start? Dr. Nicole Apelian has a great book.

88. Master biscuit and pie crust making. A flaky, buttery crust is the ultimate homemaking badge of honor! It’s easier than you think once you know the technique.

89. Make your own vinegar. Apple scraps, sugar, and water can become homemade apple cider vinegar in just a few weeks. Perfect for cleaning or salad dressing.

90. Try natural dyeing. Use onion skins, turmeric, or avocado pits to dye cloth and yarn naturally. It’s a fun project with beautiful results!

91. Bake with natural sweeteners. Honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar were staples long before white sugar took over. Baking this way connects you to simpler roots.

Modern Homesteading Hacks

92. Use tech to learn traditional skills. Some of my favorite homesteaders are ones I’ve never met in real life. Utilize modern technology for good by listening to podcasts, watching tutorials, and joining Facebook groups.

93. Organize your pantry like a mini store. Take a note from modern grocery stores. Label shelves by category, rotate items, and keep a running list of what needs restocking.

94. Use social media for good. Follow inspiring homemakers and homesteaders who motivate you instead of making you compare yourself.

95. Start small, stay steady. Self-sufficiency doesn’t happen overnight. Keep your eyes on progress, not perfection.

96. Use a meal-planning app or spreadsheet. Even simple digital tools can help you waste less food, stay on budget, and simplify your week.

97. Batch your DIY projects. If you’re making candles, soaps, or cleaning sprays, double or triple your recipes to stock up and save time.

98. Use timers and reminders. Set phone reminders for things like feeding sourdough starter, flipping laundry, or watering plants. You’ll feel less scattered and more intentional.

99. Try grocery delivery or pickup for staples. Save gas, time, and impulse spending by planning pantry restocks online — and you’ll still be living frugally and intentionally.

100. Make use of the cloud. Keep digital copies of recipes, garden notes, or animal records on Google Drive so you can access them anywhere.

101. Automate what you can.
A few smart plugs or timers on lights, heaters, or dehydrators can save time and energy (literally!).

Final Thoughts on Self-Sufficiency

Self-sufficiency doesn’t equal burnout. In fact, that’s going to get you nowhere. Rather, it’s about learning to create and grow, even if you grow slowly.

You can start today, right where you are.

Maybe with a jar of herbs on your windowsill. Maybe by baking your first loaf of bread. Maybe you can choose to trust that God will provide everything you need in due season.

Small steps create big change, and before long, you’ll look around and realize you’re living the life you’ve always wanted.