20 Ways You Can Be Self-Sufficient

Aug 23

When I first started my journey into self-sufficiency, it wasn’t about a desire to live off the grid or prove something to the world. It was born out of necessity and a deep-rooted way of life. I was raised to be self-sufficient; growing up, money was tight, but our family was rich in resourcefulness. We didn’t have much, but we had the skills, the creativity, and the determination to make the most of what we did have.

As a young newlywed with a baby, I realized that if I wanted to create the life I dreamed of—a life of simplicity, sustainability, and beauty—I would need to start doing things myself, just like I had seen my parents and grandparents do. Over the years, I've learned that self-sufficiency isn’t just about being able to take care of yourself; it's about creating a life that is rich in connection, creativity, and fulfillment.

Here are 20 ways you can become more self-sufficient and, in the process, create a life that feels deeply connected to the earth and to your own sense of purpose.

1. Start a Garden

One of the first things I did on my journey to self-sufficiency was plant a garden. There’s something truly magical about watching seeds transform into plants that can feed your family. It’s more than just food; it’s a reminder of the cycle of life, the beauty of nature, and the satisfaction of nurturing something from the earth with your own hands.

Gardening has always been a part of my life, thanks to my parents. Both my mom and dad have a natural gift for it. Our backyard was always bursting with life, from the vegetable patches to the flower beds. My dad, especially, has a knack for growing things, and I’ll never forget the year he won the biggest pumpkin at the local fair when I was just three years old. That pumpkin was enormous, and it stood proudly in our yard for weeks, a testament to his dedication and skill.

My mom, on the other hand, has a way with flowers and herbs. She taught me how to plant marigolds to keep pests away and how to grow fresh herbs for cooking. Their love for gardening was contagious, and when I planted my first garden, I felt like I was carrying on a family tradition. Now I get to pass that love to my kids.

Gardening isn’t just about producing food; it’s about connecting with the earth and embracing the slow, steady rhythm of nature. Every time I see my garden grow, I’m reminded of those early lessons from my parents and the joy that comes from watching life bloom right before your eyes.

2. Preserve Your Harvest

Once you’ve started growing your own food, learning to preserve it is a natural next step. I’ve found that canning, freezing, and dehydrating help me enjoy the fruits of my labor all year long. There’s nothing like opening a jar of homemade jam in the middle of winter!

3. Compost

Turning kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost is like creating black gold for your garden. It’s a beautiful way to close the loop and give back to the earth what it gave to you.

4. Raise Chickens

Bringing chickens into our home was one of the best decisions we made. They provide fresh eggs, help control pests, and add a lot of personality to our little homestead. Plus, there’s something so peaceful about hearing their gentle clucking as they roam the yard.

5. DIY Household Products

Making my own cleaning supplies, soaps, and personal care products started as a way to save money, but it has evolved into so much more. It’s not just about being frugal—though that’s certainly a benefit—it’s about empowerment and creativity. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing exactly what’s in the products we use every day. No hidden chemicals, no artificial fragrances—just pure, simple ingredients that are safe for my family and the environment.

This love for DIY cleaning products goes back to my grandmother. She had a passion for cleaning that was almost contagious. Her home was always spotless, and she had a secret arsenal of homemade concoctions that she swore by. I spent countless afternoons in her kitchen, watching as she mixed up her magic formulas. She taught me how to make everything from laundry detergent to surface cleaners, all with ingredients we had on hand.

One of her favorite ingredients was vinegar. I remember her telling me there were a hundred different ways to use it, and she wasn’t exaggerating. Vinegar was her go-to for just about everything—cleaning windows, deodorizing the fridge, unclogging drains, you name it. She’d mix it with baking soda for a fizzing scrub or dilute it with water for an all-purpose cleaner. She even used it to freshen up the laundry and remove stains.

My grandmother’s love for cleaning and her DIY spirit were passed down to me. Now, when I mix up a batch of homemade cleaner, I think of her and the time we spent together. It’s more than just a chore; it’s a way to honor her memory and continue the tradition of self-sufficiency she instilled in me. And yes, I still use vinegar in a hundred different ways, just like she taught me…and my husband hates the smell. I think after more than a decade of smelling it, he doesn’t mind in that much.

6. Sew and Mend Clothing

Learning to sew has been a game-changer for me, and it's not just a skill I picked up on a whim. It’s a craft that runs deep in my family, passed down through the hands of my mother and grandmother. I can still remember sitting at the kitchen table as a little girl, my feet barely touching the floor, watching my mother’s hands work magic with a needle and thread.

My mother would sit beside me, offering gentle guidance as she patiently showed me how to thread a needle, tie a knot, and make my first, wobbly stitches. They taught me not just how to sew but how to see the beauty in imperfection. A crooked seam wasn’t a mistake; it was a sign that I was learning, growing, and creating something with my own hands.

When I got older, my grandmother let me use her sewing machine, an old Singer that had been a gift from her mother. It was a rite of passage in our family, learning to control the speed of the pedal, guiding the fabric through the machine, and watching as the pieces came together to form something new. My first project was a simple apron, and I still have it, worn and faded, but full of memories.

Over the years, sewing has become more than just a practical skill for mending a tear or hemming a pair of pants. It’s a way to connect with my past, to honor the women who came before me, and to create something meaningful. Whether I’m making a new dress for myself or fixing a rip in my son’s favorite shirt, sewing allows me to keep our clothing in good condition and even make it better, just as my mother and grandmother taught me.

7. Collect Rainwater

Setting up a rainwater harvesting system was a simple project that has made a big difference. We use the collected water for our garden, and it’s nice to know that we’re not as reliant on municipal water sources.

8. Cook from Scratch

There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a meal from scratch, especially when it’s made with ingredients you’ve grown yourself. It’s healthier, more delicious, and connects you to the food you’re eating in a way that store-bought meals never can. You can find my recipes here!

9. Learn Basic Carpentry

I’m no master carpenter, but learning some basic skills has allowed me to build and repair things around our home. This isn’t just something I picked up as an adult; it’s a part of who I am, thanks to my dad, a master carpenter who taught me the value of craftsmanship from a very young age.

I had a hammer in my hand at just five years old, helping my dad build my aunt’s house. Of course, "helping" might be a generous term for what I was actually doing—mostly handing him nails and trying not to get in the way. But I remember the pride I felt holding that hammer, feeling like I was a part of something important, something real.

My dad never treated me like I was too young to learn. He would patiently explain what he was doing, why it mattered, and how each piece fit into the bigger picture. I learned to measure twice and cut once, to sand the wood smooth, and to appreciate the smell of freshly cut lumber.

Over the years, those early lessons stayed with me. I may not have followed in his footsteps as a professional carpenter, but the skills he taught me have been invaluable. Whether I’m building a garden bed, repairing a wobbly chair, or putting together a bookshelf, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating something with my own two hands.

Every time I pick up a hammer or a saw, I feel a connection to my dad and the time we spent together building and creating. It’s more than just a skill; it’s a bond, a memory, and a reminder that with patience, precision, and a bit of hard work, you can create something that lasts.

10. Practice Herbal Medicine

Growing medicinal herbs and learning how to use them has been a wonderful journey into natural healing. There’s a lot to learn, but even just having a few go-to remedies for common ailments can make a big difference.

11. Reduce Energy Use

Living more sustainably means paying attention to how much energy we use. We’ve made small changes—like using energy-efficient appliances and hanging our clothes to dry—that have not only reduced our bills but also our environmental footprint.

12. Forage for Wild Foods

Foraging has become one of my favorite ways to connect with nature—or at least, that's the ideal. The truth is, while I do enjoy the process of identifying and harvesting wild foods like berries, mushrooms, and edible greens, it's not always my favorite activity. There's something undeniably rewarding about finding food in the wild, but not every experience has been a culinary success.

My mother was a seasoned forager. She had a knack for finding edible plants in the most unexpected places. I remember her picking wild cactus and these bright yellow gourds from the side of the road. She would bring them home, excited to cook up something fresh and natural. I wish I could say those meals were delicious, but the reality was, they were an acquired taste—one that I never quite acquired.

The cactus, which she would carefully peel and prepare, had a slimy texture that I couldn’t get past. And those yellow gourds? They were tough and bitter, no matter how she cooked them. I can still see the look of determination on her face as she worked to make something tasty out of them, but for me, they never really hit the mark.

Despite my less-than-enthusiastic memories of those particular foraged foods, the experience taught me a lot. It wasn’t just about the taste; it was about the process, the connection to the land, and the resourcefulness my mother embodied. She showed me that nature has so much to offer if we’re willing to look—and sometimes, you just have to try new things, even if they don’t turn out to be your favorite.

Now, when I forage, I tend to stick to the wild foods I know I’ll enjoy, like berries or tender greens. But I always carry with me the lessons my mother taught me: to respect the earth, to be adventurous, and to appreciate the abundance that nature provides—even if not everything is to my taste.

13. Hunt or Fish

Although I don’t actively hunt myself, my husband’s skills in hunting and fishing have added a valuable source of food to our table. Growing up in Texas, where hunting is a big part of the culture, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with wild game. I’ve hunted hog, tasted deer meat, and even tried elk. But perhaps the most memorable—though not in the best way—was the time I tried snake. Let me tell you, snake is not something I’d recommend. It’s tough and gamey, and no amount of seasoning can really make it enjoyable.

Fishing, on the other hand, is something I was raised on. My mother would go fishing every chance she got, and she always took me along. Those early mornings by the water, the quiet patience of waiting for a bite, and the thrill of reeling in a catch are some of my fondest memories. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime for us; it was a way to provide for our family and connect with nature.

While I may not hunt often these days, I’ve come to appreciate the practice for what it represents—a deep respect for the animals and a connection to the land that provides for us. It’s about understanding where our food comes from and the effort it takes to bring it to the table. Whether it’s my husband bringing home a deer or a fresh catch of fish, these traditions continue to play a role in our lives, adding not just food to our table but a sense of connection to the land and our roots.

14. Preserve Seeds

Saving seeds from our garden has not only saved us money but also created a sense of continuity and tradition. There’s something powerful about planting seeds that you’ve harvested yourself and knowing that they’ll keep growing year after year.

15. Make Your Own Tools

I never imagined I’d learn to make my own tools, but a few simple projects have shown me how rewarding it can be. Whether it’s a wooden spoon or a simple gardening tool, there’s a special pride in using something you’ve made yourself.

16. Homestead Animals

In addition to our chickens, we’ve added a few other animals to our homestead over the years. Goats for milk and sheep for wool have not only provided us with valuable resources but also taught us so much about responsibility and care.

17. Learn Basic Mechanics

Learning basic vehicle maintenance is one of the most important skills you can develop, whether you drive every day or only occasionally. It’s not just about saving money—though that’s certainly a big benefit—it’s about ensuring your safety and independence on the road. From my own experience, I can’t stress enough how empowering it is to know your way around a car. I’ve been learning the basics since I was a teen, and so has my husband. In fact, he’s made a living out of it as a mechanic, and over the years, he’s seen firsthand how essential these skills are.

There are simple things every driver should know—like how to change a tire, check and top off fluids, and replace a dead battery. These might seem like small tasks, but they can save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. For example, knowing how to properly inflate your tires can improve your gas mileage and prevent unnecessary wear. Understanding how to check your oil can help you catch potential problems before they lead to costly repairs.

My husband often encounters situations where people bring their vehicles in for something that could have been easily avoided with a bit of basic knowledge. It’s not just about fixing things when they break; it’s about maintaining your vehicle so that it runs smoothly and safely. This is especially important if you’re relying on your car for daily commutes or long road trips.

In a world where we often rely on others for services, being able to take care of your vehicle is a valuable and empowering skill. It gives you confidence on the road, saves you money, and ensures that you’re never stranded or caught off guard by a minor issue. Plus, it’s a great feeling to know you can handle things yourself. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to start learning the basics—there’s no better time to begin than now.

18. Practice Bartering

Bartering is a beautiful way to build community and share resources. It’s more than just a method of saving money; it’s about fostering connections and creating a sense of trust and collaboration with the people around you. Trading goods and services with neighbors has been a meaningful way for us to meet our needs while also helping others. But beyond that, it’s a practice that teaches valuable life lessons, both for me and for my children.

One story that always inspires me is that of the "paperclip guy," Kyle MacDonald. He started with a simple red paperclip and, through a series of trades, eventually ended up with a house. His journey from paperclip to home is a testament to the power of bartering and the incredible possibilities that can unfold when you’re open to the idea of trading.

This story stuck with me, and I’ve used it to teach my kids the power of trading. We started small, just like the paperclip guy, with items they no longer needed or toys they’d outgrown. I encouraged them to think about what they wanted and how they could trade for it rather than simply buying something new. They quickly learned that bartering isn’t just about the objects being exchanged—it’s about the relationships you build along the way.

My kids have traded books with friends, swapped homemade baked goods for craft supplies, and even exchanged their time and skills for things they needed. Through these experiences, they’ve learned to value what they have and to see the potential in things that might otherwise be overlooked. More importantly, they’ve learned that building a community where everyone supports one another is far more rewarding than any store-bought item.

Bartering has become a cherished practice in our home, one that has not only helped us save money but also created a deeper sense of connection and trust with those around us. Just like the paperclip guy, we’ve discovered that sometimes, a small trade can lead to something much greater.

19. Build a Root Cellar

One of our bigger projects was building a root cellar to store fresh produce through the winter. It was a lot of work, but it’s so satisfying to know that we have a place to keep our harvest fresh without relying on refrigeration.

20. Make Your Own Clothes

Learning to knit, crochet, and weave has been a wonderful way to create beautiful, handmade clothing and textiles. It’s a slow, mindful process that connects me to the past and brings a sense of artistry into our everyday lives.

Becoming more self-sufficient is a journey, not a destination. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, reconnecting with the earth, and discovering the deep satisfaction that comes from doing things yourself. Each of these practices has brought more meaning and fulfillment into our lives, and I hope they inspire you to start your own journey towards self-sufficiency. Whether you’re in the city, the suburbs, or the countryside, there’s always something you can do to take that next step.

Brooke

Hello Gorgeous Threads

Brooke Ramirez