Homesteading has a long history reaching before the pioneer days of the old West with the passing of the federal Homestead Act of 1862 granting citizens an area of public land for people to farm and settle on the land for at least five years. Homesteaders basically create their homes from the ground up and are a model example of living a frugal lifestyle as they heavily rely on DIY projects and hacks that date back generations.
These hacks might be old-school but can help save money in the modern age while learning how people lived off the land that was earned through hard work. The original concept of homesteading is less common in the modern age but is commemorated with vintage hacks that save money for years to come.
Homesteaders are self-reliant and one of the first examples of sustainability working by living the cycle of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Homesteaders made the most of what they had including old items that can be reused for other purposes.
One common household product that is commonly wasted is old bedsheets or linens that can be repurposed into other items. An easy DIY hack with old linens is cutting them into rags that can be used for household cleaning projects. Another option is making a simple reusable drawstring or tote bag that can be used for tons of storage options like shoes, toiletries, accessories, and more.
Learning the basics of hemming and sewing can help save money along with clothes that are destined to be donated or tossed in the trash. Some cloth items might get damaged but are in perfectly good condition or clothes that don’t fit the same.
It might be a little bit of extra work, but this can help save money and extend the lifespan of your clothes. If you don’t know how to mend or fix something try learning through a tutorial video or consulting with your local seamstress or shoe repair experts that can offer affordable repairs.
Homesteading is about living off the land that you can do even if you don’t live on a farm. Having your own garden to grow fresh produce is affordable and eco-friendly that can also be an outlet for a relaxing hobby.
A garden can provide a ton of fresh food that can also be preserved through canning for future use with a long shelf life. Most produce gardeners are storing food for a longer shelf life through pickling and canning. If you yield a massive harvest from your garden, you can utilize the ingredients to make easy canned foods like sauces, pickles, pesto spreads, and more.
Eating out is easy but can be hard on your budget when you can make it yourself at home for a fraction of the cost. Many people spend money on getting coffee or going out for lunch but are paying more for the convenience of not making it themselves. Try your best to stop dining out as much as possible and you can even enjoy making meals at home as a family activity that everyone can contribute to.
