Starting a homestead from scratch is an overwhelming task, especially for those who are new to the homesteading lifestyle.
Instead of attempting something this challenging while unprepared, it's best to plan first and get basic supplies and tools that will make life on your homestead a little easier as you get started. (h/t to NewLifeOnAHomestead.com)
Some of these important tools include things you can use around the house, in your kitchen and for outdoor tasks like Mason jars, duct tape and gloves. While it's possible to set up your homestead with basic tools, it's better to have some of these homesteading items on hand.
To make things easier for yourself, set aside some time to make a detailed list of everything you need and other things you want to have. If your budget is tight you might not have enough money to buy these items brand new, but you also have the option to rent, borrow or buy used items to save some money. (Related: Survival essentials: 9 Off-grid appliances for your homestead.)
5 Tools and items for your kitchen
You can use these items around the kitchen for food prep and long-term food storage.
Deep freezer
A deep freezer is a must-have on your homestead, especially if you eventually plan to raise your own livestock for meat or if you want to stock up on enough food for several months or one year.
Try to get an upright freezer so it's easier to find what you need.
Dehydrator
You will need a dehydrator if you plan on growing your own herbs and storing them long-term without having to freeze them.
Additionally, a dehydrator can be used to make snacks like jerky and fruit leather and no-food items like bath and body products.
Mason jars
Mason jars are essential for meal prep and food preservation.
Mason jars are often used for canning and preserving, but they can also be used as a yarn organizer and dispenser; as makeshift planters that hold in moisture; as a mini butter churn; as a toiletry organizer for small items like cotton and Q-tips; and to store dry goods.
Pressure canner
You can use a water bath canner to preserve different foods, but if you want something more versatile, invest in a pressure canner.
With a pressure canner, you can preserve foods that are low in acidity like most vegetables.
Water bath canner
If you don't have a water bath canner, you can use an old stockpot for canning.
Whatever you choose to use, a water bath canner is useful because it will safely preserve certain fruits and limited pickled vegetables for long-term storage. It can also be used to preserve pickles, jams and jellies.
5 Tools and items for use around the house
These versatile items will have many uses around the house.
Duct tape
Duct tape is good for quick fixes like patching up torn tents or repairing holes in bags.
Flashlights
You'll need several flashlights for the whole family so you can get around in the dark if the power goes out. Make sure you also have a lot of extra batteries.
Medications
If you or some family members have some health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure you also stock up on the medications you need.
Include prescription medications and vitamin and mineral supplements. You should also stock up on the necessary medications for old or sick pets.
Pocket knife
Make sure you always carry a quality pocket knife with you for various tasks.
Spray bottles
Spray bottles have many uses. You can use them to water plants or to spray DIY all-purpose cleaner solution while cleaning around the house.
5 Tools and items for outdoor use
These tools will be useful for outdoor tasks like chopping firewood and perimeter checks.
Ax
You need a sharp ax if you have to chop down trees for firewood during cold months.
Gloves
You need a couple of pairs of gloves for tasks around your homestead. Get a durable pair of garden gloves to protect your hands as you work on your home garden.
You also need another set of heavy-duty work gloves that you can use for building fences and other tasks where you need to protect your hands, like clearing overgrowth on your property.
Headlamp
You need a headlamp and spare batteries if you have some chores that need to be taken care of very early in the morning or late at night.
Rope
Rope has many uses in a homestead. You need sturdy rope to tie up livestock or to secure broken gates temporarily until you can fix them.
Get different kinds of sturdy ropes and learn how to tie some basic knots.
Wire cutters
You need wire cutters for tasks like putting up fencing for livestock and trellising garden plants.
Invest in quality tools like work gloves and an ax so you can take care of various tasks around your homestead.
Watch the video below for tips on how to make a garden border for fall crops.
This video is from the Dreaming Of A Homestead channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
13 Essential non-electric kitchen tools for your off-grid homestead.
Prepper must-haves: 25 Non-electric kitchen items for your homestead.
Beehives, herbal gardens and more: 8 Useful prepper projects to try before SHTF.
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