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    Home » Best Of

    43 Must-Read Self-Reliance Hacks Get Prepared This Winter

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: Apr 17, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Winter has a way of reminding us how important it is to be prepared. These self-reliance hacks are perfect for tackling cold weather challenges with confidence. Whether it’s staying warm, organizing supplies, or making the most of what you have, these tips are practical and easy to follow. They’re designed to help you feel capable and ready for anything winter throws your way. If you’re looking to embrace a more independent and resourceful approach this season, these ideas are exactly what you need.

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

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    Chicken Jerky Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making chicken jerky at home is a simple way to preserve protein and create a portable snack. It’s a great self-reliance hack for stocking up on long-lasting food options.
    Read the Article: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    How to Make Dried Fish

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    How to Make Dried Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Dried fish is a time-tested way to preserve your catch for later use. This method is a valuable self-reliance hack for anyone wanting to extend their food supply.
    Read the Article: How to Make Dried Fish

    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

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    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Raising the right animals for meat can make your homestead more sustainable. These self-reliance hacks help you choose meats that are efficient and productive to raise.
    Read the Article: The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

    Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat

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    Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Smoking and dehydrating game meat ensures it lasts longer and is ready when you need it. These techniques are must-know self-reliance hacks for hunters and homesteaders.
    Read the Article: Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat

    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

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    Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making your own chicken feed is a smart way to cut costs and improve your flock’s diet. It’s a self-reliance hack that saves money and adds value to your homestead.
    Read the Article: Homemade Chicken Scratch Recipe

    10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life

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    10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Maximizing the use of shelf-stable foods helps you prepare for emergencies or reduce waste. These self-reliance hacks ensure nothing in your pantry goes unused.
    Read the Article: 10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life

    10 Gifts for Preppers and Survivalists

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    10 Gifts for Preppers and Survivalists. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These practical gift ideas are perfect for anyone focused on self-sufficiency. They align with self-reliance hacks by providing tools and resources that are truly useful.
    Read the Article: 10 Gifts for Preppers and Survivalists

    Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know

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    Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Starting a backyard garden is an essential step toward self-sufficiency. These self-reliance hacks guide you through the basics to grow your own food successfully.
    Read the Article: Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know

    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

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    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Butchering a chicken at home is a skill that can save money and increase self-sufficiency. This self-reliance hack walks you through the process with practical tips.
    Read the Article: How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own

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    15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Creating a well-stocked pantry is vital for any preparedness plan. These self-reliance hacks include storage tips and ideas to organize and maintain your food supply.
    Read the Article: 15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own

    Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started

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    Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Budgeting for a homestead helps you plan for self-sufficiency without overspending. These self-reliance hacks offer strategies to make your goals more achievable.
    Read the Article: Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started

    How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know

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    How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Living off the grid requires careful planning and resourcefulness. These self-reliance hacks cover essential tips to help you thrive without modern conveniences.
    Read the Article: How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know

    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

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    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Saving seeds ensures you have a reliable supply of plants for the next growing season. This self-reliance hack helps reduce dependency on store-bought seeds.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

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    Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping your garden productive during winter is easier with the right strategies. These self-reliance hacks help you grow fresh food even in colder months.
    Read the Article: Winter Gardening Ideas and Tips

    Growing Broccoli From Seed

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    Growing Broccoli From Seed. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that grows well from seed with proper care. This self-reliance hack makes it easy to add nutritious greens to your garden.
    Read the Article: Growing Broccoli From Seed

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

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    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Creating a sourdough starter from scratch is a simple way to bake bread without store-bought yeast. This self-reliance hack keeps your kitchen productive and sustainable.
    Read the Article: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Turning food scraps into new plants is an efficient and sustainable gardening method. It’s a perfect self-reliance hack for reducing waste and growing fresh ingredients.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

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    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Online courses can fast-track your homesteading journey by providing essential knowledge. These resources are practical self-reliance hacks for beginners and experts alike.
    Read the Article: Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

    Off Grid Living Mistakes I Made & How to Avoid Them

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    Off Grid Living Mistakes I Made & How to Avoid Them. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Learning from common mistakes is crucial for successful off-grid living. These self-reliance hacks help you sidestep pitfalls and make smarter choices for self-sufficiency.
    Read the Article: Off Grid Living Mistakes I Made & How to Avoid Them

    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

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    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Starting homesteading doesn’t have to wait for the perfect moment. These self-reliance hacks show simple steps you can take to begin right away.
    Read the Article: 7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

    Low-Maintenance Vegetable Garden: Low-Cost Ideas to Use Now

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    Low-Maintenance Vegetable Garden: Low-Cost Ideas to Use Now. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A low-maintenance vegetable garden lets you grow food without a huge time investment. These self-reliance hacks are budget-friendly and easy to follow.
    Read the Article: Low-Maintenance Vegetable Garden: Low-Cost Ideas to Use Now

    How to Make the Best Solar Oven

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    How to Make the Best Solar Oven. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Building a solar oven is an eco-friendly way to cook meals without electricity. It’s a self-reliance hack that’s both practical and energy-efficient.
    Read the Article: How to Make the Best Solar Oven

    Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food

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    Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Learning food preservation techniques is essential for reducing waste and extending your harvest. These self-reliance hacks make it easy to keep your pantry stocked.
    Read the Article: Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food

    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

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    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pemmican is a nutrient-dense food with a long shelf life, making it ideal for emergencies. This self-reliance hack combines history and practicality for survival planning.
    Read the Article: The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

    30 DIY Chicken Coops

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    30 DIY Chicken Coops. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Building your own chicken coop saves money and gives your flock a custom home. These self-reliance hacks offer creative and functional ideas for any homestead.
    Read the Article: 30 DIY Chicken Coops

    How to Use a Fermenting Crock

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    How to Use a Fermenting Crock. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fermenting crocks simplify the process of preserving vegetables at home. This self-reliance hack is perfect for creating long-lasting, flavorful food.
    Read the Article: How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    National Preparedness Month: Survival Preparedness for Beginners

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    National Preparedness Month: Survival Preparedness for Beginners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Preparing for emergencies starts with the right knowledge. These self-reliance hacks are tailored for beginners looking to build their survival skills.
    Read the Article: National Preparedness Month: Survival Preparedness for Beginners

    How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food

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    How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Knowing how much to plant ensures your garden produces enough to feed your family. This self-reliance hack helps you plan for a productive growing season.
    Read the Article: How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food

    How to Finance Your Homestead

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    How to Finance Your Homestead. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Financing a homestead requires strategic planning and budgeting. These self-reliance hacks help you navigate the costs and make sustainable choices for your future.
    Read the Article: How to Finance Your Homestead

    How to Ferment Vegetables

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    How to Ferment Vegetables. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fermenting vegetables is an easy way to preserve your harvest and add variety to your meals. This self-reliance hack ensures nothing from your garden goes to waste.
    Read the Article: How to Ferment Vegetables

    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

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    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Ice fishing is a fun and rewarding way to catch fresh fish during winter. These self-reliance hacks guide you through the essentials to make your first trip a success.
    Read the Article: Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

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    5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Choosing the right chicken breed can improve egg production and simplify care. These self-reliance hacks help you find the best fit for your backyard coop.
    Read the Article: 5 Best Chicken Breeds for Backyard Coop

    Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold

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    Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Foraging during winter adds variety to your diet while connecting you with local resources. These self-reliance hacks show you what to look for and how to use it.
    Read the Article: Winter Foraging: 65+ Wild Foods to Find in the Cold

    10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners

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    10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Free garden planners simplify the process of starting a garden from scratch. These self-reliance hacks help you organize your space and maximize your harvest.
    Read the Article: 10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners

    How to Grow Sprouts at Home

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    How to Grow Sprouts at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing sprouts at home is a quick way to add fresh greens to your meals. This self-reliance hack requires minimal effort and delivers big rewards for small spaces.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Sprouts at Home

    Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival

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    Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Learning bushcraft skills boosts your confidence in the wilderness. These self-reliance hacks provide practical tips for outdoor living and self-sufficiency.
    Read the Article: Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival

    Potager Gardening for Beginners

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    Potager Gardening for Beginners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Potager gardens blend beauty with function, offering fresh produce right outside your door. These self-reliance hacks make it easy for beginners to get started.
    Read the Article: Potager Gardening for Beginners

    How To Smoke Fish

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    How To Smoke Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Smoking fish preserves it for later while enhancing its flavor. This self-reliance hack is ideal for adding versatility to your food storage options.
    Read the Article: How To Smoke Fish

    Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start

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    Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Building a secure food supply is essential for long-term preparedness. These self-reliance hacks provide actionable steps to protect and manage your resources.
    Read the Article: Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start

    Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens

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    Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Foraging for northern greens connects you with natural remedies and wild foods. These self-reliance hacks teach you how to identify and use what grows nearby.
    Read the Article: Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens

    How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove

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    How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Starting a fire in a cold wood stove takes practice and the right technique. These self-reliance hacks show you how to get it burning efficiently and safely.
    Read the Article: How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove

    Homestead Gardening

    Pin
    Homestead Gardening. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homestead gardening focuses on growing food and resources for a self-sufficient lifestyle. These self-reliance hacks help you plan and maintain a productive garden.
    Read the Article: Homestead Gardening

    What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started

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    What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homesteading is about creating a sustainable life with minimal reliance on outside resources. These self-reliance hacks offer a practical overview for anyone ready to begin.
    Read the Article: What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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