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    Home » Best Of

    31 Frugal Homesteading Habits So Smart You’ll Wonder Why Everyone Isn’t Doing Them

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 2, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Frugal homesteading habits make life simpler, save money, and cut waste without extra effort. Small changes add up fast, whether it is reusing, repurposing, or making things stretch further. These habits keep costs low while making the most of what you already have. Anyone can use these ideas, whether you live on acres of land or just want to be more resourceful at home. Once you start, you will wonder why everyone is not doing the same.

    Best Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers for Your Kitchen

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    Best Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers for Your Kitchen. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Cutting down on waste is a smart part of frugal homesteading habits, and the right storage containers make all the difference. Whether you're storing pantry staples or packing lunches, these options keep food fresh without relying on disposable plastics. Invest once and save money long-term.
    Read the Article: Best Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers for Your Kitchen

    Homemade Calamine Lotion

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    Homemade Calamine Lotion. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Scratches, bug bites, and skin irritation happen, but buying store-bought lotion every time adds up. This homemade calamine lotion is an easy, budget-friendly way to keep skin soothed without unnecessary additives. Another great way to practice frugal homesteading habits with simple ingredients you likely already have.
    Read the Article: Homemade Calamine Lotion

    Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe

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    Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping skin soft doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This DIY coffee and brown sugar scrub repurposes kitchen staples into a simple, effective exfoliant. Frugal homesteading habits are all about making the most of what you already have, and this recipe does just that.
    Read the Article: Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe

    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

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    How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    If you go through chicken feed, you probably have plenty of empty bags lying around. Instead of tossing them, turn them into sturdy, reusable totes. A practical way to embrace frugal homesteading habits while cutting down on waste.
    Read the Article: How to Make a Handmade DIY Chicken Feed Bag Tote

    Easy Homemade DIY Shampoo Bar Recipe Without Lye

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    Easy Homemade DIY Shampoo Bar Recipe Without Lye. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Store-bought shampoo bars can be pricey, but making your own is both simple and cost-effective. This no-lye recipe uses natural ingredients to create a gentle cleanser that lasts. A perfect fit for frugal homesteading habits since it eliminates plastic bottles and unnecessary spending.
    Read the Article: Easy Homemade DIY Shampoo Bar Recipe Without Lye

    How to Make Homemade Tallow Laundry Soap Recipe

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    How to Make Homemade Tallow Laundry Soap Recipe. Photo credit: A Hint of Homestead.

    Commercial laundry soap is expensive and filled with unnecessary chemicals. This homemade tallow soap is a budget-friendly alternative that gets clothes clean with simple ingredients. A great example of how frugal homesteading habits can save money while reducing reliance on store-bought products.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade Tallow Laundry Soap Recipe

    Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen

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    Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Protecting your skin shouldn’t mean spending a fortune on store-bought sunscreen filled with questionable ingredients. This homemade version is made with natural, affordable ingredients that fit well into frugal homesteading habits. Simple, effective, and easy to make at home.
    Read the Article: Natural Recipe: How to Make Easy Homemade Sunscreen

    How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles

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    How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    When the power goes out, having emergency candles on hand is a must. Instead of buying them, make your own with basic supplies you likely already have. A smart way to practice frugal homesteading habits while staying prepared.
    Read the Article: How to Make the Best DIY Emergency Candles

    How to Make Herbal Bath Salts with Wild Roses

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    How to Make Herbal Bath Salts with Wild Roses. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Luxurious bath products don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These herbal bath salts use foraged wild roses to create a relaxing soak without spending extra money. A perfect way to incorporate frugal homesteading habits into your self-care routine.
    Read the Article: How to Make Herbal Bath Salts with Wild Roses

    How to Make Homemade Orange Cleaner

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    How to Make Homemade Orange Cleaner. Photo credit: The Sage Saver.

    Store-bought cleaners are expensive and filled with chemicals, but making your own is simple. This homemade orange cleaner repurposes citrus peels for a natural, budget-friendly way to keep your home fresh. A great example of frugal homesteading habits in action.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade Orange Cleaner

    Four Thieves Vinegar

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    Four Thieves Vinegar. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    This old-fashioned herbal remedy has been used for centuries for its practical benefits. Making it at home is a simple way to stock up on a multipurpose solution without spending extra. A smart addition to any frugal homesteading habits.
    Read the Article: Four Thieves Vinegar

    DIY Stain Remover

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    DIY Stain Remover. Photo credit: Nifty Thrifty DIYer.

    Stains happen, but you don’t need expensive sprays to deal with them. This DIY stain remover uses common household ingredients to tackle tough spots without the extra cost. A simple and effective way to support frugal homesteading habits.
    Read the Article: DIY Stain Remover

    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

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    Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping the toilet clean doesn’t require store-bought tablets loaded with chemicals. These homemade cleaning bombs are easy to make, affordable, and just as effective. A practical solution for those focusing on frugal homesteading habits.
    Read the Article: Homemade DIY Toilet Cleaning Bombs

    DIY Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe

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    DIY Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe. Photo credit: The Herbeevore.

    Store-bought furniture polish can be pricey and filled with unnecessary additives. This beeswax-based recipe conditions wood naturally while fitting into frugal homesteading habits. A great way to maintain furniture without extra costs.
    Read the Article: DIY Beeswax Furniture Polish Recipe

    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

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    7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Electricity isn’t always reliable, but these hand-crank kitchen tools keep things running smoothly. Investing in the right tools is a smart way to support frugal homesteading habits while staying prepared. These essentials make food prep easier without relying on power.
    Read the Article: 7 Essential Hand Crank Kitchen Tools

    Ball Mason Jars: How to Use Them (Safely) in Your Home

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    Ball Mason Jars: How to Use Them (Safely) in Your Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Mason jars aren’t just for canning—they’re a versatile, budget-friendly tool for food storage, organizing, and more. Knowing how to use them safely ensures they last for years. A perfect fit for frugal homesteading habits that prioritize long-lasting, reusable items.
    Read the Article: Ball Mason Jars: How to Use Them (Safely) in Your Home

    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

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    Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade cleaner makes use of foraged pine needles and basic vinegar for an effective, budget-friendly solution. A great way to keep your kitchen fresh while sticking to frugal homesteading habits. No need for expensive chemical-based sprays.
    Read the Article: Pine Vinegar DIY Kitchen Cleaner

    Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe

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    Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    After a day in the garden, hands need a good scrub, but store-bought soaps can be harsh and expensive. This DIY gardener’s soap is gentle, affordable, and easy to make. A smart way to incorporate frugal homesteading habits into everyday life.
    Read the Article: Easy Natural DIY Gardeners Soap Recipe

    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

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    21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Whether you're looking to save money or just be prepared, knowing your options is important. This list covers practical, affordable alternatives to store-bought toilet paper. A helpful resource for anyone focusing on frugal homesteading habits.
    Read the Article: 21 Toilet Paper Alternatives for When the TP is Gone

    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

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    DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chickens get scrapes and scratches, but store-bought treatments aren’t cheap. This homemade chicken salve uses natural ingredients to keep your flock healthy without unnecessary costs. A great way to stick to frugal homesteading habits while caring for your animals.
    Read the Article: DIY Chicken Salve with Calendula

    How to Make Beeswax Wraps

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    How to Make Beeswax Wraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Ditching plastic wrap is a smart way to save money and reduce waste. These reusable beeswax wraps keep food fresh while fitting perfectly into frugal homesteading habits. A simple DIY that helps stretch supplies and avoid unnecessary purchases.
    Read the Article: How to Make Beeswax Wraps

    Guide to Cast Iron Cookware: Simple Tips for Beginners

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    Guide to Cast Iron Cookware: Simple Tips for Beginners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Cast iron lasts a lifetime when cared for properly, making it a must-have for any budget-conscious kitchen. This guide walks you through simple maintenance and cooking tips to get the most out of your pans. Frugal homesteading habits start with tools built to last.
    Read the Article: Guide to Cast Iron Cookware: Simple Tips for Beginners

    How to Use a Fermenting Crock

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

    Fermenting is an easy way to preserve food while adding extra nutrients. Learning how to use a fermenting crock helps cut down on food waste and store vegetables longer without relying on a freezer. A great skill to add to your frugal homesteading habits.
    Read the Article: How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    Homemade Furniture Wood Polish Spray

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    Homemade Furniture Wood Polish Spray. Photo credit: Desert Naturals.

    Store-bought polish is pricey and filled with unnecessary chemicals, but making your own is simple. This homemade spray conditions wood naturally while keeping costs low. A smart way to incorporate frugal homesteading habits into everyday cleaning.
    Read the Article: Homemade Furniture Wood Polish Spray

    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

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    DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping wooden spoons, cutting boards, and furniture in good shape doesn’t have to be expensive. This homemade wood butter nourishes and protects surfaces using affordable, natural ingredients. A great addition to frugal homesteading habits that extend the life of household essentials.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Wood Butter Recipe

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

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

    Stretching groceries further is a smart way to save money, and regrowing food from scraps makes it easy. With just a little water, sunlight, and patience, kitchen leftovers can turn into fresh produce. A simple way to practice frugal homesteading habits while reducing waste.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

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    DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making your own toothpaste is an easy way to cut costs and avoid unnecessary additives. This DIY recipe uses simple ingredients for a fresh and effective clean. A great way to include frugal homesteading habits in your daily routine.
    Read the Article: DIY Recipe: How to Make Your Own Homemade Toothpaste

    DIY Homemade Carpet Powder Cleaner

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    DIY Homemade Carpet Powder Cleaner. Photo credit: Desert Naturals.

    Freshening up carpets doesn’t require expensive store-bought products. This homemade carpet powder is affordable, easy to make, and free from unnecessary chemicals. A practical way to embrace frugal homesteading habits while keeping your home clean.
    Read the Article: DIY Homemade Carpet Powder Cleaner

    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

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    How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Bug sprays from the store can be expensive and full of questionable ingredients. This homemade version is simple, effective, and made with natural oils. A smart option for those following frugal homesteading habits while keeping pests away.
    Read the Article: How to Make Homemade DIY Bug Spray with Essential Oils

    Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

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    Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping feet soft doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. This peppermint foot scrub uses kitchen staples to exfoliate and refresh without the extra cost. A simple way to incorporate frugal homesteading habits into self-care.
    Read the Article: Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

    Things to Do With Used Appliances

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    Things to Do With Used Appliances. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Old appliances don’t have to go straight to the landfill. Whether repurposing parts, fixing them up, or turning them into something new, there are plenty of ways to make the most of them. A great example of frugal homesteading habits that reduce waste and save money.
    Read the Article: Things to Do With Used Appliances

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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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