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    Home » Best Of

    Practical Self-Sufficiency Tips So You Can Thrive, Not Just Survive

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: Apr 17, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
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    Living with more self-sufficiency isn’t just about stockpiling supplies—it’s about having the skills and mindset to handle whatever comes your way. From growing food to handling basic repairs, small changes can make a big difference in how well you thrive. These practical self-sufficiency tips focus on real solutions that help you stay prepared without overcomplicating things. No unnecessary gadgets or extreme lifestyle changes, just smart ways to be more capable and independent. If you want to rely less on outside systems and feel more in control of your daily life, this is the place to start.

    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

    Close-up of a rooster with a bright red comb and wattles, standing on a dirt ground with other chickens in the background.Pin
    The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Raising your own meat means better quality and a more self-sufficient lifestyle. These practical tips help you pick animals that are easy to manage and worth the effort.
    Read the Article: The 5 Best Homestead Meats to Produce

    Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started

    Large rock formation resembling a turtle in a forested area with trees and wooden logs in the background.Pin
    Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A smart budget makes homesteading more doable without breaking the bank. These down-to-earth strategies keep costs in check while helping you build a sustainable setup.
    Read the Article: Homestead Budgeting: How to Get Started

    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

    A neatly stacked pile of chopped firewood is arranged against a wall.Pin
    Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Want to speed up your homesteading know-how? These online courses give you the skills to grow food, raise animals, and be more self-sufficient.
    Read the Article: Online Homesteading Courses & Resources: 95 to Start Now

    How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know

    A person in winter clothing clears snow from solar panels in a snowy outdoor setting.Pin
    How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Living off-grid takes more than just cutting ties with modern life. These must-know tips cover the essentials, from water and power to food and shelter.
    Read the Article: How to Survive Off the Grid: What You Should Know

    How to Grow Food from Scraps

    Three romaine lettuce heads regrowing in a glass bowl filled with water on a kitchen counter.Pin
    How to Grow Food from Scraps. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Don’t toss those veggie scraps—turn them into a fresh new harvest. This simple trick cuts waste and keeps your kitchen stocked with homegrown ingredients.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Food from Scraps

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

    A hand placing seeds onto a white sheet in a brown pot filled with soil.Pin
    How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Saving seeds means free plants year after year. This guide walks you through how to store and replant them like a pro.
    Read the Article: How to Save Seeds: A Beginner's Guide to Seed Saving

    How To Smoke Fish

    Two mackerel fish on a dark textured surface with herbs and a bowl of red spices nearby. Logo in bottom right corner.Pin
    How To Smoke Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Smoking fish locks in flavor and extends shelf life, making it a smart way to preserve your catch. Here’s how to do it with minimal fuss.
    Read the Article: How To Smoke Fish

    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

    Two people smiling and standing in snow, dressed in winter clothing. A shovel and a sign are visible in the background.Pin
    Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Ice fishing is a winter must-try, but it takes the right gear and know-how. These beginner-friendly tips help you stay warm and reel in a great catch.
    Read the Article: Ice Fishing for Beginners: How to Get Started

    Homestead Gardening

    A small garden bed divided into sections, growing various greens, lettuce, and young onion plants, bordered by a wooden frame.Pin
    Homestead Gardening. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Growing your own food is a big step toward independence. These straightforward tips help you start and maintain a productive homestead garden.
    Read the Article: Homestead Gardening

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Two plates of crispy fried chicken skins on a striped tablecloth, with a wooden spoon of brown spice and cloves of garlic nearby.Pin
    Chicken Jerky Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chicken jerky is an easy, protein-packed snack that lasts for ages. This method keeps it simple while making sure every bite is full of flavor.
    Read the Article: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

    A rectangular loaf of dense, dark multigrain bread with visible seeds and grains on a black background.Pin
    The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pemmican has fueled explorers and survivalists for centuries. This guide breaks down how to make it, store it, and keep it ready for emergencies.
    Read the Article: The Ultimate Survival Food: Making Pemmican with Game Meat

    How to Make Dried Fish

    Fish fillets are hanging on a net against a bright blue sky with clouds and sunlight filtering through.Pin
    How to Make Dried Fish. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Drying fish is one of the oldest ways to keep it fresh for months. Here’s how to do it right, whether you're prepping for survival or just love homemade snacks.
    Read the Article: How to Make Dried Fish

    Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food

    A glass jar filled with transparent liquid and sliced lemons is placed on a wooden surface.Pin
    Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Keeping food from going bad means less waste and fewer trips to the store. These simple methods make it easy to stock up for months ahead.
    Read the Article: Canning, Preserving and Dehydrating Food

    Growing Broccoli From Seed

    A wooden bowl filled with fresh alfalfa sprouts sits on a rustic wooden surface.Pin
    Growing Broccoli From Seed. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Broccoli is packed with nutrients and surprisingly easy to grow. These steps help you start from seed and keep your plants thriving.
    Read the Article: Growing Broccoli From Seed

    How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    Two large ceramic containers with numbers "5" and "3" are placed side by side against a brick wall.Pin
    How to Use a Fermenting Crock. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A fermenting crock is an old-school way to preserve food with minimal effort. Here’s how to use one to make vegetables last longer while adding bold flavors.
    Read the Article: How to Use a Fermenting Crock

    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

    Close-up of a rooster with a vivid red comb and wattles, standing on a dirt ground. Other chickens are partially visible in the background.Pin
    7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homesteading isn’t just for people with acres of land. These simple steps help you start right now, even if you live in an apartment.
    Read the Article: 7 Ways To Start Homesteading Today

    Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival

    A log burning in a fire pit with an axe embedded in a tree stump nearby. Stacked firewood and greenery are in the background.Pin
    Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Knowing basic bushcraft skills can turn a tough situation into a manageable one. These survival tricks help you stay prepared in the wild.
    Read the Article: Bushcraft Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival

    Potager Gardening for Beginners

    A vegetable garden with multiple bamboo teepee trellises supporting climbing plants among lush green foliage. Bushes in the background.Pin
    Potager Gardening for Beginners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Potager gardens mix beauty and function, giving you fresh herbs and veggies right outside your door. These tips make starting one simple.
    Read the Article: Potager Gardening for Beginners

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Glass jar filled with overflowing bread dough on a wooden surface, next to a metal whisk and a slightly opened lid.Pin
    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    No yeast? No problem. This method teaches you how to grow a bubbly, active sourdough starter from just flour and water.
    Read the Article: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started

    A weathered log cabin with a slanted shingle roof is surrounded by dense green foliage and trees.Pin
    What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homesteading is all about self-sufficiency, no matter where you live. This guide breaks down what it takes to get started.
    Read the Article: What is Homesteading? What to Know to Get Started

    10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life

    An assortment of uncooked pasta varieties and seeds arranged with wooden spoons, including fusilli, tagliatelle, penne, and bow-tie pasta tied with string.Pin
    10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Shelf-stable foods are great for stocking up, but they don’t have to be boring. These ideas keep your meals interesting while making the most of what’s in your pantry.
    Read the Article: 10 Tips for Using Foods With a Long Shelf Life

    Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start

    Several chickens, including white, black, and brown ones, are grazing in a grassy area behind a wire fence.Pin
    Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A reliable food supply means fewer last-minute grocery runs. These practical steps help you build a pantry that works for emergencies and everyday meals.
    Read the Article: Securing Your Food Supply: 15 Ways to Start

    15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own

    A pantry shelf stocked with various food items and condiments, including jars, bottles, and boxes of packaged goods.Pin
    15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A well-stocked prepper pantry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These storage ideas and shopping tips keep things organized and ready when you need them.
    Read the Article: 15 Best Prepper Pantries and Tips on Stocking Your Own

    How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove

    A glass-fronted wood stove with a fire burning inside. A window with a blue sky is visible to the right.Pin
    How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Getting a fire going in a cold stove takes more than just tossing in a match. These tips help you do it quickly and efficiently, even on the coldest days.
    Read the Article: How to Start a Fire in a Cold Wood Stove

    How to Ferment Vegetables

    Chopped cabbage and carrots on a cutting board with a knife, surrounded by onions, garlic, and spices. A jar of prepared slaw is nearby.Pin
    How to Ferment Vegetables. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Fermenting veggies keeps them fresh without needing a fridge. These steps show you how to do it the easy way.
    Read the Article: How to Ferment Vegetables

    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    Chickens in a wooden and wire mesh pen on grass with a bucket on top. Trees and fencing are visible in the background.Pin
    How to Butcher a Chicken at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Butchering your own chicken saves money and makes sure nothing goes to waste. This step-by-step guide walks you through the process.
    Read the Article: How to Butcher a Chicken at Home

    10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners

    A variety of leafy vegetables including lettuce and bok choy grow in a garden.Pin
    10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A good plan makes gardening easier and more productive. These free planners help you map out your space and stay on top of planting schedules.
    Read the Article: 10 Free Garden Planners for Beginner Gardeners

    Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat

    A bowl of sliced beef jerky on a wooden table with a small bowl of spices nearby.Pin
    Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Smoking and dehydrating game meat keeps it from spoiling while adding extra flavor. Here’s how to get the best results with minimal effort.
    Read the Article: Smoking & Dehydrating Game Meat

    How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food

    Close-up of hands holding a yellow cauliflower, purple cauliflower, and several orange carrots with green leaves.Pin
    How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Planting too much means wasted food, but planting too little leaves you short. This guide helps you find the right balance for your garden.
    Read the Article: How Much To Plant Per Person: Growing Your Own Food

    Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens

    Purple wildflowers in the foreground with a winding road and trees in the background, featuring a logo in the lower left corner.Pin
    Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Nature is packed with edible and medicinal plants—you just need to know where to look. These foraging tips help you safely identify and use them.
    Read the Article: Foraging for Medicinal Plants and Food: 7 Northern Greens

    Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know

    Close-up of green and ripening tomatoes on the vine among green leaves in a garden setting.Pin
    Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A backyard garden is a step toward homegrown meals and fewer grocery bills. These beginner-friendly tips set you up for success.
    Read the Article: Backyard Gardening Basics: What You Should Know

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

    A watering can spout sprinkling water over a lush, green vegetable garden on a sunny day.Pin
    Low-Maintenance Vegetable Garden: Low-Cost Ideas to Use Now. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Want fresh produce without constant upkeep? These simple ideas make gardening easy without draining your time or budget.
    Read the Article: Low-Maintenance Vegetable Garden: Low-Cost Ideas to Use Now

    How to Grow Sprouts at Home

    Close-up of sunflower sprouts growing in soil inside a transparent container, with light green stems and leaves.Pin
    How to Grow Sprouts at Home. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sprouts grow fast, take up almost no space, and pack a punch of nutrients. This guide shows you how to start your own with just a jar and some water.
    Read the Article: How to Grow Sprouts at Home

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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.

    Learn more here →

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