How Urban Homesteading Can Transform Your Life

Unlock the simple joys of growing your own food, living more sustainably, and finding balance in the bustle of urban or suburban life.

Mar 20, 2023

Ever thought living a self-sufficient lifestyle was reserved for the countryside? Think again! With the rise of urban homesteading, you can grow your own food, raise chickens (if that’s your thing), and shrink your environmental footprint right in the middle of a city or town. Not only is it super rewarding, but it can save you money and boost your health too.

Today, I’m diving into the world of urban homesteading: what it is, how to get started, and all the amazing benefits it can bring to your life. Whether you’re in a cosy apartment, a small flat, or right in the heart of a busy town, stick around to see how you can embrace this intentional, self-sufficient way of living!

Urban homesteading has totally stolen my heart. There’s something so magical about creating your own little patch of self-sufficiency in the middle of a busy life. It’s a way to reconnect with the earth, slow down, and make a real impact, even in a busy, bustling place. I love how it brings me closer to nature, whether I’m tending to my balcony garden, harvesting herbs, or just soaking in the beauty of growing or cooking something from scratch.

My space is small, but it’s filled with so much love and intention. Even in my 700 sq. ft. home, I’ve found clever ways to create a little urban oasis. My balcony is my mini garden, where I grow veggies, herbs, and flowers. It’s my peaceful retreat, a little green space in the heart of town life, where I can unwind and reconnect. And my allotment feels the same, a space where I can disconnect from the world. I often joke that if the world ended while I was at the allotment I would honestly have no idea.

But beyond all that though, urban homesteading isn’t just about the food I grow or the projects I tackle, it’s about the sense of fulfillment and balance it brings to my life. It’s a reminder that even in small spaces, you can create big, meaningful change.

What is urban homesteading?

Urban homesteading might sound like a new trend, but it’s actually a practice with deep roots that goes back centuries. At its core, urban homesteading is all about growing your own food, raising livestock when possible (and if you want to - for me I don’t, but that might look different for you), and living more self-sufficiently in an urban setting. It’s about taking back control of your life, reducing your reliance on commercial goods and services, and reconnecting with the simple joys of providing for yourself. It’s a lifestyle that empowers you to create a more intentional, fulfilling way of living, no matter where you live.

Today, urban homesteading has evolved into a movement that goes beyond just food production. It encompasses a range of sustainable living practices, such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and energy conservation. The goal is to create a lifestyle that is not only self-sufficient but also minimises the impact you have on the environment.

Urban homesteading is not only possible in any environment, but it's also becoming increasingly popular - which I’ll be honest, I just love. So why should you consider it? The benefits of urban homesteading are huge; From saving money on your weekly food shop, changing your thoughts on food production and consumption, to improving your health and reducing your carbon footprint, there are so many compelling reasons to adopt this lifestyle. And, I think you might just love it as much as our family does too.

Why should you consider urban homesteading?

The benefits of urban homesteading are endless. One of the biggest perks for me? Saving money on our supermarket shop (jury is still out whether it saves money overall). With food prices climbing, growing your own produce can seriously cut down on your monthly supermarket bills. Plus, urban homesteading encourages a healthier lifestyle by giving you access to fresh, organic food, which free from the pesticides and chemicals found in store-bought options. And for me that’s such a huge win. In fact, it’s all a win-win: you get to eat better, live more sustainably, and keep more cash in your pocket.

Another advantage of urban homesteading is reducing your carbon footprint. By producing your own food, you reduce the transportation and packaging costs associated with buying groceries from the supermarket. Moreover, homesteading promotes the use of sustainable resources such as rainwater harvesting and composting, which can minimise your reliance.

Urban homesteading can also bring a sense of accomplishment that I think is unravelled and satisfaction as you learn new skills, challenge yourself, and witness the fruits of your labour. Quite literally.

How to start your own urban homestead

Okay, now that you’re all fired up about the perks of urban homesteading, I bet you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Trust me, it’s easier than you think. Let’s break it down with a few simple steps to help you get started on your very own homesteading adventure:

Start small: Let’s be real, trying to do it all at once will just leave you feeling overwhelmed. Begin with a few easy projects you’re excited about and confident you can handle. Slowly work your way up from there, and before you know it, you’ll be an urban homesteading pro!
Assess your space: Whether you’ve got a tiny apartment or flat or a small back garden, your space will look different from anyone else’s. Take a good look at what you’ve got and think about what you can realistically work with, there’s always room to get creative!
Determine your goals: What’s calling to you? Growing your own veggies? Raising chickens? Making your home more sustainable? Write down your goals and prioritise them based on what makes sense for your time, energy, and space. Focus on what feels right for you!
Learn the basics: Before diving headfirst into the deep end, it’s a good idea to do some research. Read up, watch videos, or join workshops to learn the basics that’ll set you up for success.
Connect with others: One of the best parts of urban homesteading is the community! Find like-minded folks.

By following these five steps, you’ll be on your way to creating your own little urban homestead. And if you’re rocking an apartment/flat life, don’t worry, coming up next, I’ll show you how to homestead even in small spaces!

Apartment Homesteading

Living in a a flat or apartment doesn't mean you can't create your own homestead. In fact, apartment homesteading is becoming increasingly popular as more people embrace the benefits of self-sufficiency.

One of the keys to apartment urban homesteading is maximising your limited space. You can start by using vertical space to grow plants and herbs. Hanging planters or a vertical garden can be a great solution, especially if you have a balcony or a sunny window. You can also consider using container gardening for vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.

Another important aspect of apartment homesteading is composting. If you don't have access to outdoor space, you can use an indoor composting system to turn your food waste into nutrient-rich soil. There are many options available, from worm bins to bokashi composters.

By embracing apartment urban homesteading, you can enjoy the benefits of self-sufficiency even in a limited space. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a thriving urban homestead wherever you are.

The benefits of urban homesteading

Urban homesteading might sound a little intimidating at first, but trust me, the rewards are so worth the effort! One of the biggest perks? Living a more sustainable and connected-with-nature-and-the-seasons lifestyle. When you start growing your own food and adopting these lifestyle changes, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and helping make the planet a healthier place.

Urban homesteading brings a huge sense of self-sufficiency. There’s something truly empowering about knowing you can rely on yourself for food and the basics. It’s also a safety net, less reliance on external systems that might let you down in an emergency.

Urban homesteading is a journey that anyone can embark on, no matter where you call home. With just a little time and effort, you can start creating your own self-sufficient space right where you are - whether you live in an urban or suburban enviroment. When you start living this way you’ll be contributing to a greener planet, boosting your own health, and potentially saving some cash along the way (jury is still out on that part - but I promise it is still the best thing you’ll do).

It’s all about taking small steps, and yes, it’ll take time, but trust me, it’s so worth it.