You can always be self sufficient, even if you dream about living in the country.Self sufficiency is all about being aware of what you do and how you spend your money.Working out what you're most dependent on and how to use local community resources is part of that.
Step 1: Look for ways to grow your own food.
If there is no outdoor space for planting in your area, you can rent a plot at the garden allotment.If you have containers, you can grow food in your house or apartment.There are many options, from herbs to tomatoes.
Step 2: You can make your own food by skipping the grocery bill.
You can bake your own bread, learn how to make cheese and yogurt, and preserve the food you grow by canning it, even though you still need to buy the basics.
Step 3: Try to make your own drinks.
You can brew all those things at home if you drink beer, wine, cider, or mead.The costs to brew at home can be higher, but after a while there is potential to sell or share what you make, which can help with the costs down the line.
Step 4: Old or used objects can be recycled around the house.
The top half of a plastic bottle can be used to make a funnel.If an item appears to be past its usefulness, you may be able to find new life for it before it is thrown away.
Step 5: If your area has a recycling program, check it out.
Many places have a recycling program even if you can't recycle on your own.Some areas give bins that they pick up, but others may require you to bring your own.There are options near you if you do a quick search on the internet.
Step 6: You can compost your food scraps.
Lots of food can be composted, so build a bin in your yard or keep a small one in the kitchen.Compost reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfills and provides a non-chemicalfertilizer for your garden.Animal waste, onions, citrus peels, bags from tea or coffee, bones, bits of meat or fish, and a few others are not Compostable.To make homemade stock, potato peels, onion skins, and chicken bones can be kept in a bag in the freezer.
Step 7: The old bulbs should be replaced with LEDs.
Traditional bulbs use a lot of energy, so they won't heat up your house when they're on, and that's because they are cool to the touch.It will save you money and help the environment.
Step 8: Purchase items that can be used again.
If you're trying to cut back, look for items that can be used multiple times, instead of single-use objects.If you buy quality items that will last a long time, you can save a lot of money.
Step 9: You can learn how to make repairs.
It's a good idea to teach yourself how to fix a hole in the wall.Even small fixes can keep you from having to call a repairman.
Step 10: Purchase your own tools.
Minor repairs to your home or apartment can be made with a full toolbox.Check secondhand markets, estate auctions, and charity stores for used tools if you want to buy a set from a hardware store.
Step 11: Kitchen equipment that is durable is worth investing in.
Buying cooking equipment that can make a variety of dishes will save you money.Good pots, pans, and ovenware can be found in a slow cooker.Secondhand markets, online auctions and estate sales can be used to find cheap items.While not essential, a food processor is a time saver.Other vital tools include decent stirring spoons, mixing bowls, and small items like can openers and cheese graters.If you can't cook for yourself, teach yourself how.Attend classes, make use of free online cooking schools, or read a cookbook.
Step 12: You can learn how to sew.
Simple stitches and patchwork are good skills to have, even if you don't know how to use a sewing machine.Less money is spent on new clothing and fewer trips to the store are made if you can fix your clothes as they wear out.If you want to learn how to patch denim, you can watch videos on YouTube or buy books.
Step 13: Invest in a first aid kit.
Minor home ailments, such as headaches and colds, insect bites, and small cuts and scratches, can be treated with a first aid kit.First aid kits can be used to store healthcare needs, such as a digital blood pressure monitor, sun-screen creams, and so on.
Step 14: There is a basic survival kit.
A basic box can be used to hold your first aid kit, with candles, matches, batteries, and a flashlight or lantern.If you live in an area that is vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, you should always check out the local suggestions on the list of items you need.
Step 15: You can have a list of emergency numbers.
You can find the numbers to crisis or emergency lines, like Poison Control or the crisis line at a therapist's office, and have them written or typed out on a page.If you have a first aid kit, put the list in it.
Step 16: Understand your local area.
If you want to keep track of where you are, use a map, or wander around your neighborhood.Learning your area can help you find places to go, things to do, and the easiest way to get around.You don't know what your neighborhood has to offer.If you keep a map with you, you can mark cool places you find, like parks or funky bars and restaurants, which can help you and others find it later.
Step 17: Write a grocery list.
Writing down things around the house is the easiest way to stay organized.Add milk to the shopping list when you run out.If you have chores to do around the house, like vacuuming or picking up more seeds from the hardware store, you can keep track of them by writing them down.The easiest way to keep track of your lists is to put them in the fridge or chalk board.You can find the best way for you by keeping a notebook on the counter or a sticky note by the door.
Step 18: If you want to make folders for documents, buy them.
It's the best way to avoid losing anything and having to replace it.You can make cheap file folders out of old cereals or scrap paper.When you have a place to store files, you can sort them by type, like keeping school records in one folder and medical information in another.