Making your home more self-sufficient means you won’t have to rely on outside sources for necessities as much. Preparing for the future can come in many shapes and forms. This can give you peace of mind that you’ll be able to make it through many things that life might throw your way.
Think About Long-Term Needs
Part of being self-sufficient is not having to rely on others for help, so take some time to think about long-term needs. If your home has multiple levels, you may not be able to use every level if you become incapacitated. Adding a home lift can allow you to stay in your home longer without having to rely on outside help to do things. You can look to Stiltz Home Elevators of Canada to find an option that works for you.
Reduce How Much You Rely on Electricity
By reducing household reliance on electricity, it can make it easier to use alternative sources of power, such as solar panels. This also means you won’t have to spend as much money buying batteries. If you are renovating your home, consider adding skylights or more windows on the south facing parts of the house so you don’t need to use as many lights during the day. For the colder months, having a woodstove can provide a way to cook and heat parts of your home. This can be especially helpful if there are trees on your property, so you have a ready source of fuel.
Preserve Food
Whether or not you are able to grow your own food, preserving food you buy on sale can help you save money in the long run since you won’t have to buy it when it is more expensive. Many fruits and vegetables are in season at certain times of the year and buying them during other times of the year can be very expensive. Try planning your meals around things that are in season and preserve what you can so you can still enjoy it year-round. Canning is another way to preserve food, and canned goods do not require refrigeration before they are opened, so it’s an option for those without large refrigerators or freezers. You can buy produce at farmer’s markets or try growing some of your own. If you have never canned before, take some time to review safe canning recipes and methods.
Prepare for an Emergency
Part of being more self-sufficient means planning for unexpected events, like disruptions to the supply chain. You can keep several gallons of water on hand in case the water supply to your home becomes unsafe or cut off. This is especially important if you have a well and rely on electricity to pump the water to your home. It’s a good idea to have water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning on hand. You can also stock your pantry with staples like canned vegetables, beans, meats, and baking supplies. That way, if you are unable to get to the store or you can’t find something, you will still be able to eat, even if it’s not the same quality food you are used to.