Are you a homesteader? How do you know? I call myself one. Yet, I don't even know how to describe what that means. I don't live "off the grid" with solar panels and candles as my only light source. Sometimes my garden fails and I (gasp!) eat at McDonald's occasionally. My chicken feed isn't organic. But I embrace the simple, old fashioned skills and habits that my ancestors had. I live for the days when I can be slow and deliberate about my chores, when I feel connected to my home, when I have a deep understanding of everything I eat, wear, use, and desire. "Homesteading" is a vague term that loosely resembles the general idea of my lifestyle. It's the best I can come up with. And I believe there are many, many ways to be a homesteader.
I've made the following checklist of things I do that help me to be this way in the three areas that affect me the most- food/water, home, and consumerism. And I'm sharing it with you in case you want to join me, wherever you are and however you live. It's customized for my area, you may need to adjust dates in consideration of growing zones and seasons. Please comment any suggestions for additions or changes! This is a journey for me, not a rigid rule book.
January:
Food
Check freezer and canned goods to see how vegetable supply is holding up. Make note of veggie amounts to plan for in the summer, whether purchased or planted. Combine packages of small amounts to make soups and stews.
Home
Start a new journal. Winter dust mite check. Wash all bedding in hot water. Sweep or vacuum in corners and under beds. Let in as much natural light as possible.
Shopping
After Christmas clearance- baking supplies, decorations, winter bedding, and gifts that won't expire (add one year to age recommendations on toy gifts) I keep a box of gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
Resupply items you purchase every 6 months: furnace filters, water filters, cleaning tools (brooms, vacuum filters, trash bags, etc...)
February:
Food
Check the freezer and canned goods to see how the meat supply is holding up. Make notes of how much you've used to plan for next year. Check emergency water supply for power outages.
Home
Check the grow lights and clear clutter off the garden plant shelf. Go through kitchen linens. Separate into 3 stashes:
1. Garage/workshop
2. Cleaning/dusting
3. Still good for kitchen use
Shopping
Replenish kitchen linens as needed. If you are a chocolate lover, hit the post-Valentine's Day clearance to stock up. Make sure there are enough Solo cups to start garden plants.
March:
Food
Check emergency food supply for power outages. It's the beginning of Spring storm season in Indiana and we have been without power for more than 7 days in the past. Plant cool weather crops as space allows and start transplants.
Home
Check oil lamps and replace batteries in emergency lighting (flashlights and headlamps.)
Check all electronic chargers and replace as needed. Put heavier outerwear into storage. Note any that need to be replaced. Change smoke detector batteries.
Shopping
Thrift shops will be putting out short sleeves and light jackets, check your list from October to see what you need to replace. Watch for clearance sales of any outerwear that needs to be replaced. Watch for sale prices on Easter hams and turkeys and stock up if you have room.
April:
Food
Freeze or can any Easter sales and clearance. Make broth with any stored bones/scraps in the freezer. Check your dehydrated food stash. If you use an outside grill, clean it and check for any needed repairs.
Home
Spring cleaning time! Put winter clothing in storage. Make a note of anything you need to replace.
Shopping
Canning supplies, freezer bags, kale, and spinach if you freeze or dry it.
May:
Food
Mark the opening day of the Farmer's Market on your calendar if you buy or sell there. Purchase any freezer beef or pork from local farmers (check your notes from February.)
Home
Prepare your kitchen and plan some ready-made meals if you do any gardening or food preserving. Clean gutters. Check the mailbox and trash containers for needed repairs and cleaning. Plant a flower or tree if you have space. Remove invasive plants if you have them.
Shopping
Stock up on asparagus if it's a favorite.
June:
Food
Local food should be in good supply by now. It is a good time to find a fresh egg supplier if you need one.
Home
Dehydrate and freeze garden fruits and veggies. Only can what you have to, save the canning for when your home needs heating if possible. If you need compost, check with the nearest city to see if they have a free supply.
Shopping
Cherries for the freezer. Also, watch for sales on small appliances that need replacing (June is popular for wedding gift sales.) Resupply items you purchase every 6 months: furnace filters, water filters, cleaning tools (brooms, vacuum filters, trash bags, etc...)
July
Food
Plan more slow cooker and pressure cooker meals to save cooling costs for your home. Plan your fall crop storage space now. Where are you going to put your squash, potatoes, and onions for winter? Rotate emergency food and water supplies if you didn't use them in the spring.
Home
Check cabinets and exterior walls for rodent entry opportunities and fill them in. Test well water. Lay in winter heating fuel if needed.
Shopping
Stock up on blackberries and sweet corn for the freezer. Onions should be ready now, too. After the 4th, stock up on picnic supplies- plates, cups, napkins...
August
Food
Can any pickles you want for the year.
Home
Start the fire cider and ferments (hot sauce, sauerkraut, etc...)
Shopping
Hit the back-to-school sales for paper, pens, staples, rubber bands, etc... Socks and underwear are sometimes packed in larger quantities for school shoppers, too. Check Labor Day sales for NEEDED items.
September:
Food
Start pulling things out of the freezer to can as the weather cools.
Home
Replace light bedding with warmer bedding to save energy.
Shopping
Check the list you made in April to replace any winter clothing as needed.
October
Food
Stock up on Winter Squash, potatoes and onions.
Home
Check the heating unit and backup supply. Repeat the March checklist. Check vehicles for emergency supplies and ice scrapers. Check antifreeze levels. Put summer clothing into storage and make a list of what needs to be replaced.
Shopping
School clothes will be getting marked down. Thrift stores will be stocking winter clothes as well. Stock up on ice melt.
November
Food
Plan your Thanksgiving menu early and watch for specials. Make food gift preparations now for Christmas.
Home
De-clutter. Send a few boxes to charity and get a receipt for taxes. Do a major cleaning the first week of November so you won't have to stress the holiday week. Check the condition of your snow shovel.
Shopping
Hallowe'en candy sales. Check your gift supply and list of Christmas recipients to see what you still need.
December:
Food
Save meat and veggie scraps in the freezer to make broth.
Home
Let go of the holiday plans and traditions that cause stress. Share your plans to simplify with your friends and family so they won't place heavy expectations on you. Invite them to simplify with you.
Shopping
I avoid the box stores as much as possible during this month. Make it a mission to find a local artisan, coffee shop, butcher, farmer, etc... to visit.
a small Indiana homestead, learning and sharing as we go.
