12 Basic Homesteading Skills Every Homesteader Should Learn

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Have you ever wanted to begin the homesteading lifestyle but thought, “I don’t have what it takes?” Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up on your dream because you didn’t come from a self-sustained background. I didn’t either, and here I am, almost a decade later finding homesteading success because I’ve learned a few basic skills along the way.

I’m going to share specific skills which can make the difference between your homesteading lifestyle succeeding or failing. These skills are not just about growing food or raising animals; they encompass a range of abilities that will help you maintain your property, save money, and become more self-reliant. Here are the homesteading skills you should focus on to help realize your dream:

Painting

When most people consider what they might need for homesteading success, they go straight to growing food and raising animals. Though these are essential homesteading skills, they aren’t the only ones you’ll need. Knowing how to paint correctly is an important skill set to have. It helps you keep your property well-maintained and can also offer a layer of protection from the elements.

Not to mention, anything you can do yourself saves you money because you won’t have to pay others to do it for you. With some practice and patience, painting can become an enjoyable part of maintaining your homestead.

Using Nail Guns

Using a nail gun is a skill I was timid about learning. My husband has over 13 years of experience working in construction. He was comfortable from the start using almost any tool. I was not. Nail guns terrified me, but over time, I’ve learned how to use different styles of nail guns properly.

I still have a healthy respect for them, but I feel more confident in using one. Knowing how to use a nail gun can save you a tremendous amount of time when nailing items into place and building structures is a large part of homesteading.

Using an Impact Driver

An impact driver is another tool you must become comfortable with when homesteading. Using an impact can save you enormous amounts of time when screwing items into place. Again, building structures is a large part of homesteading and tools which make this easier are a necessity.

Learning how to use these tools is a necessary skill you should develop. Using an impact takes time to master, but once you do, you’ll feel confident in your abilities to build or secure any item around your homestead.

Developing a Building Plan

I wouldn’t consider myself an artistic person in the slightest, but I’ve learned (through my time homesteading) I’m a creative person. I can look at plans on the internet or get ideas and bring them to life through my imagination.

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