Living independently: 10 tips for more independence

Why live independently at all?

Being self sufficient means independently to be yourself take care of yourself to be able to and also to suffice for oneself. In a society in which a few large corporations have many areas of life in their hands, and which is increasingly performance- and consumption-oriented, the desire for (more) self-sufficiency is maturing in some people. However, there are many reasons for self-sufficient living, sometimes a mixture of several aspects, for example the need for a healthier lifestyle, for more closeness to nature and sustainability, for less (performance) pressure, for independence (from consumption and companies) and for more self-determination and freedom.

However, the thought of complete self-sufficiency can be quite frightening and is not the right path in life for everyone. Now it is by no means necessary to quit your job, move into a yurt in the forest and live your life as a hermit (apart from the legal difficulties that would entail …). More independence and control over one’s own life is also possible in other ways, for example with a self-sufficient house.

Self-sufficient house

When a house is considered self-sufficient is not precisely defined. This often means the energetic self-sufficiency that can be achieved, for example, with a photovoltaic system on the roof, which generates electrical energy from sunlight. In addition to independent energy and heat supply, the self-sufficient water supply or sewage system can also be meant. However, there are legal requirements in these areas, e.g. B. when connecting to the sewage system, about which one should inquire in advance. In caravans, construction trailers and tiny houses, you can live as self-sufficiently as possible with various solutions (e.g. composting toilet, wood stove).

The advantages of a self-sufficient house are clearly in the Reduction of running costs (e.g. electricity), on the other hand are often at the beginning high investments in technologies. Also the Independence from different providers and their pricing policy is quite advantageous. However, they do not bring 100% independence, because then you are dependent on its self-sufficient technologies and better not have any failures (but of course there are temporary solutions!).

Living independently – but how?

You feel the desire to live self-sufficiently, but what does that actually look like in your imagination? Is it living and working on a farm with complete self-sufficiency, living together in an eco-village, a simple life in a self-sufficient tiny house or in a caravan? Or are you only interested in certain areas for some reason?

To find out what suits you, you should ask yourself why you have the desire for self-sufficiency. Need for (more) closeness to nature or complete independence from companies? Only when you know what is important to you can you decide how far you want to go. For orientation, you can define and formulate a goal and sub-goals and approach your self-sufficient life step by step. Even on a smaller scale, you can live self-sufficiently.

DIY, garden and poultry – make life a little more self-sufficient

Whether as a start to a self-sufficient life or just a little more independence: These 10 tips will help you to take care of yourself more and more in everyday life.

1. Grow vegetables

The classic in self-sufficiency is one of your own Garden for fruit and vegetables. This can be raised on a large scale so that you (and your family) can make a living from it. However, this requires sufficient and suitable land as well as a lot of work, time and a willingness to learn. A planting plan makes sense so that enough can be harvested all year round.

But even if you don’t have your own property, there are many ways to take a step towards self-sufficiency: Even on one balcony or the terrace succeed in growing fruit and vegetables! Here you can find out what you should consider when filling a raised bed on the balcony and when filling a raised bed. If you don’t have a balcony or terrace, many cities now offer the option of vegetable plots to rent per season. But also in allotments or community gardens you can realize your happiness by growing your own vegetables.

2. Composting

A compost may only be a small step, but it supports you in self-sufficiency with good fertilizer. Creating a compost (reading tip: Creating a compost) is very easy. The aim is to create your own nutrient cycles in order to to transform the starting materials into nutrient-rich humus. If you don’t have space for compost, there’s always room for a worm box on a balcony or patio, even in a city apartment.

3. Rainwater Harvesting

You should not use rainwater as drinking water, but the water is ideal for house and garden. Catch Rainwater (e.g. in a rain barrel) and use it to water the plants during dry periods or as a toilet flush.

4. Make your own groceries

Not all groceries have to be bought ready-made in the supermarket. You can easily do a lot of this yourself. This has the advantage that you know exactly what’s in it and also saves money. Here you will find a selection:

5. Preserve food

Whether you buy it or grow it yourself, there are a number of ways to preserve leftover or excess food:

Not only do you prevent food waste, you also create a decent supply!

6. keeping animals

Own chickens deliver regularly fresh eggs, it does not even need a large herd. Here you can find out what else you should pay attention to when keeping chickens. Other animals such as B. goats and ducks can of course also be kept, but this will probably be difficult in a residential area. While ducks are waterfowl and therefore need a body of water, goats need a pen and pasture. If you want to develop further towards self-sufficiency and are not allergic to bees, you can also use a Beekeeper: being inside think – you can even do that in the city. Here it can make sense to get advice from experienced beekeepers and to be guided.

7. Riding a bike

do you really need a car If not, sell it. Cycling promotes your health and you save yourself all the obligations and costs associated with the car – and do the environment a great favor.

8. Repair and upcycle

A small hole in the sleeve or a broken toaster – many things can be repaired with little effort and do not have to be bought new. If you don’t have a knack for it yourself, you can get support in one Repair Cafe or other neighborhood offers of help. Things you no longer need become a case for upcycling! Out of useless objects, you can create something new with just a few simple steps and a little imaginationthat you enjoy. You can find great ideas here:

9. Make care products yourself

For many care products of everyday life exists a simple DIY varianttry the following ideas:

In addition to care products, household items and means can also be easily made:

10. Acquire skills

Skills are a key point. The more you control yourself, the more independent you can become. If you produce household and care products yourself or tend a vegetable garden, you have already acquired a lot of know-how (e.g. also about permaculture in the garden).

Nobody has to have a knack for everything – try out what suits you and what you enjoy or what you can use for your everyday life. Basic knowledge of sewing, knitting or other manual skills is also advantageous. Some can be acquired according to the motto “learning by doing”, for others there are online and offline instructions or courses (e.g. DIY courses).

Bridget