Becoming Traditional

How to Enjoy Self-Sufficient Living in Small Spaces Right Now

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Self-sufficient living in a small space can be enjoyable. It doesn’t always mean making sacrifices. In 3 small ways, you can increase your progress. Build a library, embrace DIY-ness and learn first aid.

You just need a little creativity & the right mindset. Matched with the willingness to learn, you can easily cultivate a more sustainable and independent lifestyle right at home. And, right now. Today.

You can embrace self-sufficiency even in the most compact living spaces. And by doing so, you’ll reduce your environmental footprint AND gain valuable skills. Skills everyone used to know but has since lost in the last couple generations.

Table Of Contents
  1. 1. Build your self-sufficiency through a tailored library.
  2. 2. Unleash Your Creativity: DIY Projects for Self-Sufficiency in Small Spaces
  3. 3. Safety First: basic first aid skills for self-sufficiency living in small spaces is a must.
  4. Pulling it all together to enjoy self-sufficient living in your small space
  5. the Village Reservoir

1. Build your self-sufficiency through a tailored library.

This gets no easier. Becoming more self-sufficient happens by picking up on lost traditional skills.

I’m talking, bread-making, sewing, hunting, working with your hands. And how do you unlock lost traditional skills? Through knowledge! There’s books, podcasts, journals & periodicals & so much more. Not to mention conversations. You’ll learn more from talking to wiser, seasoned self-sufficientees with experience than any other way. The end goal here is to gain knowledge which is power.

But, let’s talk about books. They’re an invaluable resource when it comes to learning lost traditional skills and becoming more self-sufficient.

5 books grouped together with the pages facing outwards set on a marble step with a white vase holding 2 decorative golden palm fronds serve as an example of a self-sufficient living library

Start building your own library with books on topics like food security (gardening/cooking) and DIY projects (homemade products or car repairs). Exploring off-grid living (think sustainable practices) and books on basic first aid can also be very valuable for health and survival. Not only will you have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, but you’ll also be supporting authors who are passionate about sharing their expertise.

Get started here…

Ideally, start where you’re already interested. This will fast track your momentum. Leveraging an interest is fuel for the fire. And I guarantee you – there’s a book out there to help you learn so much more about whatever you’re interested in.

Next, take your interest out on the hunt! If you love handicrafts, check out that section of your local library. If cooking, find some well-loved, authentic cookbooks at a yard sale or thrift shop. Enjoy the search – these books (AKA tools) will be some of your best resources. Until you get your skills up that is. And don’t forget to comb through your family and friends’ libraries to see if there are some worth borrowing!

Once you’ve exhausted these avenues, check online! Platforms like AbeBooks or Wob (previously World of Books) can help you start building your collection.

I highly recommend getting as many resources as you find in a physical copy. However, I know that small space living means real estate is very precious. So, when you can’t afford the space for physical books, look for their audio or digital counterparts.

2. Unleash Your Creativity: DIY Projects for Self-Sufficiency in Small Spaces

In a small space, creativity is key. Embrace the do-it-yourself (DIY) spirit to solve problems and create functional items with limited resources. There are 3 ways to do this:

  • Repurpose / Upcycle – give existing objects/materials a transformation
  • Optimize your space – use hidden storage compartments or vertical storage
  • Personalize your space – use your creativity to add your own flare (think decor, handmade goods or thrift hauls!)

Whether it’s repurposing old furniture, crafting homemade cleaning products, or designing space-saving storage solutions, DIY projects are rewarding and sustainable. Pinterest can be your one-stop-shop for inspiration. And YouTube is a treasure trove of DIY tutorials, where you can find step-by-step guides for various projects.

Surprisingly, you don’t even have to have a creative itch. And you don’t have to be handy either! But if you’re feeling unimaginative try using books & magazines or even polling family/friends for ideas. Plus, it never hurts to peep a coworkers cubicle for inspiration too!

open palms holding tiny brown paper gift with red string symbolizes the small steps that make self-sufficient living possible

Start small.

Take baby steps to gain some traction.

And regardless of your position, challenge yourself. The trial-and-error attitude is just as much a part of self-sufficient living as anything else.

3. Safety First: basic first aid skills for self-sufficiency living in small spaces is a must.

But being self-sufficient must also include being prepared for emergencies. Acquiring basic first aid skills can make a significant difference in unexpected situations. And I’m not only talking about saving potentially hundreds of dollars or thousands over several years. I’m talking about possibly being able to save yourself & others.

Think of the practicality of this tip. A self-sufficient lifestyle has all levels of “danger”. For example, you may work outdoors or enjoy activities like DIY projects, or gardening. So, inevitably accidents or injuries have a greater chance of happening. Knowing how to administer CPR, treat minor wounds, or manage choking incidents can be crucial in ensuring personal safety and the well-being of those around you. This knowledge would also be helpful if you work or live in any arena with children, seniors or sick individuals.

Being self-sufficient means relying less on external support or services.

In emergency situations immediate medical attention may not always be readily available. Especially in remote areas or during natural disasters. So, having some basic first aid skills, will give you the freedom to take control of the situation and bridge the gap until professional help arrives. This level of self-reliant living is possible regardless of the small space you may live in.

brown teddy bear sitting upright with multiple bandages highlights the need to learn first aid in self-sufficient living

As you become more capable of handling medical emergencies independently, you can build on to your knowledge with more training. First, take advantage of free or low-cost resources. Look for community workshops. There are ways to learn essential first aid skills without breaking the bank.

Generally, this tip will foster a greater sense of empowerment and resilience in the face of emergencies. So, online courses and instructional books are excellent ways to learn life-saving techniques and build your confidence in handling medical emergencies.

  • American Red Cross: Offers comprehensive first aid and CPR courses that can be taken online or in-person, equipping you with essential skills for emergencies.
  • St. John Ambulance: Provides first aid training courses and resources for individuals in the UK.
  • Locally, check organizations like fire dept or libraries, community centers and even healthcare facilities for workshops. Also try your government community bulletin boards or social media groups.

Pulling it all together to enjoy self-sufficient living in your small space

Living in a small space doesn’t have to limit your ability to be self-sufficient. And I hope it won’t. By implementing these easy tips into your daily life, you can take significant steps towards a more sustainable and independent lifestyle.

Creating your own library, embracing DIY projects and learning basic first aid are all accessible starting points for beginners. Remember, learning traditional skills to increase your self-sufficiency is a journey. And each small step you take brings you closer to a more resilient life.

By exploring the recommended resources, including social media handles, YouTube videos, books, communities, and courses, you’ll have a wealth of information and support at your disposal. So cheers to enjoying self-sufficient living in your small space!

image of a signature saying "xo, Claire", the Creative behind the Becoming Traditional blog

🌱 Start Small. Start Now. Start where you are with what you have. The rest will follow. 🌱

Is being more self-sufficient something you’re interested in but don’t know where to start?

The Self-Sufficient Roadmap is for you!

Designed it to eliminate some of the overwhelm, find out exactly where you are & what to look forward to next.

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the Village Reservoir

Your one stop shop for all the great resources recommended in this post.

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