Wildstead Way

Moving to a homestead changes the way you shop and what you bring into your home. As you start growing your own food and making more things yourself, you naturally find less need to buy certain items from the store.

You can save money and live more sustainably by choosing not to buy products you can produce or replace on your own. This shift often surprises people, but it’s a rewarding part of homesteading that helps you become more self-reliant and mindful about what you use.

Grocery store beef

You might find yourself skipping grocery store beef after moving to the homestead. Raising your own cattle or sourcing locally lets you control quality and freshness.

Buying beef from the store often means paying premium prices for less transparency about how the meat was raised.

When you rely more on your homestead, store-bought beef becomes less necessary and feels less satisfying. See more about homesteaders avoiding store beef here.

Tomato-based canned products

You don’t need to buy tomato-based canned goods when you grow and can your own tomatoes.

Homesteading lets you control the quality and flavor, so your sauces and salsas taste fresh.

Canning your own tomatoes is simple and keeps your pantry stocked with healthy options year-round.

Learn more about canning tomato products here.

Store-bought eggs

When you move to a homestead, buying eggs from the store often becomes unnecessary. You can collect fresh eggs daily from your own chickens, which are usually tastier and fresher.

Many people find that they stop buying expensive store eggs altogether. If you want to learn why some Americans have stopped buying eggs because of high costs, check out this study on egg buying habits.

Chicken treats

You don’t need to buy commercial chicken treats once you start homesteading. You can feed your chickens kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and grains.

Your flock will enjoy these natural treats, and it saves you money. Many homesteaders even use leftover chicken parts to make homemade dog food, cutting down on waste and store purchases. This approach works well for feeding both chickens and pets 15 Things I No Longer Buy as a Homesteader.

Pre-packaged bread

You’ll find that pre-packaged bread is one of the easiest things to stop buying. Making your own bread takes a bit of time but gives you fresh, wholesome results.

It’s a great way to control ingredients and avoid preservatives. Once you start baking, you might not miss store-bought bread at all.

This change can enrich your homestead experience and improve your meals. For more on this, see ideas from others who stopped buying bread here.

Crackers

You don’t need to buy crackers when you can easily make them at home. Using simple ingredients like sourdough discard or basic dough, your crackers can be fresh, crunchy, and customizable with herbs or cheese.

Making your own saves money and reduces packaging waste. It’s a fun way to use leftovers and add something tasty to your snacks or meals. Learn how to make sourdough discard crackers for a simple recipe idea here.

Leafy spices

You don’t need to buy leafy spices like basil, thyme, or oregano once you start growing them on your homestead. Fresh herbs are easy to grow in small garden beds or containers.

By having them close, you always have flavorful spices on hand without paying high store prices. Your meals will taste fresher, and you’ll save money by skipping packaged herbs.

For more ideas on what to stop buying, check out this list on homesteading items.

Store-bought candles

You might find yourself buying fewer store-bought candles after moving to a homestead. Many commercial candles contain paraffin, which can release toxins into your home.

Instead, you can make your own candles using natural ingredients. This saves money and feels more personal. For more on candle choices, see the details on toxic versus natural candles.

Decorative vases

You can easily reduce buying decorative vases when you live on a homestead. Instead, repurpose jars, bottles, or natural containers like gourds for simple, charming displays.

Fresh flowers, herbs, or wild plants from your land work well in these containers. This approach keeps your decor personal and low-cost.

If you want something new, consider vintage or secondhand vases. They add character without the need for frequent purchases.

For ideas, look at collections like these vases from Gardenista.

Random wall art

You might find yourself skipping random wall art after moving to the homestead. It’s easy to realize you don’t need extra decorations that don’t hold meaning.

Instead, you can focus on pieces that reflect your lifestyle or nature around you. This approach helps keep your space simple and personal without clutter.

For ideas on minimal décor, see what others have stopped buying on Reddit.

Store-bought cleaning supplies

You can easily switch from store-bought cleaners to homemade or natural alternatives. Many people find reusable glass bottles with vinegar or baking soda solutions work well.

This change reduces plastic waste and saves money over time. You might even enjoy mixing your own cleaners using simple ingredients. Check out options for sustainable cleaning on sites like Yahoo Lifestyle.

Commercial hygiene products

You don’t need to buy commercial cleaning sprays or detergents when you can easily make your own. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils work well for most household cleaning tasks.

Switching to homemade products saves you money and reduces exposure to harsh chemicals. You’ll find that your home stays just as clean, and it’s satisfying to know exactly what you’re using. For ideas, check out recipes for homemade cleaning products.