If you spend any time online looking at homesteading content, it can start to feel like the only “real” way to do it is on 40 acres with a milk cow, solar panels, and a pantry the size of a bedroom. There’s nothing wrong with any of that—but it’s not the only way. It’s not even the most common way. And it definitely wasn’t my way.
When my family moved to our little 4-acre patch of land, it wasn’t because we were trying to go off-grid or build a farm empire. We just wanted space to grow. Literally. We wanted to grow our own food, raise animals, and create something slower, more intentional. And 4 acres? That was more than enough to begin.
A Slow Beginning (And a Big Jump)
Back when we lived in a smaller house with almost no yard, we started where we could: a little raised garden bed and a few rabbits. Nothing fancy. But the desire to be more self-sufficient was there. It grew gradually, like a seed cracking open underground—quiet, but persistent.
We dreamed about chickens and goats. Maybe a greenhouse one day. Just the ability to do more with our own hands, and depend less on systems that felt… fragile. So when we finally found a property that gave us space—and a house big enough for all six of us—we jumped.
Was it our “dream farm”? Almost. It had almost everything we wanted. But it was real. It was ours. And it was ready.
Why 4 Acres Was the Right Fit
We looked for land for a long time. But most properties were either way out of budget or came with houses too small for our family. When we found this place—four acres, a livable house, and potential—we knew it was right, even if it wasn’t “ideal” by Pinterest standards.
And now, living here, I can say with full confidence: bigger isn’t always better. We have more than enough space to raise animals, grow food, and build what we want to build. But it’s not so much land that it overwhelms us. I don’t spend all day just mowing grass. I’m not constantly chasing repairs across acres and acres.
Some days, I think I would be overwhelmed if we had more land. Ryan might love it—he’s a workhorse in the best way—but I appreciate the scale we’re working with. Fencing just four acres is already expensive and time-consuming. Managing feed, care, and systems for our animals takes planning and energy. I don’t need 20 more acres of to-do lists.
This is enough.
What We’ve Built (So Far)
Our setup might not look like a traditional farm, but it works for us. Right now, we’ve got:
- Chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, and turkeys
- Two livestock guardian dogs—Honey and Rome
- A cozy saltwater fish tank in the house
- Five indoor dogs (yes, really)
- A grow-out barn for the birds
- And a greenhouse in the works
We’d still love to add goats someday, and maybe a few other animals when the time is right. But there’s no rush. That’s the beauty of this scale: we can grow into it. We’re not stretched thin or burned out trying to maintain land we don’t actually use. Every corner of our property has a purpose—or the potential for one.
The Benefits of a “Small” Homestead
Let me tell you what you don’t need to homestead:
- A tractor (although we are looking into getting a mini skid steer as we have grown)
- Dozens of acres
- A Pinterest-perfect barn
- A flawless crop plan
- Or a schedule that starts at 4 a.m.
You just need land you’re willing to steward, however small it may be.
Our four acres have taught me that homesteading isn’t about impressing anyone. It’s about making thoughtful use of what you’ve got. It’s about being hands-on with your food, your animals, your environment. It’s about building routines that serve your values—not chasing some ideal that doesn’t fit your life.
What I Wish More People Knew
There’s a lot of noise out there that can make small-scale homesteaders feel like they’re not doing enough. As if you’re only legitimate if you’re butchering hogs, milling your own flour, or running a CSA out of your back field.
Here’s the truth: Homesteading isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle.
It’s not about how many acres you have—it’s about how you live on them.
It’s hard work. It’s repetitive. It’s full of trial and error. And yes, sometimes it’s heartbreaking. We’ve lost animals. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve spent more than we planned. And yet—we keep going. Because it’s also deeply rewarding. Because we love our animals, our routines, our little patch of land. Because this lifestyle grounds us.
You can homestead on 40 acres. Or on 4. Or on a rented backyard if that’s what you’ve got.
You can start with one raised bed and a chicken tractor. You can start with herbs in pots and sourdough on the counter. You can start where you are—with what you have.
Rooted Right Where We Are
We started homesteading on four acres because that’s what we could afford, what we could handle, and what made sense for our family. And honestly? I wouldn’t change it. This land has given us more than space. It’s given us rhythm. Purpose. A deeper connection to our food, our animals, and each other.
If you’re dreaming about homesteading but feel like you need “more” to get started—more land, more time, more knowledge—I want you to know: you probably already have enough.
Start small. Stay curious. And don’t wait for perfect conditions. The chickens don’t care if your coop is cute. The plants don’t mind if your greenhouse is pieced together. The lifestyle begins when you do.
