The Never-Ending Fix-It List: Why Every Homesteader Feels Like They’re Always Catching Up
Have you ever set out to do a simple task…just mow the lawn, fix a fence, or water the garden…only to find yourself knee-deep in an unexpected repair, hours behind schedule, wondering why does everything take so much effort? If you’re nodding along, welcome to homesteading.
There’s an unspoken truth among DIYers, homesteaders, and anyone maintaining their own little patch of the world: nothing is ever as simple as it should be.
The Homesteader’s Law: Everything Takes Three Times Longer Than Expected
It starts innocently enough. You just want to mow the lawn. But first, the tractor tire is flat. No problem, just air it up…except the valve is broken. Okay, you’ll swap out the tire, but wait…the jack is buried under a pile of tools from that fence repair project last month. Two hours later, the tire is finally replaced, and you go to start the mower…only to realize the battery is dead.
This domino effect happens in every area of homesteading and DIY life:
- Need to fix a leaky irrigation pipe? First, find the right wrench. Oh, but the replacement part you bought doesn’t fit. Back to the store.
- Time to build that raised garden bed? Oops, the screws are missing. Oh, and the drill battery is dead.
- Want to clear the chicken coop? Great! But first, you need to fix the gate hinge that broke last week.
It’s enough to make anyone question whether they’re making progress at all.
Does This Happen to Everyone?
Yes. This is the unglamorous reality of self-sufficiency. Whether you’re a homesteader, DIYer, or just someone maintaining a home and land, there is always something that needs fixing, upgrading, or replacing. It’s not just you–it’s life. Things wear out. Systems break down. Nature takes its toll.
Think of it this way: In a modern, urban life, most of this maintenance happens behind the scenes. You don’t have to fix your apartment plumbing or repair the HVAC. But on a homestead or DIY-driven lifestyle, you’re the maintenance crew, the repair technician, and the project manager all in one. It’s a lot, but it’s also what makes this lifestyle so rewarding.
How to Get Ahead (or at Least Keep Up)
While the never-ending maintenance list is part of the game, there are ways to stay ahead of the curve:
- Embrace the Fix-It Mindset
Instead of seeing maintenance as an obstacle, try to view it as part of the journey. Every repair is a lesson learned, another skill mastered. - Preventative Maintenance Is Your Best Friend
Regularly checking and maintaining equipment before it fails can save you hours (or days) of unexpected work. Keep a maintenance schedule for things like oil changes, battery checks, and equipment inspections. - Keep Essential Tools Handy
Having a well-organized workspace with your most-used tools easily accessible saves time and frustration. A good tool rack, extra fasteners, and a backup supply of common parts can be a game-changer. - Double Up on Critical Items
If something is essential to your daily work, like hoses, power tool batteries, or mower blades, consider having backups. It’ll save you a last-minute trip to the store. - Lower Your Expectations (In a Good Way)
Accept that nothing will go exactly as planned. Give yourself extra time for projects, and don’t beat yourself up when things take longer than expected. - Prioritize & Rotate Tasks
Not everything needs to be done right now. Focus on what’s urgent and cycle through the rest. If something breaks but isn’t essential at the moment, jot it down on a fix-it list for later.
The Reward is in the Lifestyle
At the end of the day, yes, homesteading and DIY life are a never-ending cycle of maintenance, repairs, and projects. But the trade-off? You get to live life on your own terms. You’re building something real, creating self-sufficiency, and learning skills most people never even think about.
The struggle is part of the process. The frustration is part of the experience. But the satisfaction? That comes when you step back, look at all you’ve built with your own hands, and realize: It was all worth it.
So the next time you find yourself three hours into a simple lawn-mowing job, just remember…you’re not alone. We’re all out here, fixing one thing just to uncover the next. And honestly? That’s just part of the adventure.
Our Favorite Tools to Stay Ahead of the Maintenance Game
If you’re tired of scrambling to find the right tools when things break (and they will), here are some must-haves that every homesteader or DIYer should have on hand. These are products we personally recommend, and some links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This helps support our farm and allows us to keep sharing helpful content like this!
Essential Homestead Tools:
✅ Heavy-Duty Air Compressor: Perfect for keeping tires inflated and powering tools. Check it out here.
✅ Cordless Drill & Impact Driver Set: A game-changer for every repair job. Get yours here.
✅ Multi-Purpose Tool Set: Because you never know what’s going to break next. Find it here.
✅ Battery-Powered Chainsaw: Great for pruning, clearing fallen branches, and cutting firewood. See it here.
Lawn & Garden Essentials:
🌱 Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Makes mowing almost effortless. See it here.
🌱 Hose Reel & Heavy-Duty Hose: Because wrangling a tangled hose is no one’s idea of fun. Get one here.
🌱 Garden Tool Set with Organizer: Everything in one place, so you don’t waste time looking for the right tool. Check it out.
Must-Have Backup Supplies:
🛠️ Extra Drill Batteries: Always have a charged one ready. Grab extras here.
🛠️ Spare Screws, Bolts & Fasteners Kit: You’ll never regret having these on hand. Stock up here.
Homesteading and DIY life aren’t always easy, but having the right tools can make a huge difference. Stock up, stay prepared, and keep on building the life you love!
Let us know on our BLeaves Farms Instagram or Facebook page what’s the one tool or product that has saved you the most headaches on your homestead? We’d love to hear your recommendations!
