Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik
Want more money? Most people will tell you to find a better paying job or a part-time gig to flush out your usual nine-to-five. But finding a new job isn’t always easy, and not all of us can fit in the extra time away from home. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, someone with irregular hours, or simply tired of the daily grind in a cubicle, you need a different solution.
Luckily, you don’t have to climb the corporate ladder or pick up hours on your weeknights and weekends to make more money. Here are some easy and legitimate ways to save and earn extra cash at home without a side gig.
Rent out Your Stuff
Do you own your home, vehicle, or even a decent-sized toolkit? You can rent access to your belongings in a quick way to make a buck.
If you know you’re going to be working from home for a few days in a row, you can rent your vehicle through apps like Turo or Getaround. If you have an extra bedroom or in-law suite, you can list your house on Airbnb. You can even rent your backyard to dog owners who want an enclosed place to let their pup run wild and free.
Don’t worry — you don’t have to be a proud homeowner to take advantage of this tip. Renter-friendly options like Fat Llama help you rent out your belongings, like DJ equipment, tools, and electronics. Basically, if you own it, somebody out there is willing to rent it — and sometimes — for premium prices.
Sell Your Stuff
If you would rather earn a larger, one-time payout upfront for your belongings, sell don’t rent! Go through your stuff to see what you can reasonably sell without missing in a few months. After all, you don’t want to get rid of something you’ll only have to buy back again in a year. Between inflation and the cost of buying new, you’ll lose money this way. Instead, look at unused or duplicate items you won’t regret selling.
Once you have a pile of stuff ready for auction, you can post these items over consignment apps or online marketplaces.
Pet Sit at Home
Animal lovers can welcome someone’s fur baby into their home — whether it’s a simple doggy daycare situation or a long-term boarder. Apps like Rover help you connect with dog and cat parents who want a cozier environment than the average kennel.
Become a House Sitter
If you’re a digital nomad who doesn’t need a home base, you can make yours someone else’s home. Housesitting apps connect you with homeowners who need someone to look after their house while they’re away — whether it’s a weekend getaway or a season-long trip.
Renters can give up their lease, become a full-time house sitter, and save a ton of cash on housing costs. Just be mindful that lining up several long-term housesitting gigs in a row may be challenging.
Complete Surveys Online
Do you have an opinion on any subject, from online loans and eco-friendly renovations to plant-based meat alternatives? You can get paid to share them through online surveys. Some websites and apps like InboxDollars Surveys, Eureka, and Zap are great places to get started, but many options exist. Just make sure you research the survey provider extensively to make sure they’re legit.
The Key Takeaways:
While getting a better paying job or a second job are tried-and-true ways to earn more money, they aren’t the only ways you can boost your budget. You can make extra cash by heading online and exploring these options today.
