30 easy ideas to start today

 

How to make money from home: 30 easy ideas to start today

Earning money used to mean commuting to a job. But thanks to the internet and the gig economy, there are more ways than ever to earn money from home—no briefcase required.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to earn cash during school hours, a full-time employee seeking a side hustle or a professional ready for full-time remote work, there are plenty of options available.

You could build a business website and put your products or services up for sale. Or, you could field assignments through gig platforms for dog walking, testing software or assembling furniture.

The possibilities are nearly endless. If you’re wondering how to come up with a business idea that will work with your skillset, schedule and resources, this list is a good place to start.

How to make money from home: 30 easy ideas to start today

1. 1. Sell your old stuff online

2. 2. Refurbish and resell home goods and furnishings

3. 3. Make and sell crafts

4. 4. Offer sewing and upholstery services

5. 5. Take stock photos

6. 6. Start a dropshipping business

7. 7. Create designs for print on demand

8. 8. Do voiceover work

9. 9. Start a blog, vlog or podcast

10. 10. Monetize your socials as an influencer

11. 11. Manage someone else’s social media

12. 12. Buy and sell domain names

13. 13. Build a mobile app

14. 14. Test apps, games and websites

15. 15. Take surveys

16. 16. Work as a virtual assistant

17. 17. Provide customer support

18. 18. Offer freelance professional services

19. 19. Become a transcriptionist

20. 20. Localize or translate content

21. 21. Pick up one-time gigs online or IRL

22. 22. Open an in-home daycare

23. 23. Take care of pets

24. 24. Offer online tutoring and test prep

25. 25. Teach lessons online

26. 26. Create and sell an online course

27. 27. Rent out your car

28. 28. Rent out recreational gear

29. 29. Sell storage space

30. 30. Host a vacation rental

01. Sell your old stuff online

Starting a business can be as easy as emptying your closet or attic. Online resale is booming, with revenues projected to top $80 billion this year. You can give new life to items you no longer use, from outgrown kids’ clothing and toys to books, kitchen gadgets and furniture by selling them online through eBay or Facebook Marketplace (which both integrate directly with Wix).

If you’re a fashion maven, your vintage or designer treasures can fetch premium prices; try purpose-built platforms like Poshmark or TheRealReal to find style-savvy audiences, or create your own online shop like Henny Penny Vintage. Not only will you earn some cash, but you’ll get the satisfaction of decluttering your space.

02. Refurbish and resell home goods and furnishings

If you don’t have items of your own to offer, but do have a knack for spotting castoff treasures at local estate sales, try scooping up bargains and reselling them online. “Shabby chic” and “coastal grandma” aesthetics favor funky and one-of-a-kind items, and with a fresh coat of paint or polish, you can command prices that more than cover your investment. To capitalize on the latest trends, research what’s selling on eBay, Craigslist, Kaiyo and Bookoo.

03. Make and sell crafts

If you enjoy pottery, leatherworking, knitting, jewelry making or other handicrafts, turn your artisanal output into income by selling your goods online. Internet marketplaces such as Etsy or eBay can connect you with individuals in search of unique handmade items, or you can create your own online storefront with a dedicated eCommerce website—much like Handlebend has done for their collection of handmade copper mugs.

If you’re ready to scale up and sell wholesale, websites like Faire or Abound can connect you with retail partners selling artisanal wares.

Learn more: How to sell crafts online