You might be surprised to know there is also plenty of money to be made in your own home.
Even if you think you haven’t got anything much to sell, I guarantee there is a whole pile of stuff sitting at the back of your wardrobe or in your loft that someone, somewhere, will buy from you.
You can work your way up through the rooms one at a time, beginning in the loft. Take a moment to look at every item and ask yourself if you’re really going to wear that jacket again or read that book, or if you are holding on to it for other reasons.
This could be because it is sentimental or that you paid a lot for it.
Whatever it is, if you know in your heart that you’re not going to use or wear it again, then put it in the declutter pile and start making money!
1. eBay allows you to create your very own shop.
Because eBay has such a large audience, both nationally and internationally, I enjoy selling my clothes and small home goods on it. This allows me to get the maximum number of people bidding.
It’s great that eBay allows customers to rate your products, which can help you build a reputation and loyal customers.
As a seller, you are covered legally, so if a customer doesn’t pay you can open up a dispute case and get things sorted.
These items are usually small enough to be shipped, from quality brands, and they hold their value. Designer clothes, high-quality shoes and bags, as well as unused costume jewellery, and other home goods such candlesticks and placemats are all items I sell regularly.
Pictures are the key to a successful sale. Find a space that is uncluttered and create a home studio using a simple background and natural light.
Make sure to take many photos from different angles of the product so customers feel like they have a clear view of it.
On a typical fashion website such as Zara or Boohoo, you’ll get about eight pictures for each item, so follow their lead and put as many pics as you can on there.
Put clothes on a wooden or metal hanger. Style the photo with flowers or pictures in frames. You can look at the images in an online shop and bring some of that aesthetic to your photos.
If there are any flaws, show them clearly – there is no point trying to hide them as the item will only get sent back.
Boost your sale potential by being descriptive and informative: instead of saying ‘blue top’, say ‘Whistles blue silk blouse 12 SS20 vintage fashion’.
eBay is a great place to sell old clothing and other small items. It has an international, large-scale audience that allows you to reach as many people as possible.
2. Create a Facebook Marketplace stall
I love using Facebook Marketplace for shifting larger items at a local level – buyers usually collect their items so you don’t need to worry about postage.
You still need to take clear photographs and describe your item’s faults, if it has any.
3. Old mobile phones can be sold for cash
The old phone in your drawer may be worth many hundreds of pounds.
You can simply type your model number into one of many mobile phone recycle websites. Once you have a rough idea of its value, just send it to us and we will pay the cash. Before you send it, make sure it is back in its factory setting.
If you find a really ancient phone, it’s worth checking on eBay, as people will pay good money for old tech – the older and rarer the model, the better. The first Nokia mobile phones from the 1980s are fetching up to £1,000.
4. Say ‘yes’ to online surveys that pay out
You can search online for sites that offer surveys. Each site has a different way of paying you, however many offer cash or vouchers.
Surveys won’t make you rich in a hurry, but they can boost your bank balance and is usually something easy that you can do even while watching TV.
5. Install a teacher/student in your home
If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, it could be earning you thousands of pounds a year.
I’ve let a bedroom to trainee teachers from France on work experience at the local secondary school and we really enjoyed having them to stay.
You could also offer digs to touring performers or language students visiting your area for short periods – they probably won’t be at home much.
For assistance, contact your school or theatre to learn how to be added to their accommodation waiting lists.
6. Your parking space can make your way.
Many commuters drive from work to get to their station or train station. Parking is expensive in some areas.
Having an extra car in the drive or the garage might make no difference to you (it could even act as a burglar deterrent) and could earn you £50 a month. JustPark offers a special app that allows you to park your car in a designated area.
You might also consider renting parking spaces if your commute to work is frequent.
7 Rent out your home when you’re away
It is possible to earn some serious money by renting out your property on Airbnb.
In 2020 the average rent for a seven-night stay in the UK was about £600. That’s £2,400 a month!
I have friends who let their houses when they go on holiday – which means their holiday pays for itself – and I know someone who lets her flat one week a month while she stays with her mother.
Even if you don’t live in a desirable part of the country, someone might need accommodation for business reasons, or for visiting relatives. Make sure you do your homework and find out if this is feasible.
If you’ve got a messy home or family members who don’t like the idea of shipping out on a regular basis, then renting your home might not work. But if you’re a minimalist who likes to get away, it could be a lifesaver.
The photos will determine your ability to successfully let any property. Take shots that show all the aspects you would like if you were staying there – the kitchen looking clean, freshly made beds, nice views if you have them, a comfy living space.
You can save a lot of time by taking the extra effort to take those photos.
Louise Atkinson, Money Mum Official – Save Yourself Happy, Gemma Bird.