Everyone loves the idea of earning extra cash without breaking a sweat. Especially in times when budgets are tight, finding “lazy” ways to make money can make a big difference. Here are seven straightforward, low-effort ideas to help you bring in some extra income while sticking to your usual routine.
- Rent Out What You Already Own
One of the easiest ways to make extra cash is by renting out things you already have. You’d be surprised at the variety of items people are willing to pay for! From cars to parking spots, there are many platforms designed to connect you with renters.
Your Car: Apps like Turo and Getaround let you rent out your car for a day, week, or month, depending on availability. Turo’s tool even estimates your potential earnings. Getaround’s average user makes around $6,000 a year, which could fund a vacation or help with bills.
Parking Spot: If you have a parking space in a crowded city, rent it out using Curbflip or SpotHero. In high-demand areas, you could make $15–$35 a day, adding up to several thousand dollars a year.
Household Items: Platforms like Zilok let you rent out things like bikes, cameras, or even kayaks. These are items you may already own but don’t use daily, making them perfect candidates for short-term rentals.
- Start an Investing Piggy Bank
Investing might be the laziest way to make money over time, as it lets your money work for you. The idea here is to set up a small investment account—your “investing piggy bank”—and drop in unexpected cash or small savings.
You can start with as little as $1, meaning that anyone can begin investing.
Every time you receive an extra bit of cash, like a refund, a bonus, or even a gift from a relative, drop it in the investment account.
Using services like Wealthsimple, which offer beginner-friendly investment tools, you can automate deposits and let your money grow in the background. Wealthsimple also allows for socially responsible investing.
- Form an Airbnb Buddy System
If you live in an area with high Airbnb demand, consider partnering with a friend in a “buddy system” to make money by renting out your place. Here’s how it works:
One of you rents out your home for a set time, like a weekend, and stays at the other’s place. The next month, you switch.
You each get a cozy place to stay with a friend and earn money without changing much in your daily routine.
This method works best if both homes are in desirable areas and are eligible for Airbnb rentals.
- Participate in Surveys and Focus Groups
If you have a few spare minutes here and there, online surveys and focus groups are simple ways to earn extra cash.
SurveyJunkie and Swagbucks are popular sites for taking short surveys. With Swagbucks, you can also earn points by watching videos or shopping, redeemable for gift cards.
For bigger payouts, look into Respondent, which offers online focus groups. Depending on the focus group, you could make $100–$200 an hour, though qualification depends on your profile.
- Declutter and Sell Unused Items
Selling items you no longer need can be a great way to make money while organizing your home. Here are some tips:
Clothing: List items on sites like Poshmark, ThredUp, or check out local consignment shops. Clean and take good photos of each item to maximize its value.
Electronics: Old tech like phones or cameras can be sold on specialized websites, often fetching good prices if they’re in working condition.
Furniture and Books: Larger items like furniture can sell well on sites like Facebook Marketplace, while certain books (especially textbooks) can also bring in extra cash.
- Monetize Everyday Activities
There are surprising ways to make money from your everyday habits and hobbies. Here’s a few:
HealthyWage lets you bet on your weight loss goals. If you meet your target, you earn a cash reward—motivation and profit in one!
Sweatcoin pays you in its own currency for every step you take, which you can trade for rewards. It’s perfect for anyone already doing a lot of walking.
Sell Your Hair: If you’re planning a big haircut, consider selling your hair. Virgin hair, especially long and undyed, can be worth hundreds of dollars. There are even calculators online to help estimate your hair’s value.
- Pet Sitting for Cash
Pet sitting offers the benefits of a side gig with all the cuteness of animal company. You can either stay in the pet owner’s home or have them drop off their pet with you.
Sites like Rover connect you with local pet owners looking for sitters. You can set your schedule, rates, and type of service.
If you’re more interested in a travel experience, consider TrustedHouseSitters. Instead of earning cash, you’ll house and pet sit in exchange for free accommodation, which could save hundreds on travel expenses.
Making extra money doesn’t always mean grinding away at a second job. These methods allow you to earn while still keeping things low-effort. Give one (or several!) a try, and see how a few small changes can add up to a noticeable boost in your budget.
