Looking to earn some extra cash? Here’s seven ways you can with items you already have at home
We’re loving the latest minimalistic consumer trend that is all about focusing on what you really need as opposed to what you want. Not only does this give us a chance to clear out some clutter, but it’s also great for the planet. However, what if you could make some extra dough with items lying around your house? It’s no secret that the rising cost of living is leaving us strapped for cash. Having some easy, eco-friendly options that help organise our homes and make us money sounds like a win-win. Below are some ways you can finally make use of those old items you have no idea what to do with.
Trade-in smartphones for cash
Old smartphones are now one of the easiest ways for you to bring in some extra coins. Vodafone recently launched a new trade-in service that can earn you up €400. For existing Vodafone customers, you can avail of the online trade-in service. Non-existing customers must go in-store. Smartphone manufacturing makes up 80% of their carbon footprint. Trading in your old phones means that they can be refurbished and repurposed. Less waste in the manufacturing process and more money in your pocket. Count us in. More information here.
Repair old items
How many potential antiques do you own that are buried somewhere in your attic or garage? An old typewriter or a priceless watch perhaps? How many of these things have you written off because they don’t work exactly as they use to? Getting these pieces repaired may be a small price to pay for earning huge on them. It might be time to clear out the garage and see if you can find any long-lost treasure.
Hidden Gems
Did you know that games like Super Mario RPG and Mega Man X3 can earn you up to €500? Selling your retro video games is one of the easiest ways to make money. Other surprising collectors items that can earn you hundreds are old Pokémon cards. Yes, those cards you collected when you were a child are considered quite valuable in today’s world. If you still have them and they are still in good nick, why not see how much they could be worth?
Designer pieces
Apps such as Vestiaire Collective are great for selling pre-loved designer pieces. If you once purchased a pricey handbag that you have worn maybe once or twice, perhaps it’s time to give it a new home. Vestiaire allows you to sell bags, shoes, clothing, accessories and jewellery. So long as your piece is in good condition, making up to €2000 on big brand names such as Chanel is more than within your reach. Sign up here.
Clothes
The easiest way to make money is by clearing out your wardrobe and selling your unwanted garments. Apps such as Depop are perfect for this. As well as being eco-friendly, Depop is a great platform for starting a business – if you happen to get a taste for selling clothes. Approximately 22,000 sales are made on Depop per day. Some of its famous users include, singer Lily Allen (@lilyallen), Italian blogger and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) and Irish blogger Erika Fox (@retroflame). Sign up here.
Furniture
Getting rid of unwanted furniture can be easily done on Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Selling old baby cribs or bed frames – if you’re able to part with them – is a great way to clear up some space in your home and earn up to €500. As well as that, giving your old furniture a new home prolongs it’s life, meaning less production of brand new pieces, less waste and less pollution harming our planet.
Make money from your hobbies
Perhaps it’s knitting, crocheting, or even painting. Maybe someone bought you a ‘how to’ book for Christmas one year that you have never even opened. What if there is a money making machine, lying right before you eyes? If you have a talent, and you’re looking to earn some more money, why not try setting up a business to make a profit doing something that you love? The best part about having a side hustle is that you set the rules. You can devote as much or as little time to it as you want. As well as being highly profitable, devoting more time to your hobbies is a great form of self-care. That is definitely something that we can get behind.