Start with selling

Selling unwanted items on Vinted or eBay is the fastest starting point with zero skill requirement and zero cost. Most people have enough to make £100-£500 from an initial clear-out. This also helps you understand how online marketplaces work before moving to more active selling.

Local services

Dog walking, cleaning, gardening and ironing require no formal qualifications and can be started by telling people in your local area or advertising on Nextdoor and Facebook groups. Word of mouth grows these quickly in residential areas.

Paid surveys

Prolific and YouGov are good first options — the income is modest but they require no skill and can be done in spare minutes. Treat them as supplementary while you develop a higher-value option.

Leverage what you already know

What skills, knowledge or experience do you have? Accounting knowledge, language skills, sports coaching, music, cooking — all can be monetised. Tutoring is one of the highest-earning accessible options if you have relevant subject knowledge.