If you search ‘how to make rent’ on Google, there are over 20 million results. Most of them are full of terrible or horrifying advice. We’ve collected some ways to make extra cash when rent is almost due that practically anyone can do - and you won’t have to sell your plasma.

Sell your shit

This method’s benefits are two-fold: you will simultaneously make a little extra cash and also clear out some space in your apartment. That collection of Blu-rays you brought with you to college to impress the ladies? Sell them on Decluttr. That outfit you wore once and will never wear again? List it on Depop or Poshmark. The books you bought because you thought they would make you look smart? Enter the ISBN on Bookscouter and it will show you how much you can get from a variety of book buyback sites so you can maximize your profit. Finally, if your grandma got you an Urban Outfitters giftcard for Christmas but you need to pay your rent more than you need a new neon crop top, get cash for it on Cardpool.

Do some odd jobs

If you know some stressed out parents, start dropping hints, like, “You two seem like you could really use a date night, and I could really use help making rent. How about I babysit?” Milk any personal connections you have to offer dog walking, or any other random task you may be qualified to do. If you have no friends, there are websites that can help you with this, loser. TaskRabbit is an app that allows people to list odd jobs they need done, and you can offer your help. Fiverr and Upwork are resources that help connect freelancers with those in need of freelance work. Craigslist is the enemy when it comes to apartment hunting, but the Gigs section is a great way to make a quick buck - just keep an eye out for old men offering money to suck your toes.

Share some information

Thanks to the advancement of technology, you can now earn money by simply giving companies information that they want. Amazing! Thanks, Cambridge Analytica! This may seem shady, but when you’re afraid of getting evicted, who cares? Ibotta is an app that offers cash back on certain grocery store purchases - just upload a picture of your receipt and get your money within 48 hours. There are tons of sites that will pay you (admittedly small amounts) for completing surveys. Many try to swindle you with ‘points’ or free products you don’t need, but Swagbucks, MySurvey and Vivatic all pay real cash. Real life focus groups and market research studies are huge too, and often pay more than an online survey will if you can handle interacting face to face with other humans. Check FocusGroup for some in your area - they’re usually aimed at a specific age range, or people with particular medical conditions.

We have to mention it…

It’s us, so, you know, we have to start by saying this: The cheaper your rent, the easier it is to make your rent payments without participating in some crazy get rich schemes. Subletting is almost always cheaper than finding an apartment the traditional way. So, next time you’re looking to move, look through all the places available to sublet on Caretaker. And while you’re at it, take a second to read up on why subletting is better than signing your soul away with a traditional lease. Honestly, you could even sublet your current place and move into a cheaper one. That may seem drastic, but we make it pretty easy.

As always, slide into our DMs with any questions you have about renting - we're here to help.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Bell


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