Looking to make some extra money? Instead of going down the same old road of doing surveys or starting a side hustle online, why not think outside the box with some of the weird and wonderful ways you can make money right now?

1. Become a Heir Hunter and Track Down Hidden Fortunes

Yes, you can actually get paid to hunt down people’s long-lost inheritances! Heir hunters, like the team at Blanchards, are like real-life treasure seekers who dig through records, family trees, and dusty documents to locate heirs of unclaimed estates. When someone passes away without a will, heir hunters step in to track down any distant relatives who might be entitled to a slice of the pie. It’s like being a detective, but with the promise of a cash reward if you help someone discover their surprise inheritance. And who knows – maybe you’re owed an inheritance yourself. Check the UK’s Bona Vacantia list to see if there’s anything with your name on it!

2. Get Paid to Test Sleep Quality (Nap Your Way to Cash)

Sleeping is not only one of the most pleasant things we can do, but it is also vital for our health and wellbeing. So, what if I told you that you could actually get paid to do it? Yes, it’s totally possible to make money while you sleep if you become a professional sleep tester who is paid to try out beds, pillows mattresses and things like that. It’s a tough gig to get (for obvious reasons) but it might be worth a try!

3. Rent Out Your Driveway (Yes, Really)

Did you know you could make money from your driveway? If you live in a city, near a train station, stadium, or anywhere with pricey parking, people will actually pay to use your drive. Websites like JustPark let you list your space and start raking in cash without lifting a finger. Think about it – your drive is already sitting there, and now it can sit there and make money for you. It’s the ultimate “work smarter, not harder” gig.

4. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr – No Matter How Random

If you’ve got a unique skill – no matter how bizarre – someone on Fiverr probably wants to pay for it. Can you write personalised poems? Make animal sounds on command? Or even pretend to be someone’s “accountability buddy”? There are all kinds of gigs on Fiverr that people are willing to pay for, and it doesn’t have to be a traditional job skill. The weirder and more unique, the better. People have paid for everything from singing telegrams to motivational voicemails, so if you’ve got a quirky talent, this could be your chance to monetise it!

5. Sell Stock Photos of Odd Things

If you’ve got a knack for photography, why not turn those snapshots into cash? You don’t need to be a pro, either – people buy stock photos of everything from hands holding coffee mugs to… well, pretty much anything! Got a picture of your cat looking dramatic? Snap a photo of your morning toast that somehow turned out like modern art? Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock let you upload photos, and you get paid every time someone downloads one. Start photographing your world, and who knows – your next snapshot could become a bestseller.

6. Become a Mystery Shopper – Get Paid to Shop and Dine Out

Imagine walking into shops, ordering food, or even going to the cinema – and getting paid for it! Mystery shopping lets you do just that. Companies hire mystery shoppers to review customer service, product quality, and overall experience at restaurants, retail stores, and even hotels. You get paid to report back on your experience, and some companies even reimburse your spending. You’re essentially getting paid to act like a VIP customer – and if that’s not a win-win, I don’t know what is!

Need some extra cash? Thinking outside the box might just be the best thing you can do!