How to make money as a stay-at-home mom in 2026

8. Resell thrifted or vintage goods

If you’ve got an eye for style, turn it into a home-based business by flipping secondhand treasures. Hunt through thrift stores, flea markets, or yard sales for unique clothing, accessories, or decor, then sell them online through Etsy, Vinted, Depop, or Vestiaire Collective.

Vintage fashion and retro home pieces are in high demand – the second-hand fashion market is expected to grow from $208.6 billion in 2025 to $521.5 billion in 2034.

Buyers are happy to pay for rare finds. You can start small, photographing items on your phone and listing them from home. 

With each sale, you’ll gain experience in styling, pricing, and storytelling – and soon, your hobby can grow into a steady stream of extra income and profit from timeless style.

Related:  21 trending products you could start selling online this year

9. Handle customer support

If you’re patient and good at problem-solving, customer support could be your perfect fit. Many companies hire remote agents to earn steady extra cash by helping customers through chat, email, or phone.

This type of work suits both full-time and part-time schedules and offers flexible schedules that work around family life. 

You’ll be:

Plenty of online communities share openings for reputable services, so it’s easy to find legitimate roles and build experience. Whether you handle a few calls a day or run full shifts, it’s a stable, people-focused way to make money from home.

10. Offer virtual assistance services

As a virtual assistant, you help business owners and entrepreneurs stay on top of daily tasks while working from home. It’s a practical side hustle that lets you earn money with flexible schedules and grow at your own pace.

Your services can include:

• Managing emails and calendars

• Scheduling social media posts

• Organizing digital files

• Planning trips or meetings

Source: Ujet

Start by offering support to one or two clients, then expand as your skills and expertise grow. When you attract clients who value reliability and communication, your income increases, too. Virtual assisting pays well for organized multitaskers who enjoy structure and independence.

11. Offer childcare services

Many working parents need reliable help, and offering childcare services from your home is a simple way to earn money while staying close to your own kids.

It’s a sweet spot for moms who can dedicate a few hours a day or week. Start by helping fellow parents who are heading back to the office or need after-school coverage. 

Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to steady clients and new jobs, and you can adjust your rates based on the hours or services provided.

This is one of those flexible ways to find balance – providing real value for families while earning solid pay and steady profit.

12. Pet-sitting or dog-walking 

Animal lovers can turn their affection for furry friends into extra income through pet sitting or dog walking. It’s a relaxing, flexible way to stay active and earn while spending time with animals.

Start small by helping neighbors or friends, then grow by listing your services on trusted websites like Rover or Care.com. Pet owners are always searching for reliable helpers, so it’s easy to find potential clients through local Facebook groups or community boards.

Whether you’re hosting pets at home or taking them out for daily walks, this side gig adds variety to your routine and can bring joy while earning steady pay.

13. Share your knowledge online

Turn what you already know into income by teaching or mentoring others through online classes. Whether it’s education, a language, or a personal passion, this side hustle allows you to share real value while maintaining flexible schedules.

You don’t need a classroom – only expertise and a laptop.

• Offer live tutoring for students who need help with school subjects.

• Host small workshops in online communities focused on hobbies like painting, baking, or writing.

• Teach other moms problem-solving skills, like managing time or budgeting efficiently.

• Share your experience with self-publishing, helping others publish books without middlemen.

Teaching online builds skills, helps others grow, and lets you earn extra money doing something meaningful from home.

14. Show off your graphic design skills

If you’ve got an eye for design, graphic design or UX/UI design can be an incredibly rewarding remote career. From logos and posters to full websites and mobile apps, design work is in constant demand.

Here’s how to stand out and start getting noticed:

• Conduct research on design trends and build a clean, consistent portfolio.

• Create content for Instagram or LinkedIn that shows before-and-after projects or behind-the-scenes sketches.

• Attract clients by networking in creative communities and design job boards.

• Once you gain confidence, set prices for your projects based on scope and turnaround time.

It’s creative, flexible, and perfect for visual thinkers who want to turn imagination into income.

Quick tip: 

Check platforms like Glassdoor or Salary.com to get a clear idea of average pay rates before setting your prices.

15. Turn your spare bedroom into income

Source: Unsplash

If you have a spare bedroom, think beyond long-term tenants. That space can become a mini online business, bringing in occasional cash without disrupting family life.

You could:

• Host short-term guests through websites like Airbnb when relatives aren’t visiting.

• Offer it as a cozy home office or creative studio for freelancers needing quiet space.

• Use it to film content, record podcasts, or run a small workshop from home.

The goal isn’t to fill your house with strangers, but to make smart use of unused space in ways that fit your comfort level and schedule.