This is a collaborative post.
Running a family is arguably more difficult now than it has been in past years. A lot of this is down to finances and the cost of living. It is far more common now for both parents to need to earn money as well as look after their children.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or you want an extra income stream due to financial issues or a desire to save more money, it can be a good idea to set up a business from home.
You can scale a home business according to your needs, abilities, and the time you have. Some people work an extra few hours a week, while others try to grow their business to a full-time venture. You can also work at different hours depending on the kind of business you have, which can work great for tricky schedules.
Here are a few business ideas to consider.
Crafts and Clothing
If you have any skill with crafts or art, you can turn your hobby into a profitable business. This can range from small and simple crafts to more complicated things like custom clothing. Often, this works best when you have the space and tools for it at home.
The tricky thing about a small-scale production line is working out the right price. Materials are expensive and once you factor in the amount of time it takes to make something, you might end up having to sell things for more than you’d expect to make a profit.
One way to get around this is to lean into the homemade side of your business. People will pay a premium for something that’s high quality and made by hand. Market your products accordingly, by investing in good packaging and things like clothing labels to represent your brand.
Van Businesses
If you have a van and some skills, you have a few good potential business ideas to work with.
Jobs like window cleaning, gardening, and working as a handyperson all benefit from a van, skills, and the right tools and equipment. You can earn a fair amount of money by working in your local area. Mobile dog groomers, florists, and hairdressers also work out of vans.
You can also use that extra space to deliver parcels and packages as a courier. You can pick your hours and work at times that are convenient for you.
Working From a Laptop
Some businesses are more convenient because all you need is a laptop and a quiet place to work. Freelance writers can work from home and at unsociable hours, meaning that you can get things done while your children are asleep.
This is incredibly flexible but does require some set-up, skill, and the time to build up your customers. You can even write a book and publish it yourself.
Other jobs that work in this way include graphic design, consultancy jobs, and digital artwork. You can do what you love and earn money.
