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Think your garden shed is only for tools? With the right setup, it could become a space that makes you money. You can set it up for projects that pay, even without a big budget or fancy equipment. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
Creative and Practical Ideas to Make Money from Your Shed
Your shed has plenty of potential beyond storage that can help you earn extra income. These ideas are a few examples, which are all practical and easy to start.
Set up a garden gym for online content
Use your shed or garden space as a simple workout studio. Many people look for fitness videos online, and you can contribute by recording your sessions at home. Good lighting and a decent camera are enough to get you started.
Stay consistent with posting on social media, like YouTube or TikTok, to build an audience. Building followers takes time, but once you get there, you can start earning through:
- Ads
- Sponsorships
- Paid memberships
This is worth a try if you enjoy fitness and want to share it with others.
If decoration is your thing, you could even focus your content on the gym shed setup itself.
Start a craft or art studio
Or why not use your shed as a hobby studio if you’re into art or a crafty person? Whether it’s pottery, painting, or DIY, having a dedicated space makes a difference.
You can then sell your work online, on sites like Etsy, to find customers. Local markets are also worth checking out if you want to meet people face-to-face.
If this sounds like what you need, we have more tips for you here: Give Your Hobby a Home with a Garden Workshop
Offer a home-based salon or therapy room
With the right qualifications, use your shed for nail, massage, or haircut appointments. To be ready to offer this, you’ll need the following:
- Insurance that covers your business activities
- Keeping hygiene standards high
- Shed insulation and heating to keep the space comfortable all year
- Good lighting and ventilation for a pleasant environment
Planning permission usually isn’t needed if the shed looks the same and visits stay low. Still, check with your local council to be sure. This guide might also help: How to Create Your Own Log Cabin Beauty Salon
Host workshops or classes
A bigger shed gives you space to run small classes or workshops. Think about what you’re good at—is it gardening, crafts, cooking, or something else? Teach that. You’ll need enough room for a handful of people to move about and use any materials.
Get the word out through local groups or social media to find people interested. And you’ll soon start connecting with others who share your interests!
Check out these shed sizes for reference.
Sell homegrown produce
Your shed can be just the place to get veggies and herbs going before you plant them outside. Examples are tomatoes, peppers, salad leaves, basil, chives, and parsley.
It’s a bonus if your shed comes with windows, as the plants benefit from natural light. Fresh air is important too; if the windows can’t be opened, consider adding vents or using the door instead. Another is insulation to keep the shed warm, and so your plants have better chances to thrive in winter.
When your produce is ready, you can sell to neighbours, local markets, or online.
Can I Rent Out My Shed?
In theory, yes you can. However, this comes with a lot of legal requirements (including planning permission) and would require you to heavily modify the shed to meet living standards.
We’ve got a full guide on this: Can You Rent Out Your Shed?
Round-up
There’s more to your shed than just storing tools and garden equipment. From workout videos to crafts or classes, there are creative and practical ways to use your shed. It might take some time, but starting small and sticking to what fits your space and skills pays off.
Get more tips here: How to Start a Business from a Garden Building
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