Side Hustle Ideas

Sure, you work all day to earn a decent living that covers your basic expenses, but who couldn’t use a little extra moola, especially around the holidays?

Side hustles are called this for a reason: you do them outside your regular job, and you’ve gotta hit the ground running and keep up pace to earn the big bucks.

Here are 31 suggestions to get you started with your side hustle:

1. Sell your extra stuff on eBay

Got extra merch? Set up your own store on eBay with a seller account, then write some catchy copy to lure in customers. Your inventory can include everything from new socks to bicycle tires, you name it. Find a niche and start offering advice, such as how to install bike tires; your customers will be grateful for the extra how-to info.

2. Break out your camera and take photos

Practice makes perfect, and once you’ve mastered the art of photography, you can sell your masterpieces online. Or create a portfolio (doesn’t matter if it’s pics of your Aunt Margaret or Uncle Hal; no one will know), then market yourself as an events photographer for proms, birthday parties and graduations.

3. Teach a continuing education class

If you’ve learned something others could use, such as couponing or managing a budget, you can contact schools in your area and make a pitch to teach a class for adults. Think outside the box: there are courses out there on how to make the perfect cheese omelet, how to plan a cruise and learning to swing dance. These are typically done at night, which makes this hustle a win-win.

4. Create and sell your own online course

Use your notes from your night class to launch your own course online. You can teach anything from house training a dog to how to change the oil in a car, to how to make those perfect frosting flowers when decorating a cake.

If you are interested in creating an online course, check out this free training by one of the blog authors! Click here to get started.

5. Design logos for small businesses

If you have a flair for design, contact local or even regional small businesses with suggestions it’s time to revamp their company logo. Create a portfolio of unique insignias with unusual fonts and bold colors and send samples to your potential client list. Your first step can be making a logo for your own design biz!

If you want to take this a step further, post your graphic design gig on Fiverr and create logos for people all over the world!

6. Complete data entry for clients

This could be the ideal work-from-home side job for you, since it only involves your time, and your computer. You can set your own hours – if you’re a morning person, dig in before your day job. Conversely, if you’re a night person, brew the coffee after dinner and work as long as you like. Try googling “data entry jobs” to launch this side hustle.

7. Rent out your garage space

This is a great incentive to sort out the junk that’s accumulated in your garage, which some people think of as a spare room. Downsize your belongings, clear out the garage and offer it for a monthly rental fee. Many people seek space for their vehicles, particularly in the winter months. You may even get a bidding war going on this one!

8. Rent out your spare rooms

While we’re on the topic of renting space, why not offer that spare bedroom you’re not using to a tenant? Today’s leases cover just about everything, from the landlord’s rights to damage to property. Plus, you’ll be on site to keep an eye on things. Google sample leases online to find one that offers you the right amount of protection, and don’t forget to ask for references from all potential tenants. Set a short-term lease, such as month to month, if you’re uncertain about making a 12-month commitment.

9. Deliver food for people

Lots of hungry people would happily pay for delivery of their fave fast food right to their doorstep. Hand out flyers or better still, business cards touting your service, and be prepared to work late hours and weekends. Along with a standard rate, you can expect to receive tips for exceptionally good service. Invest in a well-insulated carrying package to keep the burgers and tacos warm on the way.

10. Be a designated or private driver

While we’re talking about earning cash with your vehicle, how about advertising your services As a Designated Driver? Lots of (smart) people are looking to party safely and would be happy to enlist your freelance services.

This is also work you can do evenings and weekends. You could also offer your services as a private driver. Some people are looking for something a little more personal than an Uber driver. A suit and tie can go a long way!

11. Design websites for clients

Many people lack the time, knowledge and imagination to launch a website, but if you’ve got the time and savvy, put it to good use and make a pretty penny! Do a quick search of businesses in a particular category, such as pet salons or auto repair shops, and check out their websites. Contact them with suggestions for improvements and make your pitch.

12. Watch apartments and houses for friends

These days, many people prefer not to leave an empty house or apartment when they’re traveling. Get together a list of solid references so people know you’re trustworthy, then get the buzz going about your service on social media. Eventually, business will grow through word-of-mouth. You can charge more if the gig includes taking care of a pet!

13. Pet sitting

Believe it or not, there are people who want socialization so their dog doesn’t feel isolated while they go to work. This is the ultimate win-win, because you’ll get paid to play fetch or toss around dog toys for your customer’s pooch. Offer extra services such as combing snarly hair or taking the dog out for a walk, and your pay will rise exponentially.

14. Flip cars on Craigslist

One of the best ways to make some extra side money is flipping cars. If you know what you are looking for, you can find great deals on used cars online. This is usually a result of a seller needing to get rid of a car that day for some reason. While you should be mechanically inclined, this can be a great way to make some extra side income!

Check out this video here. These guys flipped a 2007 Toyota Camry for a hefty profit of $1,000! You can too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlI-izpksyk&t=45s

15. Rent out your car

This is a great choice if you live someplace where you can walk to work or to the downtown and can get by without your vehicle for a weekend or a couple days during the week. One caveat: check with your insurance carrier to see what coverage you need, but once you have your premiums paid, you’re good to go.

16. Offer a writing service

This involves both writing and some design skills, but practice up and produce some great samples and you’ll see clients coming in by the droves. Your samples don’t have to be for actual people; you can dream up backgrounds and career goals and prepare something that stands out from the crowd.

17. Catering

If you love to cook and are able to present food in an attractive way, this is the hustle for you. People will pay good money for home cooked and baked items as small as a birthday cake and as large as a full course meal for 20 or a picnic for the entire corporation. Develop a menu of items you feel comfortable whipping up (bonus points for dusting off that old recipe for Swedish meatballs from your Granny, or the apple crisp that’s been in the family forever), and post it on social media. Ask satisfied clients for positive feedback and post testimonials singing your praises. Now, get in the kitchen and start making your magic!

18. Tutoring

From high school geometry and social studies to college essays and coursework, people will pay good money for private tutoring. Offer reasonable rates and tutor in your areas of expertise, and you’ll soon have repeat customers. Bonus points if you relieve parents of the challenge of learning new math to help with their child’s homework.

19. Teach basic computer skills

Many folks in the older generation haven’t learned how to even turn on a laptop or use their phone for anything more than making calls. Offer private or small group lessons and patiently go from A to B with easy to follow steps. Keep in mind your students may be starting with zero knowledge, and be patient. Gauge the progress of your group or student to judge how many sessions will be needed to bring them up to speed.

20. Teach music lessons

If you’ve been strumming away for years and feel comfortable teaching the basics, advertise your services for lessons. People who’ve wanted to play this popular instrument will pay for private lessons to bring out their inner musician.

21. Small repair work

Handy with a hammer and nails? There are tons of people out there looking for help with small household repairs. Remember, no job is too small for you to help (and charge for). You’ll likely be working evenings and weekends, but the extra cash will go straight into that vacation fund or whatever you’re saving for.

22. Personal training and nutrition consulting

If you’re a gym rat and have an outgoing personality, offer your services as a personal trainer to motivate couch potatoes to put together a cardio and weights workout they can do at the local Y or in their home with a small investment of weights. Once they start seeing results, they will recommend you to their friends.

23. Offer cooking lessons

People love cooking lessons because they get to sample the finished product and take home the leftovers. These can be anything from orange chicken to fudge cake. Most schools and churches have kitchens that can accommodate groups, so find a location and get cooking!

24. House cleaning

In today’s rushed lifestyle, many people simply do not have the time to scrub the tub, dust and wash the kitchen floor. Grab a friend and some basic cleaning products (some customers will have their own to use) and market your services on social media. You can offer extra services like doing a load of laundry or running the dishwasher that will earn a great hourly wage and even tips.

25. Snow removal

You will have a full list of customers if you’re willing to rise early after a snowfall and clear snow from driveways and sidewalks. Offer to break up ice on the front steps and put down rock salt as well.

26. Window washing

This household chore is dreaded by most home owners, even though it only requires some Windex and a squeegee. Today’s windows pop right out for easy cleaning! You can charge by the hour, or by the window, and the sparkling results will mean repeat business for you.

27. Clean pools

Once you learn this task, you’ll be swimming in customers. Skimming off leaves and vacuuming the pool is a chore many people who can afford a pool don’t have time for.

28. Mobile oil changes

Make a mobile business out of changing oil on driveways and you will have customers that call every time they need a change. Try charging 5% less than some pricey motor oil places charge, and still see a hearty profit.

29. Painting service

Grab a few friends and some brushes and tape and launch a business painting walls and exterior pieces like gates and shutters and mailbox stands.

Most people like the stage of picking out colors from swatches at home improvement stores, but procrastinate badly about doing the actual painting. You’d be surprised how hard it is to find a painting crew. Snap pics of your finished work and ask customers to serve as references to bring this business to the next level.

30. Home staging

Learn a little about aesthetics and offer your services to people trying to sell their house. Arrange furniture and artwork to make the house look cozy and inviting. Don’t forget to put some cinnamon sticks simmering on the stove for a scent that makes potential buyers feel like the house could be their home!

31. Mobile car wash

Have you seen the price of commercial car washes these days? They’re very high, and there are often delays as people sit in line on sunny days. Grab some buckets and soap and use their hose to wash their Hondas on the driveway. Do little extras like hand drying to a brilliant shine and even offering waxing services and you will drive away with a ton of extra cash.

Got an idea for a side hustle that we missed? Comment below!

Happy Hustling!