Side Hustles: Ways to make extra money #1

Whether you are trying to save up $1,000 for an emergency fund, saving up for Christmas gifts or just need more income, the following side hustles could be just what you’re looking for!

Bird Scooter Charging
If you live in cities like DC or Los Angeles, you may have noticed a new mode of getting around, scooters. These electric scooters contain batteries and these batteries need to be recharged.  Each recharge can bring in $3-5. To become an official Bird recharger you need to apply at https://chargers.bird.co/join. 

Cleaning Shopping Center Parking Lots
Although this may take some initiative and research to find the right person to talk with, cleaning up shopping center parking lots can be a profitable and consistent side hustle. You will likely need to create a contract and have proof of insurance but then the costs are minimal. Keeping a lot clean could consist of once or twice a day walking the lot for trash or even making it a weekly service. You may also be able to include upkeep of the lawns and trees if you’re skilled in these areas. 

Flipping Houses on Days Off
Some occupations, like nursing, have 2-3 days off between shifts. To make the most of this time off you may want to consider using the extra time to flip houses. One single traveling nurse reported purchasing a home in the area she was living at the time, renting out the extra bedrooms to other traveling nurses and fixing up the house on her days off. Then she would sell the house when moving to a new location. The rent from the guests covered the mortgage costs and utilities.

Rent Out Rooms in Your House to Students or Young Single Professionals
If you are single or have a home that is larger than you need, you could rent out the extra rooms in your house. This could be especially successful in higher population areas where there are young professional singles looking for an inexpensive place to live or near a college or university. The rent brought in by the guests could cover the mortgage and utilities. 

Rent Out Your RV
There are many people who have an RV sitting in their driveway that is depreciating. But that RV could actually be an asset. New companies such as Outdoorsy.com who connect RV owners with RV renters. It has been reported that one family was able to save their home when out of work by renting out their RV. The average annual income through RV rentals depends on the region but can be about ($10,000-30,000 per year). This side hustle could be taken one step further by purchasing a few RV’s to rent and making it a full salary job. 

Coffee Cart or Ice Cream Stand
People like Ice Cream and Coffee. Why not give them what they want and make some money at the same time. Used vending carts can be found online on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. At the right location, such as near a business park or university, a food service could be a lucrative side hustle. Be sure to check with local laws regarding selling food to the public. A license may be required. 

Vending Machines 
Older soda or snack machines can be found online for sale. These machines can then be placed in strategic locations where foot traffic is common. An electrical outlet would be required. The benefit is that this can require very little work or overhead except for restocking the snacks and drinks. 

Flipping Bikes
Broken bikes are often discarded. These bikes can be collected and the working parts can be put together to make working bikes. The bikes can be placed outside one’s home for sale or advertised online. Bikes can also be upgraded with different handlebars or baskets or repainted to increase value.

Pallet Art
A popular form of house decor these days is quotes or verses stenciled onto old doors or pallet wood. Pallets are often free and can be found relatively easily. See youtube for how to properly disassemble pallets. A stencil can be created on cardboard or plastic to easily recreate words or images painted onto the pallet. The pallet can be disassembled for shipping to customers. Ideas for new designs can be found on etsy.com or pinterest.com. etsy.com is a good platform for selling this type of product. The other benefit to this side hustle is that they can be made to order instead of having a lot of innovatory that needs to be stored. 

Shell, Driftwood or Stone Art
All of these forms of art require materials that are basically free. A shadow box can be made from pallet wood and materials can be found out in nature. These types of art are all popular at this time and could be a good side hustle for someone with artistic ability. 

Cutting Hair
Cutting hair in a salon may require a particular license. But there may be other venues where a license may not be required. One location could be inside or outside of a laundry mat. People often come to wait for their clothes and may also want a haircut. Haircuts could be offered, not for a specific price but for tips. It’s amazing how generous people can be when nothing is specifically expected of them. Especially if you provide great customer service and conversation during the haircut or if the money is going to a good cause. 

Yard Sale Flipping 
People at yard sales sell items at reduced prices. Some are even in new condition. Know what you’re looking for and what has good resale value. Also, be aware of items that have a cult following or are collectibles. It’s ok to haggle for the best price. Ask the owners what is the lowest price that they will sell the item. If purchasing multiple items you can also try to get a better deal by taking a few dollars off the combined prices. Clean up these items, take pictures and post them online for sale. 

Retail Arbitrage 
Retail arbitrage is finding items that have been discounted at department stores or thrift shops and then reselling them online. There are many people who do this, posting their items on eBay or Amazon. Some people do very well making a good living with this side hustle. 

Cleaning Services
Cleaning is an easy side hustle to get into. It can be done independently or working for a local cleaning service. This can be an especially good side hustle because cleaning often takes place on Saturdays or during the evenings, not conflicting with a normal 9-5 job. Cleaning office buildings at night can also be a great job. It is often lucrative and is after normal work hours.