As the kids head back to school and parents find themselves with a few extra hours of free time, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore some side hustles to bring in some extra income. Whether you’re looking to pay off those summer vacation bills or just want to have a little extra cash on hand, there are plenty of flexible and lucrative options available for stay-at-home parents. And, if you’re working from home, don’t forget to consider home office tax deductions to maximize your earnings.
One unique side hustle that has gained popularity in recent years is doing other people’s laundry. Poplin, a nationwide laundry service, connects gig workers – mostly stay-at-home moms – with customers who need help with their laundry. Laundry Pros pick up, wash, and deliver laundry for a fee, earning $1 per pound for next-day service and $2 per pound for same-day service. With over 100,000 Laundry Pros serving one million customers, top workers can earn more than $6,000 a month. This side hustle offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from home while making a decent income.
For animal lovers, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Apps like Rover, Wag!, and Care.com make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area and offer services such as pet sitting, dog walking, and pet boarding. This side hustle allows you to spend time with furry friends while earning extra money on your own schedule.
If you have a specialized skill or expertise, you can sign up to be an on-call expert with JustAnswer. Experts in various fields such as veterinary medicine, legal, medical, and tech support can earn an average of $2,000 to $7,000 a month by answering questions through live chat. This side hustle allows you to share your knowledge and help others while earning a decent income.
Another creative way to make money is by renting out your pool or a room in your house. Swimply allows you to rent out your pool by the hour, with some listings charging $35 to $50 an hour. Airbnb is also a popular option for renting out a room or property to travelers. By targeting niche travelers such as remote workers, you can maximize your earnings and make the most of your unused space.
If you have a car that sits idle most of the time, consider renting it out through Turo. This peer-to-peer car rental marketplace allows you to earn money from your car by renting it out by the hour. Turo offers insurance for your car and takes a commission of 10% to 40%, making it a convenient way to make money from your idle vehicle.
Teaching live online classes is another flexible side hustle that can be both rewarding and profitable. Outschool allows you to teach youths on any topic you’re passionate about, without the need for a teaching certificate. You set the curriculum and schedule, and engage with students through video chat and messaging. Outschool takes a 30% commission, but it’s a great way to share your knowledge and earn extra income from home.
For those looking for a more traditional work-from-home option, remote customer service jobs are widely available and can pay well. Companies like Amazon, Booking.com, and CVS offer part-time customer service jobs with pay ranging from $16 to $60 an hour. Websites like Indeed.com are a great resource for finding these types of jobs, simply search for “part-time virtual customer service” to find listings.
In conclusion, there are plenty of side hustles for parents that offer both income and flexibility. Whether you’re looking to make some extra cash or pursue a passion, there are opportunities available to suit your needs. From doing laundry to pet sitting to teaching online classes, there are endless possibilities to explore. So why not take advantage of the extra time on your hands and start a side hustle today?
