Saving Advice - During the summer, students of all ages (as well as many teachers) get a break from their typical day-to-day responsibilities. As a result, many have a significant amount of time on their hands, and that makes it the perfect opportunity for a side hustle that boosts their income. Here’s a look at some outstanding summer side hustles that can help you earn extra cash during your break.
Window Cleaning
Once the summer sun starts hitting windows, many homeowners and businesses realize how dirty the exterior of their windows is, so they’re more interested in getting them cleaned. Starting a window cleaning business usually doesn’t come with a high startup cost. Some cleaners, supplies, and a ladder may be all you need to offer this service.
Lawn Care
During the summer, the demand for lawn care services increases dramatically. Whether you simply want to mow lawns or would like to go further with extra gardening services, getting started doesn’t typically cost much. Plus, the work is straightforward enough that formal training isn’t always necessary, and there are plenty of upselling options – such as gutter cleaning or window washing – that are natural fits.
Lifeguard
Many local public pools are open and in need of lifeguards to help keep swimmers safe. Typically, any training is available through the hiring company, and any required training that isn’t provided by the pool operator is usually easy to find. As long as you’re a strong swimmer and available to work when the pool is open, that might be enough to qualify.
If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of being a lifeguard, you could also explore other part-time job options at your local pool. For example, many have food stands, so you could work at one of those instead.
Car Washing
Summer weather is the ideal climate for washing cars outdoors. With this option, you’re also providing people with extra convenience, as they don’t have to travel to a car wash facility to keep their vehicle in good shape. Also, the startup costs are minimal, and you may even be able to partner with larger companies to offer services to their commuters who park at work.
Camp Counselor
Summer camps need counselors to ensure that children attending the camp are safe, supported, fed, and entertained. As a result, this can be the perfect option for a side hustle that’s guaranteed to wind down by fall. Plus, there are day camp and overnight camp options, so you can choose the arrangement that works best for you.
Pressure Washing
When homeowners want to ensure that their property is looking its best, they often hire pressure washing pros to clean up concrete and masonry surface (as well as some types of siding). Again, the starting investment is low, and the required skills are easy to acquire with a little practice.
Tutoring
Many parents want to make sure that their children stay academically sharp during the summer, so they hire tutors to support their kid’s learning. This option works well if you have proven skills in specific subjects, and you may even be able to do the tutoring remotely using video conferencing software, eliminating the need for a commute.
House Sitting
Summer is typically travel season, so you find more house sitting opportunities this time of year. Typically, the responsibilities are fairly light. You might need to check the mail, water plants, and make sure that garbage cans are ready for pickup. If there are pets, carrying for them is usually part of the arrangement, too. Otherwise, just being present at the home regularly is usually all that’s needed.
Pet Sitting
Similar to house sitting, many households hire pet sitters when they travel during the summer. With these, you may simply need to head to the person’s home once or a few times a day (depending on the type of pet) to ensure they’re fed and watered and are able to relieve themselves. Engaging with more sociable pets – like cats and dogs – and keeping them company for a while may also be part of the agreement.
You could also explore dog walking as an alternative. With this, you usually just head to a person’s home, pick up their pooch, and get them some exercise during the day. It’s a great option for dog lovers that usually doesn’t take up much time, and you may even be able to walk several dogs at once to boost your earnings if you’re in a larger, densely-populated city.
Sports Coaching or Refereeing
Local youth sports leagues often need people to coach children or referee games, making both of these options excellent side hustles. Typically, practices and games happen outside of traditional workdays, as leagues strive to make sure that parents can bring their kids with reasonable ease. As a result, this works well for anyone who prefers to have their weekdays open or wants a side hustle that can work around a full-time day job.
Yard Sale Flipping
Summer is the time of year when many people hold yard sales, and you might find items that you can flip for a profit. Many people offer low prices at yard sales because they’re mostly interested in offloading stuff they don’t need, so finding items with prices below fair market value isn’t uncommon. Plus, you might be able to upcycle finds to generate more profits, particularly in categories like furniture.
Move Helper
Moving season usually happens in the summer, and many people are open to paying someone who can help them load or unload trucks. As long as you’re comfortable with heavy lifting, that might be enough to start a lucrative side hustle. If you also own a truck or large van and are willing to transport items during local moves, you could offer that service for some extra cash, too.
Dump Running
When people organize their homes, they can end up with a lot of items they simply want to throw out. However, they may not have a vehicle that allows them to get them to the nearest landfill. If you have a truck or large van, you could launch a dump running service where you handle that step for them instead. Heavy lifting is usually part of the equation, so you might want to partner with a family member or friend to make that easier to manage.
Pool Maintenance
If you live in an area where having pools at home isn’t uncommon, starting a pool maintenance side hustle is a solid option. Usually, the work involves some cleaning and chemical balancing, both of which are relatively easy to learn. Plus, the equipment and supplies you’ll need don’t cost a bundle, and the chances for repeat business are high if you do quality work.
Do you know of any other summer side hustles people should consider? Have you done any of the summer side hustles above and want to let others know what it was like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.