Easy Side Hustles You Can Start in Your Spare Time
You don’t need to quit your job or launch a full-blown business to start earning extra money. With just a few spare hours a week, you can build an income stream that helps you pay off debt, save for big goals, or simply add breathing room to your budget. Here are easy side hustles you can start in your spare time — low-stress, low-barrier, and totally doable.
1. Online Surveys and Rewards Programs
Why It’s Easy:
You can do it from your phone while watching TV or waiting in line.
Platforms to Try:
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- MyPoints
- Pinecone Research
Time Commitment: 10–30 minutes/day
Earnings Potential: $25–$100/month depending on time invested
2. Sell Stuff You No Longer Need
Turn clutter into quick cash.
What to Sell:
- Gently used clothes and shoes
- Books, gadgets, or collectibles
- Small furniture or household goods
Where to Sell:
Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, Mercari
Time Commitment: A few hours to clean, photograph, and list
Earnings Potential: $100–$500 or more depending on what you sell
3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
A great option if you love animals and want some fresh air.
Where to Start:
- Sign up on Rover or Wag
- Offer your services to neighbors or coworkers
Time Commitment: As little as 30 minutes/day
Earnings Potential: $15–$50 per visit or walk
4. Freelance Microtasks
Perfect if you have a marketable skill but limited hours.
Tasks to Offer:
- Logo or social media design
- Proofreading or data entry
- Basic website updates or research tasks
Where to Start: Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour
Time Commitment: 1–5 hours/week
Earnings Potential: $10–$100+/task depending on your skill level
5. Participate in User Testing
Companies will pay you to give feedback on websites and apps.
Where to Sign Up:
- UserTesting
- TryMyUI
- Respondent.io
Time Commitment: 15–30 minutes per test
Earnings Potential: $10–$60 per test depending on complexity
6. Rent Out Your Stuff
Make money from things you’re not using daily.
Ideas:
- Rent out your car (Turo, Getaround)
- Offer storage space or parking (Neighbor.com)
- Loan out tools, camping gear, or baby gear
Time Commitment: Minimal
Earnings Potential: $50–$500/month
7. Sell Printables or Digital Downloads
Create once, sell endlessly.
Product Ideas:
- Budget planners or trackers
- Meal planning templates
- Goal-setting worksheets
Where to Sell: Etsy, Gumroad, Canva templates marketplace
Time Commitment: 2–6 hours to create your first few products
Earnings Potential: $100–$1,000+/month over time
8. Flip Thrifted or Clearance Items
Buy low, sell high — easy and fun.
What to Flip:
- Brand-name clothing
- Toys, books, or video games
- Home décor or small electronics
Where to Flip: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp
Time Commitment: A few hours on weekends
Earnings Potential: $50–$500+/month
9. Offer Services on Your Schedule
Pick up side work when it fits your life.
Examples:
- House cleaning or organizing
- Lawn mowing or snow shoveling
- Errand running or personal shopping
Where to Promote: TaskRabbit, Nextdoor, Craigslist
Time Commitment: 1–3 hours per job
Earnings Potential: $15–$40/hour
10. Monetize Your Hobby
Turn what you already love into income.
Ideas:
- Photography: Sell prints or stock photos
- Crafts: Sell handmade goods on Etsy
- Gaming: Stream on Twitch or YouTube
- Baking: Sell treats to friends or at pop-up events
Time Commitment: As much or as little as you like
Earnings Potential: Varies widely — some start slow, others grow fast
Final Thoughts
The best side hustle is one that fits into your life — not the other way around. Choose something you enjoy, start small, and stay consistent. Every extra dollar earned in your spare time is one step closer to financial freedom.
Even 1–2 hours a week can make a difference. Use your free time wisely — and let your side hustle support your bigger money goals.