How To Make an Extra $1,000 a Month: 7 Side Hustles To Try (original) (raw)

A side hustle is a great place to start if you need extra cushioning. You can work a side hustle on the weekend or in the evenings after your 9-to-5. Plenty of side hustles can help you meet your financial goals. We recommend renting a room on Airbnb if you have the space, delivering food if you own a vehicle, or starting a freelancing gig if you have specialized skills.

Explore these side hustles and more to find one that fits your needs and might help you earn an extra $1,000 a month.

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7 Ways to make an extra $1,000 per month

The amount of money you can make from a side hustle will depend on many factors, including the type of work you choose to do, the time you can spend doing it, the skills you bring to the table, and your geographic location.

Plenty of side gigs could bring in at least four figures every month, but why stop there? If you're trying to figure out how to make money, here are some of the best side hustles that may lead to the extra income you need.

1. Deliver food with delivery apps

Best for those who live in an area with high demand

Signing up to deliver for a food delivery app is a great way to earn extra cash. Drivers are often in high demand, especially if you live in a populated area. Most food delivery apps allow you to keep 100% of your tips, and some pay a base rate. Plus, some even allow you to use a scooter instead of a vehicle.

Most food delivery apps require you to pass a background check and provide identification before delivering. You get to set your own hours, which is especially convenient if you have a 9-to-5 you need to work around, or if you're a college student with a full course load.

How to get started:

Download Uber Eats or DoorDash and follow the signup process. Here's how I'd approach delivering for a food delivery app:

Sign up for multiple apps: You can sign up for multiple food delivery apps to determine which one is more popular and has the most significant market share near you.
Work weekends: If you have time to spare, consider delivering during the weekend when people are home and ordering in.

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This may not work for you if:

You may want to look into other side hustles if you aren't available during peak times, or food delivery apps aren't popular in your area.

You can't deliver during peak times: The afternoon lunch rush and evening dinner rush are valuable delivery times. If your afternoons and evenings are booked, you may not be available to accept as many orders as you'd like to.
Delivery apps aren't popular in your area: If you live in a community that doesn't have a massive demand for food delivery apps, consider another side hustle on our list.

2. Get paid to drive with ridesharing

Best for those who can drive during peak hours

Ridesharing has surged in popularity as a go-to side hustle for those seeking extra cash. This side hustle is more flexible than most because it easily works around your schedule, and I'd recommend it for anyone who likes spending time in their car and getting to know new people.

Rideshare companies pay drivers a base fare depending on their location and the details of the ride request. Then, drivers get additional compensation on top of the base fare. This can include the tip amount, promotions, and service-specific bonuses.

With Uber, you can earn extra income through various promotions. For example, surge pricing comes into effect when there's high demand for rides or deliveries, allowing you to earn more. Being in a promotional zone could enable you to earn more money through Boost+.

Good to know

Uber doesn't disclose exactly how much drivers make since the company indicates that earnings depend on where, when, and how often you drive.

How to get started:

You can download Uber or Lyft. You'll need to meet specific requirements like passing a background check and having a valid driver's license. Here is how I would approach ridesharing to make $1,000 this month with Uber:

Book reserved rides: By accepting reserved rides in advance, I could get a higher payout with the benefit of being able to schedule other rides around the designated time.
Take advantage of promotions: Before driving, I would seek out higher payouts with Uber's surge pricing, Boost+, and quests.
Provide great service: Tips are a big part of increasing your income. To get more, I would make customers feel comfortable by keeping my vehicle clean and stocking snacks.

This may not work for you if:

Ridesharing does not work for everyone. It can involve long hours in the driver's seat, additional wear and tear on your car, and additional car insurance coverage. Avoid this side hustle if:

You have an older car: Rideshare services set restrictions for eligible vehicles, and you may not qualify if your car is older.
Your schedule is set in stone: Depending on your area, there may be certain times when ride requests are so low that you won't get enough work to reach your goal. If that's the only time you can drive, it may not be worth it.
You don't like messes: Although it's possible passengers can be charged a cleaning fee, be aware that you could have to deal with different types of messes.

3. Turn your passion for pets into income

Best for those who love animals

If you love pets, you can turn that affinity into income by offering pet-sitting or dog-walking services. It goes without saying that this side hustle is best for animal lovers.

You can contact people in your neighborhood and let them know you're offering pet care if you want to do things the old-school way. But platforms like Rover or Care.com can help you connect with pet owners needing one-time, irregular, or ongoing support more easily. You can use these to set a rate, manage your bookings, and advertise your services and reviews.

For example, on Rover, you can offer:

Dog walking
Pet boarding
House sitting
Doggy daycare
Drop-in visits

How to get started:

Here's how I would approach building a pet-sitting gig:

Optimize profile: Your main marketing tool on these websites is your profile, so I would optimize mine by adding my personality, showing my love for animals, and reassuring potential clients that pets will be safe under my care with credentials and examples.
Offer various services: To stand out, I would offer in-demand services and things other pet sitters are less likely to offer, such as grooming and medication administration.
Provide great care: Every pet I watch or walk will be treated with the best care to leave a good impression on clients. This encourages repeat bookings and positive reviews.

This may not work for you if:

Pet services may not work for everyone. Avoid this side hustle if:

You don't do well with unpredictable schedules: You're in charge of accepting bookings, but you may need to meet the demands of pet owners who cancel, have an emergency, or need to reach you in the middle of the night while their pet is in your care.
You're unprepared for the physical demands: You'll need to match a pet's energy and be strong enough to control them if something goes wrong.

4. Profit from your extra space

Best for those with a spare room

If you have extra space in your home, you could make some passive income by renting out that space. Two great services that can help you with this are Vrbo, Airbnb, and Neighbor.

Airbnb and Vrbo let you list a space where people can stay on a short-term or periodic basis. Neighbor lets you list a space where people can store or park belongings and vehicles (like trailers, RVs, boats, etc.).

This will be good for you if you have an extra room, space in your garage, or a large basement you're not fully using.

How to get started:

Here's how I would approach renting out extra space:

Increase appeal: I would make my space look as clean and well-maintained as possible. This will help when taking photos for the listing and is good practice as a host.
Encourage long-term rentals: I would encourage longer stays by giving a discount to keep my space booked (and fewer longer stays are easier to manage than many short ones).
Invest in upgrades: I would invest in making my space more appealing to justify raising the price. This could include adding more privacy or amenities, creating a self-check-in experience, or providing entertainment like fast internet and streaming services.

This may not work for you if:

Renting out space might not be right for you if:

You don't want to manage cleaning and maintenance: Whether scheduling the time to do it yourself or hiring a service, you'll have to account for cleaning and maintenance. Especially for short-term guests, the turnaround time can be hard to keep up with.
You live in an area with strict regulations: Some cities restrict having an Airbnb-type business in residential areas. You'll have to check your local regulations to make sure renting out your space is allowed or see if you'll need any licenses or permits.

5. Make extra money through freelance work

Best for those with specialized skills

Freelancing is a great side hustle that almost anyone can try to make extra money since you can use your existing skills. You could provide freelance work for clients in various industries, including:

Photography Data analysis Freelance writing Proofreading, copy editing Bookkeeping Teaching English Graphic design Babysitting	Project management Digital marketing consultation App development Social media management Accounting Programming Videography Virtual assistance

Some gigs require more skills than others, including hard and soft skills. For example, you'll need to know programming languages to be an app developer or web designer, and you'll need to be proficient with many scheduling platforms and good with people to be a virtual assistant.

Online marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients. Upwork allows freelancers to list different services, such as graphic design and copywriting. You can submit job proposals and list one-off services, like logo design or transcription. Fiverr lets freelancers post gigs that start at $5. You can structure your service offerings in tiers, each with its distinct pricing. This allows you to cater to a broader range of client needs and budgets.

How to get started:

As a freelancer myself, here's how I make $1,000 and more each month through freelancing:

Utilize many freelancing platforms: I have profiles for multiple freelance websites to give myself more exposure and a greater chance at booking projects. I also optimize my profile on these platforms to showcase a portfolio of my past projects.
Book recurring clients: Over the years, I have built great relationships with clients who book my services regularly. Around 90% of my freelance income comes from recurring services. Focus on delivering high-quality work and building relationships.

This may not work for you if:

Freelancing isn't right for you if:

You're not prepared for inconsistent income: Your freelancing income can fluctuate from month to month, especially when starting out.
You struggle with irregular hours: Some weeks may be busier than others, depending on your clients' deadlines. You may have to work outside typical business hours and meet tight deadlines.
You're not a self-starter: With freelancing, you manage your own time and need to keep yourself accountable to do the work. Some people struggle with self-discipline when not in an office or without a traditional boss.

6. Earn money from home with dropshipping

Best for those who are business savvy

Dropshipping, a form of online business for retail fulfillment, can help you earn money on the side without leaving your home. In essence, dropshipping involves selling products shipped directly from the manufacturer or distributor to the customer. You're a middle-person of sorts.

For example, you might sell products on Etsy, Amazon, or an online store you build using Shopify. When someone buys it, you'd arrange to have the item sent but never physically handle it yourself — it would go right to the customer.

Success in this form of e-commerce depends on:

Your ability to carve out a unique niche to attract customers
Your marketing prowess in promoting the products
Establishing connections with manufacturers

Warning

Despite its potential benefits, dropshipping comes with certain risks. These include a lack of control over the supply chain and product quality. The industry is also highly competitive.

How to get started:

Here's how I would approach dropshipping for the first time:

Research profitable products: I'd start by looking into products in demand and trending. Then, I would use a website like AliExpress to find suppliers. I would choose products based on profitability and the likelihood of sales.
Utilize many online platforms: I would set up storefronts on many websites to give myself more exposure and the greatest chance of making sales. The websites I would focus on are Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.
Implement marketing strategies: I would offer discounts and seasonal sales to encourage purchases. And since the industry is highly competitive, I may run ads.

This may not work for you if:

Avoid dropshipping as a side hustle if any of the following ring true for you:

You're not prepared for customer service: Dropshipping may seem like the perfect passive income opportunity, but you'll have customers asking questions, needing refunds, or wanting to make returns.
You're looking for instant returns: Dropshipping can take time to see any success. You'll need patience to set up storefronts and test different types of products.
You don't have startup costs: Dropshipping requires a budget to start. You'll encounter platform and hosting fees, and ads require upfront investment if you plan to run them.

7. Turn your handy skills into a handyperson service

Best for those with home repair skills

If you have the skills to perform basic home repairs or maintenance tasks, you could start a local business to offer your services. Platforms like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit serve as a bridge, connecting you with individuals seeking professional assistance as-needed.

The income you can generate from this side gig largely depends on the complexity and demand of the tasks you can handle. For instance, if you're a skilled carpenter specializing in cabinet construction or a capable plumber, you could expect higher earnings than someone performing less specialized tasks, such as fixing a jammed door handle or power washing a grimy house.

Pro tip

Before starting a business as a handyperson, familiarize yourself with any licensing regulations related to home improvement work in your area. Additionally, ensure you know which tasks require a permit to avoid legal complications.

How to get started:

This is what I'd do to establish myself as a handyperson:

Advertise my services: I would list my services on platforms that people in my area use. This could be Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, local Facebook pages, or my small town's chamber of commerce directory.
Perform high-quality work: After booking clients, I would provide a high-quality service by fixing their problems on time and on budget. I would then follow up to ensure my clients' issues have been resolved, which could lead to good referrals and repeat clients.
Upsell additional services: If I saw other issues I could help out with while performing work, I would offer my clients suggestions for extra tasks I could perform.

This may not work for you if:

Avoid this gig if:

You're not experienced: Handyman work requires you to be skilled at maintenance-related tasks. You will need to know enough to fix basic and advanced repairs, as well as how to proceed in situations you haven't encountered before.
You don't have money for upfront costs: If you don't already have the right tools for the job, you must invest in them. Licenses, permits, and insurance may also require upfront costs. Depending on your marketing strategy, you may also need to advertise.

Other side hustles to make extra money

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Tips for balancing your side hustle with your job

A side hustle can be an excellent strategy to earn money and achieve your financial goals. However, it's crucial not to risk your primary income source. Balancing your full-time job and side gig requires hard work and careful consideration of the following factors:

Consider your employer's policies: Understand your employer's rules regarding freelancing within the same industry or working for competitors. This knowledge is vital to avoid conflicts of interest and protect your money.
Manage your time: Evaluate how much spare time you can allocate to your side hustle without affecting your full-time job. Will it necessitate reducing hours at your regular job? Could this impact your performance or chances for advancement?
Watch out for burnout: Continuous work can lead to stress and burnout, affecting your performance. Manage your workload effectively to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Consider starting your side hustle gradually, initially dedicating a few hours each month. As you attract more potential clients, you can progressively increase your commitment based on the impact on your primary job and personal life.

FAQs

How do I make $1,000 ASAP?

To make 1,000ASAP,getstartedonasidehustlewithahighearningpotential.Forexample,ifyourentoutaroominyourhomeonAirbnbforaweekormoreat1,000 ASAP, get started on a side hustle with a high earning potential. For example, if you rent out a room in your home on Airbnb for a week or more at 1,000ASAP,getstartedonasidehustlewithahighearningpotential.Forexample,ifyourentoutaroominyourhomeonAirbnbforaweekormoreat150 per night, you could hit this target quickly. Some side hustles might enable you to make $1,000 in as little as a month, while others may take longer. Your skills, ability, and the time you have to devote to your side hustle will determine if you can hit a four-figure monthly income.

Can I start a side business with $500?

You may be able to start a small business with $500. In fact, many side jobs, such as freelancing on Fiverr or driving with Uber, have minimal startup costs as long as you have the basic equipment or skills to get started. It's often a good idea to start small with a minimal investment in your business, then invest your profits into it as you go.

How can I increase my income from my side hustle?

There are many ways to increase your income from a side hustle. One option is to devote more hours to the side job you're doing. Another option is to develop your skills so that each hour you work is more lucrative.

For example, if you are freelancing, you could try to develop a talent in a particular niche that is higher paying, such as writing technical manuals versus simple blog posts.

Bottom line

Finding a side hustle that pays $1,000 or more per month (or even per week) is possible, but it requires some dedicated effort.

Consider trying a few different options from this list, including driving with a ridesharing service, renting out extra space in your home, dropshipping from home, and more.