Looking to earn extra income without sitting behind a screen all day? These hands-on side hustle ideas are perfect for beginners with no prior experience. Whether you want something active, flexible, or local, there’s an option here to help you start making money right away.
1. Deliver Groceries and Packages
If you have a car, bike, or even just a reliable way to get around, delivering groceries and packages is a simple and flexible way to earn extra income. With the rise of on-demand services like Instacart, Amazon Flex, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, there’s no need for prior experience, just a willingness to move and meet delivery deadlines. This hustle lets you work on your own schedule, making it a great fit for evenings, weekends, or whenever you have spare time. Plus, it gives you the chance to explore your local area while getting paid.
Get Started:
Sign up with platforms like Instacart, Amazon Flex, or DoorDash. You’ll need a smartphone, a mode of transportation, and sometimes a background check. Once approved, start picking up delivery gigs right away.
2. Wash Cars
Car washing is a straightforward and in-demand side hustle that requires no prior experience, just some basic supplies and attention to detail. Many people don’t have the time or energy to clean their vehicles regularly, and that’s where you come in. Whether you offer a quick exterior wash or a more detailed interior cleaning, this hands-on gig can be done right in a customer’s driveway or at parking lots with permission. It’s also a great way to build steady clients through word of mouth and local advertising.
Get Started:
Gather basic supplies like buckets, microfiber cloths, car soap, and a vacuum. Promote your services on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or with flyers in your neighborhood. Offer a discounted rate for your first few clients to build up reviews and referrals.
3. Mow lawns and do other landscaping tasks
Landscaping tasks like mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and pulling weeds are always in demand, especially from homeowners who lack the time, tools, or ability to do it themselves. You don’t need any formal training to get started, just a willingness to work outdoors and learn as you go. This hands-on hustle can quickly grow into steady weekend income, and with consistent service, you might even land regular clients for seasonal or weekly yard maintenance.
Get Started:
Start with your own lawn equipment or borrow from friends or family if needed. Offer your services to neighbors, post in local community groups, or print flyers to hand out door-to-door. Begin with basic services and add more options like mulching or planting as you gain experience.
4. Offer pet sitting and dog walking services
If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun and fulfilling way to make extra money, no experience required. Many pet owners need someone reliable to care for their furry friends during busy workdays or vacations. Whether it’s feeding, playing, walking, or overnight stays, this side hustle lets you work one-on-one with animals while providing a much-needed service. Plus, it offers flexible scheduling and opportunities to build long-term client relationships.
Get Started:
Create a profile on pet care platforms like Rover or Wag, or spread the word through social media and local community boards. Highlight your love for animals and dependability. Offer to pet sit for friends or family to gain testimonials, and always meet the pet beforehand to build trust with both the animal and owner.
5. Rent out your home or spare room
If you have extra space in your home, renting it out can be a lucrative hands-on side hustle that requires little to no experience. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy to list a spare bedroom, guest house, or even your entire home when you’re away. With a bit of cleaning, hospitality, and communication, you can turn unused space into consistent income. It’s also a great way to meet new people and learn the basics of hosting and property management.
Get Started:
Take clear, well-lit photos of your space and create a profile on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo. Set fair pricing based on your area and include thoughtful amenities to attract guests. Make sure to review local regulations or HOA rules for short-term rentals. Start with a few weekend bookings to ease into the process.
Thinking long-term? Once you’ve picked a side hustle, check out How to Scale a Side Hustle to learn how to turn it into a steady income stream.
6. Babysit
Babysitting is a classic side hustle that’s still in high demand and doesn’t require any formal experience to get started. Parents are always looking for trustworthy, responsible people to care for their children, whether it’s for a date night, after-school help, or occasional weekend coverage. If you’re patient, dependable, and good with kids, babysitting can be a rewarding way to earn consistent income while building strong relationships with families in your community.
Get Started:
Let friends, family, and neighbors know you’re available, or sign up on platforms like Care.com or Sittercity. Offer to babysit for people you know to build references and get reviews. Consider getting certified in CPR or basic first aid to boost credibility and confidence. Set your availability and start taking short gigs to build trust and experience.
7. Rent your car
If you own a car but don’t use it all the time, renting it out can be a passive yet hands-on way to make extra income. Apps like Turo and Getaround allow you to list your vehicle for short-term rentals, turning your parked car into a money-making asset. Whether it’s someone needing a ride for a weekend trip or while their own car is in the shop, there’s steady demand for temporary wheels, especially in busy or tourist-heavy areas.
Get Started:
Create a profile and list your car on Turo, Getaround, or a similar platform. Upload high-quality photos, write a clear description, and set competitive pricing. Make sure your insurance covers rentals, or opt for platform-provided coverage. Keep your car clean, fueled, and ready to go, and respond quickly to booking inquiries to build a solid reputation.
8. Resell used goods
Reselling used goods is a flexible and beginner-friendly side hustle that taps into the growing market for secondhand items. Whether it’s clothing, electronics, furniture, or collectibles, many people are looking for quality used items at a bargain, and you can be the one to provide them. You don’t need any special experience, just an eye for value and the willingness to hunt for deals at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. With a bit of effort, you can turn low-cost finds into profitable flips.
Get Started:
Start by decluttering your own home and listing items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Mercari. Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price competitively. As you gain experience, you can begin sourcing items specifically to resell. Track what sells well and reinvest profits into more inventory to scale your side hustle.
Looking for Online Options?
Prefer to work from home? Check out this article: 10 Online Side Hustle Ideas To Start With No Experience for beginner-friendly digital side gigs, you can start today.