Ah, summer! The season of sun, sand, and… side hustles? Yes, summer is the ideal time to experiment with new ways to make some extra cash while sipping on that icy-cold lemonade.
With the days getting longer and warmer, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to supplement your income and make the most of the season.
So, slap on some sunscreen, and let’s explore how you can make this summer your most profitable one yet!
Table of Contents
1. Lawn Care and Landscaping
Summertime means lush green lawns and blooming gardens. But not everyone has the time or ability to maintain their outdoor spaces.
This is where lawn care and landscaping services can come to the rescue. Offering services like mowing, weeding, edging, and planting can help your clients keep their yards looking beautiful and well-maintained throughout the season.
This seasonal business provides you with the flexibility to work around your primary job or other commitments.
2. Pool Cleaning and Maintenance
As the temperature rises, so does the demand for refreshing dips in the pool.
Maintaining a clean and safe swimming environment requires regular attention. Not all pool owners have the time or expertise to handle this task themselves. They seek the convenience of a professional service.
By offering services like water testing, chemical balancing, vacuuming, skimming, and filter maintenance, you can help your clients keep their pools in pristine condition all summer long.
3. Pet Sitting
As people head off on their summer vacations, they often require a reliable and trustworthy person to look after their beloved pets while they’re away. That’s where pet sitting side hustle comes in.
By offering pet sitting services, you can help provide peace of mind for pet owners, ensuring their furry friends are well-cared for in their absence.
Pet sitting typically involves visiting the client’s home to feed, walk, and play with the pets, as well as attending to any additional needs, such as administering medication or cleaning litter boxes. In some cases, clients may also prefer in-home pet sitting, where they keep their pets at your residence overnight to provide round-the-clock care for their pets.
Pet sitting is a truly rewarding and enjoyable side job because it gives you the chance to not only make extra money but also enjoy the company of different animals.
4. Car Washing and Detailing
During the summer months, sunshine and warm weather can bring out the desire for clean, shiny cars. But not everyone has the time or desire to give their cars a thorough cleaning.
A car washing and detailing side hustle can make a splash. By providing services such as window cleaning, polishing, interior vacuuming, and exterior washing, you can help your customers keep their vehicles looking great and running smoothly.
If you want to take it a step further, offer more specialized detailing services, such as paint correction, waxing, and upholstery cleaning.
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to customer satisfaction, your car washing and detailing side hustle can attract clients looking for that extra level of care and attention, making it a profitable summertime venture.
5. Photography
Summer is a season full of vibrant colors, warm sunshine, and memorable moments. It’s the perfect time to capture picturesque outdoor photographs, whether it’s families enjoying a vacation, couples celebrating a wedding, or friends gathering for a special event.
By offering a professional and personalized photography service, you can offer your skills and expertise to capture these precious memories, creating beautiful keepsakes for your clients that they will treasure for years to come.
You can showcase your skills and creativity with a wide range of niches to explore, including portrait, wedding, and event photography.
6. Rideshare or Food Delivery Driver
As people venture out to enjoy the warm weather, summer presents a great opportunity for you to make extra income as a rideshare or food delivery driver.
Leveraging platforms like Uber and Lyft can be a profitable venture as people seek transportation to their preferred destinations, be it a beach, a concert, or a weekend getaway.
If you prefer to transport food instead of people, becoming a food delivery driver through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats could be the perfect fit. As more people order food for delivery during the summer months, whether for a picnic, a barbecue, or a poolside meal, your services will be in high demand.
The flexible nature of these platforms allows you to choose your own schedule, making it an ideal side hustle for those with busy schedules.
7. Event Setup and Cleanup
Outdoor occasions like weddings, family reunions, company picnics, and community gatherings are most common in the summer. While these occasions are fun and memorable, they also require a significant amount of preparation and cleanup.
By offering services such as setting up tables and chairs, decorating the venue, arranging equipment, and taking care of post-event cleanup, you can help event hosts focus on enjoying the festivities rather than worrying about logistics.
This side hustle is ideal for those who enjoy working behind the scenes and are organized and detail-oriented.
8. Outdoor Adventure Guide
As an outdoor adventure guide, your role is to lead and assist clients in exploring and enjoying various outdoor activities. This summer side hustle is perfect for those who adore nature and wish to spread their passion and understanding of the great outdoors with others.
As an outdoor adventure guide, you get the chance to not just earn money, but also create unforgettable moments and inspire a deeper love for nature in others.
Moreover, this side hustle lets you tap into your unique skills and passions, helping you carve out a specialized service that distinguishes you from the competitors.
9. Art and Craft Sales
As summer rolls around, it ushers in a whole host of outdoor events like art fairs, local farmer’s market, and festivals. These gatherings present a fantastic opportunity for creative folks to display and sell their one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
By starting a summer art and craft sales side hustle, you can turn your artistic talents and handmade products into a profitable venture. This could include selling items like paintings, pottery, jewelry, clothing, or home décor, depending on your interests and skills.
Joining local art and craft fairs not only lets you make some extra cash, but also creates opportunities for meeting potential buyers, connecting with other artists, and showcasing your creations to a wider audience.
10. Music or Art Lessons
Summer is the perfect time for people of all ages to explore new hobbies or hone their existing skills.
As a music or art instructor, you can tap into this demand by offering personalized lessons tailored to your student’s interests and abilities. By providing one-on-one or small group lessons, you can help your students develop their creative talents, and build confidence.
The flexibility of this side hustle allows you to schedule lessons around your primary job or other commitments, making it an ideal summer side hustle.
11. Flip Furniture
As the season of renewal and transformation, summer is the perfect time for a fresh start in home décor.
Flipping furniture is a side hustle that involves repurposing, refurbishing, or upcycling old or outdated furniture pieces and giving them a new life.
This sustainable and creative service appeals to both environmentally-conscious consumers and those seeking unique, customized items for their homes.
By combining your artistic flair and craftsmanship, you can transform worn-out furniture into eye-catching statement pieces, while also providing an affordable alternative to buying new items.
Facebook marketplace is a great resource for sourcing furniture to flip and potentially earn a few hundred dollars. By browsing listings and negotiating with sellers, you can find quality pieces at affordable prices to refurbish and resell for a higher price.
12. Lifeguard
People flock to beaches and swimming pools as the temperature rises to cool off and enjoy fun-filled days in the sun.
Ensuring the safety of swimmers becomes a top priority, and that’s where a summer lifeguard side hustle comes in. You’ll be in charge of supervising swimmers, enforcing safety rules, and responding to emergencies in and around the water as a lifeguard.
Lifeguarding is an excellent side hustle for those who are strong swimmers, have good communication skills, and possess a keen sense of responsibility.
13. Sports Referee
Throughout the sunny summer months, outdoor sports like soccer, baseball, softball, and basketball become increasingly popular. The excitement grows as leagues and tournaments pop up nationwide, bringing communities together and fostering a love for the games.
You can offer your services as a sports referee. As a referee, you’ll have the opportunity to turn your passion for sports into a side hustle, while also staying active and engaged in your favorite athletic pastimes.
With flexible schedules and the chance to work with a variety of age groups and skill levels, being a summer sports referee can be a rewarding and exciting side hustle.
14. Online Tutoring
Online education has become increasingly popular and widely accessible. Teaching or tutoring kids online is a great summer side hustle opportunity. It allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with students who can benefit from your guidance.
Offer virtual lessons or tutoring sessions in subjects like math, science or English.
Platforms like VIPKid or Tutor.com connect you with students in need of extra help. Share your knowledge and watch your bank account grow.
15. House Sitting
House sitting can be a great summer side hustle for those who enjoy taking care of homes and pets while their owners are away.
As a house sitter, your responsibilities may include looking after pets, watering plants, collecting mail, and maintaining the overall security of the property. Homeowners are willing to pay a reasonable fee for a reliable and responsible house sitter who can provide peace of mind while they are away.
This opportunity not only allows you to earn extra cash, but it may also provide a chance to shake up your surroundings and experience life in new neighborhoods or cities.
To get started, create a profile on house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, showcasing your skills and experience.
Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or previous clients to build your reputation and attract more opportunities. With dedication and professionalism, you can turn house sitting into a rewarding summer side hustle.
Finding the Perfect Summer Side Hustle
Discover the ideal opportunity by following these steps:
- Assessing your skills and interests: Take a moment to genuinely reflect on your strengths and interests. Finding a side hustle that aligns with your passions and skills is the key ingredient to success.
- Market research and demand: Investigate the demand for your chosen hustle. Doing a little research work will help you identify the most promising opportunities.
Promoting Like a Pro
Get the word out about your side hustle with these tips:
- Social media marketing: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to showcase your skills and services. Social media is like a megaphone for your business, and it’s free!
- Word of mouth: Don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned networking. Tell friends, family, and colleagues about your side hustle, and ask for referrals. You never know who might know someone who needs your services.
Covering Your Legal and Financial Bases
Ensure your side hustle is on solid ground:
- Taxes and business structure: Consult with a tax professional or accountant to determine the best business structure for your side hustle and understand your tax obligations.
- Insurance and liability: Research any insurance or liability requirements for your side hustle. Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to protecting your hard-earned cash.
