Whether it\u2019s unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit or the rising cost of living, more and more people are looking to earn additional income in the form of a side hustle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some people have a passion they want to share with the world while others are more tactical \u2013 jumping on a trending industry<\/a> in order to make a profit. And with 45 per cent of people looking to start a side hustle (NatWest survey, 2024), there\u2019s no shortage of people considering this as a viable moneymaker. But what are the best part-time businesses and side hustles that actually work? <\/p>\n\n\n\n We scoured internet trends and Simply Business insurance data to understand popular side hustles and trades worth exploring \u2013 from creative businesses to those with low start-up costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you choose a side hustle, there are a few things you need to consider in order to make a profit in the fastest way possible:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this guide, we\u2019ll cover what you should expect about any initial startup costs \u2013 as well as how often (and how much) you may get paid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n A report from Small Business Britain and eBay found more than a third of small businesses (39 per cent) started out as a side hustle. So we\u2019ve researched some of the best side hustle ideas to help give you some inspiration for earning extra income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These ideas involve relatively low start-up costs and can technically work well as a full-time job or a side business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dog walking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Up front cost<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Very low<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You could get started right away. Costs involve leads, waste bags, promotion, insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You set your schedule, but bookings often cluster around standard working hours (lunchtime, early morning, evening).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earning potential and viability<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moderate<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Great for consistent, local income. Viability is excellent in densely populated areas<\/strong> with many pet owners. Pet sitting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Up front cost<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Very low<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Similar to dog walking, you won\u2019t need qualifications or any specific equipment to get started, just some basic supplies and insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Low to moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Generally requires overnight stays or long blocks of time. Earning potential and viability<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moderate to high<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You can charge premium rates for overnight care. Takeaway delivery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Up front cost<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Low to moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll need a reliable mode of transport \u2013 a bike can be the most affordable option. Insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n High<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Most platforms allow you to log in and work when you want (shift-based systems are less flexible but offer better guarantees). Earning potential and viability<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Low to moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re paid for each delivery, so busy periods can be lucrative. Viability is excellent in cities with lots of restaurants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Handyman\/odd jobs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Up front cost<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Depends on the tools you have, but might need investment in ladder, power tools, spirit level etc. Public liability and tools insurance is a good idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexibility<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Moderate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Likely to be more evening and weekend work but it\u2019s flexible around you and your clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How to make extra money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Best side hustles \u2013 side hustle ideas you could start today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Low-cost side hustles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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We saw a 43% rise in dog walkers between 2020-24*, so it\u2019s definitely a growing trend. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Your schedule is dictated by the owner’s travel dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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We saw a 49% rise in pet sitters between 2020-24*, and pet ownership has soared since the pandemic so there\u2019s no shortage of potential clients.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Flexible around consumer demand for takeaways but you can choose your hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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