Best side hustles in the UK for 2026

A side hustle can be a practical way to make extra money alongside your main income.

Some cost almost nothing to start and can fit around a full-time job. Others take more time or skill but have more room to grow.

We’ve put together more than 50 realistic side hustle ideas for people in the UK, including reselling, online work, local services and flexible jobs.

The best choice depends on your spare time, skills, budget and whether you need money quickly or want something you can build over time.

Our top side hustles to start with

If you want somewhere to start, these are the six side hustles we think are worth looking at first.

Side hustle	Cost to start	Flexibility	Income potential	Best for
Reselling	Very low	Very high	Medium to high	Beginners who want to start with things they already own
Cleaning	Low	High	Medium to high	People who want local work and repeat customers
Virtual assistant work	Very low	High	Medium to high	Organised people who want to work online
Freelancing	Very low	Very high	Medium to high	People with writing, admin, design, editing or other useful skills
Dog walking and pet sitting	Very low	High	Medium	Animal lovers who want flexible local work
Paid research and user testing	None	Very high	Low to medium	Beginners who want simple online earning opportunities

Choose a side hustle that suits you

There is no single side hustle that works best for everyone.

A student with evenings free will have different options from a parent who only has a few hours during the school day.

Start with the type of side hustle that fits your life.

Quick ways to narrow it down

Little or no money to start: freelancing, surveys, user testing, dog walking, selling things you own

Work from home: virtual assistant work, tutoring, proofreading, bookkeeping, website testing, AI training

Local work: cleaning, gardening, dog walking, handyman work, ironing

Weekend work: reselling, delivery work, pet sitting, events, football refereeing

Room to grow: reselling, cleaning, freelancing, virtual assistant services, local services

Selling and reselling side hustles

Reselling is one of the easiest side hustles to test because you can start with things you already own. Once you learn what sells, you can move into buying items specifically to resell for a profit.

Sell clothes and other items on Vinted

Vinted is a simple place to start if you want to test reselling without spending money on stock.

Begin with clothes, shoes and other unwanted items you already have at home. You’ll learn what sells, how to price things and how much effort is involved without risking your own cash.

If you move from selling your own unwanted items into buying stock specifically to resell, check Vinted’s current professional-selling rules first. Vinted Pro is available in the UK for eligible professional sellers, while commercial selling is not allowed through a standard personal account.

See our guides to making money by reselling on Vinted and our guide to the best things to buy and sell for profit.

Sell on eBay

eBay works well for gadgets, toys, collectables, clothes and other items that are easy to post.

Start with things you already have at home so you can learn how listings, pricing and postage work without buying stock first.

If you enjoy it and start spotting what sells well, you can then move into buying items specifically to resell for a profit.

Before listing, check the current seller fees and postage costs so you know what you’ll actually make.

Read next: Why selling your stuff is one of the fastest ways to get cash.

Sell on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can be useful for selling things locally, particularly bulky items that would be expensive or awkward to post.

You can start with unwanted furniture, appliances, toys and other things around the house, then move into buying items to resell once you know what sells well in your area.

Because buyers often collect, you can avoid postage costs, although no-shows and haggling can take extra time.

Furniture flipping

You can pick up unwanted or cheap furniture from Facebook Marketplace, car boot sales, charity shops or local selling groups, then clean it up, repair it or give it a simple makeover before selling it on for more.

The key is to start small. Look for solid pieces that are easy to collect, store and improve, and always work out your likely selling price before spending money on paint, materials or transport.

It can take more time and space than selling smaller items, but a good piece can leave more room for profit.

Flip return pallets

Return pallets contain customer returns, surplus stock or clearance items that retailers want to move on quickly.

You buy the stock in bulk, sort through it, then sell the individual items for a profit.

There can be money to make, but it comes with more risk than selling things you already own. Some items may be damaged, incomplete or harder to sell than expected, so check what you’re buying and work out your likely costs before spending money.

Read our full guide to buying return pallets in the UK before getting started.

Become an Amazon seller

Selling on Amazon is more involved than using eBay or Vinted, but it can suit people who want to turn reselling into a more serious business.

You can sell products yourself or use Fulfilment by Amazon, where Amazon stores and sends your stock for you.

Amazon has different selling plans and charges extra fees depending on what you sell, so work out the costs carefully before buying stock.

If you’re just starting out, begin small rather than filling a spare room with products you haven’t tested yet.

Read our guide to selling on Amazon UK.

Online and work-from-home side hustles

These side hustles can be done mainly from home using a computer, phone or internet connection. Some are simple ways to earn a little extra, while others can grow into regular freelance or client work.

Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) helps businesses with tasks they do not have time to handle themselves.

That can include email and diary management, booking travel, customer support, data entry, social media, research and general admin.

You can often work from home and choose clients that suit the hours you have available, which makes VA work a flexible side hustle.

If you are organised, reliable and comfortable using everyday online tools, it can be a good option to start with.

Find out how to become a virtual assistant in our full guide.

Freelance writing 

If you’re a confident writer, you can earn extra money creating content for businesses, websites and other organisations.

Work can include blog posts, website copy, product descriptions, email newsletters, guides and social media content.

You do not need to be a published author, but you do need to write clearly, meet deadlines and follow a brief.

AI tools have changed this type of work, so it is harder to rely on basic writing alone. Writers who can add real experience, research, interviews or specialist knowledge have a better chance of standing out.

You can look for freelance work through job boards, freelance platforms or by approaching businesses directly.

Manage social media accounts

Small businesses often need help keeping their social media accounts active but do not have the time to do it themselves.

You could help with things such as planning posts, writing captions, replying to comments, creating simple graphics and keeping accounts updated.

This can work well as a side hustle if you already understand platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn.

Start by offering a simple service to one or two local businesses rather than trying to manage everything at once.

Digital help for local businesses

Many small businesses need help with simple online tasks but do not have the time or confidence to do everything themselves.

You could help with things such as updating a website, creating social media posts, replying to online reviews, setting up Google Business Profile information, sending email newsletters or keeping online listings up to date.

You do not need to offer everything. It can be better to start with one or two simple services you know how to do well.

Approaching local businesses directly can be a good way to find your first client.

Short-form video editing

Businesses and creators often need help turning longer videos into short clips for TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

You could help by trimming footage, adding captions, choosing strong opening moments and formatting videos for different platforms.

You do not need expensive equipment to start, but you do need to be comfortable using video editing software and understand what makes short videos easy to watch.

Start by creating a few sample edits so you have something to show potential clients.

Website design

If you are comfortable building websites, you could offer website design as a side hustle to small businesses, freelancers and local organisations.

You might help with setting up a simple site, improving an existing design, adding new pages or making a website easier to use.

You do not necessarily need to be an advanced developer, especially if you use platforms such as WordPress, Shopify, Wix or Squarespace, but you should be confident enough to deliver what you promise.

Starting with simple websites for local businesses can be a good way to build experience and a portfolio.

Freelance bookkeeping 

If you are confident with numbers and organised with records, freelance bookkeeping can be a useful side hustle.

Bookkeepers help businesses keep track of income, expenses, invoices and other financial records. You may also help prepare information for an accountant or keep accounting software up to date.

It is better suited to people who are comfortable working accurately with financial information, and some clients may prefer you to have bookkeeping experience or a recognised qualification.

If you provide bookkeeping services commercially, you may also need anti-money-laundering supervision through a professional body or HMRC, so check the current requirements before taking on clients.

You could start with one or two small business clients and build from there if the work suits you.

Proofreading

If you have a good eye for spelling, grammar and small mistakes, proofreading can be a useful side hustle.

Proofreaders check written content before it is published and correct errors in things such as spelling, punctuation, grammar and formatting.

You could work on blog posts, reports, newsletters, websites, books or business documents.

It helps to be patient, accurate and comfortable working through text carefully, as clients are paying you to spot things they may have missed.

Find out how to become a proofreader.

Translating

If you are fluent in two or more languages, you could earn extra money by offering translation services.

Work can include translating website content, documents, subtitles, product descriptions, emails or other written material.

Some jobs may require specialist knowledge, particularly for legal, medical or technical translation, so it is best to stick to areas you are confident in.

You could look for freelance work online or approach businesses that regularly work with customers in different languages.

Test websites and apps

You can earn extra money by testing websites and apps and giving feedback on how easy they are to use.

You might be asked to complete a task, talk through what you are doing, or explain what you found confusing. You do not usually need coding or web design skills.

It can be a flexible way to earn from home, although the amount of work available can vary and it is unlikely to provide a steady income on its own.

Find out how to get paid to test websites and apps.

AI training and model evaluation

Some companies pay people to help improve AI systems by rating answers, comparing responses, checking information or reviewing written content.

The work is usually remote and can suit people who are good at writing, research or a specialist subject. Some projects need specific expertise, while others are more general.

Work can be irregular and you may need to pass an assessment before being offered projects, so it is better treated as flexible extra income rather than guaranteed work.

Check the company, payment terms and type of work carefully before signing up.

Paid surveys

Paid surveys can be an easy way to make a little extra money online in your spare time.

Companies use survey sites to collect opinions about products, services and everyday habits, and you can earn cash or rewards for taking part.

The pay is usually modest and the number of surveys you qualify for can vary, so it is better treated as a small extra earner rather than a dependable monthly income.

See our guide to the best paid survey sites in the UK.

Paid research and focus groups

Paid market research can pay more than standard online surveys because you are usually giving more detailed feedback.

You might take part in an online interview, focus group, product test or research session where you discuss your experiences and opinions. Many sessions can be completed from home by video call.

You will not qualify for every study, and opportunities can be irregular, but individual sessions can pay well when you are selected. 

Naomi from Skint Dad has taken part in paid research herself, including one 35-minute session that paid £80 and another that paid £120.

See our guide to paid market research and online focus groups.

Product testing

Product testing can be a simple way to earn rewards or get products for free in return for your feedback.

You might be sent food, household items, beauty products or gadgets to try, then asked to complete a survey or review explaining what you thought.

You will not be selected for every test, and many opportunities pay in products rather than cash, so it is better treated as a small extra rather than a regular income.

See our guide to the best product testing sites in the UK.

Create UGC

User-generated content (UGC) is content you create for brands to use on social media, websites or in advertising.

This could include short videos, product demonstrations, reviews, unboxings or simple lifestyle clips. You usually do not need a large social media following because the brand is paying for the content itself, rather than access to your audience.

You can start by creating a few sample videos with products you already own, then use them as a portfolio when approaching brands or applying for UGC work.

It can take time to find regular clients, so treat it as something you may need to build gradually.

Become a content creator

If you enjoy creating content for social media, you could build an audience around a subject you know well or care about.

You might post videos, reviews, tutorials or useful tips on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.

As your audience grows, you may be able to earn through brand partnerships, affiliate links, sponsorships or advertising.

It can take a long time to build enough reach and trust to earn regularly, so this is better viewed as a longer-term side hustle rather than a quick way to make money.

Start a YouTube channel

If you enjoy making videos, you could start a YouTube channel around a topic you know well or are interested in.

You might create reviews, tutorials, how-to videos, commentary or longer-form videos that answer specific questions.

It usually takes time to build an audience, and you will need enough views and subscribers before advertising becomes a meaningful source of income.

As the channel grows, you may also be able to earn through affiliate links, sponsorships or by promoting your own products and services.

Blogging

Blogging can still be a side hustle, but it usually takes time to build an audience and start earning from it.

You could create a site around a topic you know well, then make money through affiliate links, display advertising, sponsorships, digital products or your own services.

We’ve run Skint Dad for years, so we know blogging can become a genuine source of income, but it takes time, useful content and an audience. It is not something we would recommend starting if you need money quickly.

The strongest blogs tend to solve specific problems, answer useful questions or share first-hand experience rather than simply publishing general opinion pieces.

If you want to try it, see our guide to starting a WordPress blog.

Create an online course

If you have useful knowledge or a skill you can teach, you could create an online course and sell access to it.

Courses can cover anything from software and photography to fitness, crafts, business skills or hobbies.

The difficult part is usually not creating the course — it is finding people who want to buy it. You may need an existing audience, a clear niche or a way to promote it.

Start with a small course that solves one specific problem rather than spending months building something huge before you know there is demand.

Tech support

If you are confident fixing everyday computer problems, you could offer tech support as a side hustle.

You might help people set up new devices, remove unwanted software, troubleshoot Wi-Fi problems, install programs, back up files or explain how to use common apps and services.

Some jobs can be done remotely, while others may be easier in person, especially if you are helping local customers with hardware or home internet issues.

Start with simple problems you know you can solve well, and be clear about what you do and do not support.

Transcription

If you are a fast and accurate typist, you could earn extra money transcribing audio or video into written text.

Work can include podcasts, interviews, meetings, research recordings and video content. You may also find jobs creating or correcting captions and subtitles.

You will need to listen carefully and type accurately, and poor-quality audio or several people speaking at once can make the work slower than expected.

AI now handles a lot of basic transcription, so paid work is increasingly focused on checking, correcting and improving automated transcripts or handling recordings where greater accuracy is needed.

Local service side hustles

Local service side hustles involve helping people or businesses in your area with practical jobs. Many can be started with low costs and can become more reliable if you build repeat customers.

Cleaning

Cleaning can be a straightforward side hustle to start because there is regular demand from households, landlords and small businesses.

You could offer general home cleaning, end-of-tenancy cleaning, office cleaning or more specialist services once you have experience.

Start-up costs can be fairly low if you begin with basic equipment, although you should still work out travel, supplies and insurance before setting your prices.

Reliable cleaners can build repeat customers, which can make this more dependable than some online side hustles.

Take a look at our guide on how to start a cleaning business.

Dog walking

If you enjoy being around dogs, dog walking can be a flexible local side hustle with fairly low start-up costs.

You could offer regular weekday walks, occasional help for busy owners or group walks once you have more experience.

It can fit around other work, but you will need to be reliable, comfortable handling different dogs and clear about things such as availability, pricing and insurance.

You can find customers through local recommendations, community groups or pet-care platforms.

See our guide on how to start a dog walking business.

Pet sitting

If you enjoy being around animals, pet sitting can be a flexible local side hustle.

You might visit pets during the day, feed them, walk dogs, give medication or stay in the owner’s home while they are away.

Some customers may only need occasional holiday cover, while others may want regular help during the working week.

You will need to be reliable, comfortable caring for different animals and clear about what services you are happy to offer.

Gardening 

If you enjoy working outdoors, gardening can be a simple local side hustle to start.

You could offer services such as lawn cutting, hedge trimming, weeding, planting, tidying borders or general garden maintenance.

You do not need to offer specialist landscaping work. Starting with basic jobs you can do confidently can help you build regular local customers.

You may need your own tools and transport, so include those costs when deciding what to charge.

Handyman services

If you are confident with basic repairs and DIY jobs, you could offer handyman services in your local area.

You might help with jobs such as putting up shelves, assembling furniture, fixing doors, hanging pictures, replacing handles or carrying out small maintenance tasks around the home.

Start with jobs you already know how to do safely, and avoid electrical, gas or other specialist work unless you are properly qualified.

Local recommendations can be especially useful for building up this type of side hustle.

Flat-pack furniture assembly

If you are good at putting furniture together, you could offer a flat-pack assembly service in your local area.

Customers may want help building wardrobes, beds, desks, shelving units or other furniture they have bought but do not want to assemble themselves.

You can start with straightforward jobs and only take on work you are confident completing safely.

You will usually need your own basic tools and transport, and good reviews or local recommendations can help you pick up repeat work.

Window cleaning 

Window cleaning can be a good local side hustle if you are comfortable working outdoors and building up a regular round of customers.

You could start with smaller residential jobs and gradually add more customers in the same area, which can make the work more efficient.

Start-up costs will depend on the equipment you use. A basic setup can be fairly simple, while professional water-fed pole systems and transport can cost much more.

The main advantage is that customers may book repeat cleans, which can give you more predictable work over time.

Home organising

If you are naturally organised, you could offer a home organising service to people who need help getting rooms, cupboards or storage spaces under control.

You might help sort wardrobes, kitchens, garages, spare rooms or paperwork, then create simple systems that make things easier to keep tidy.

This can suit busy families, people moving house or anyone who feels overwhelmed by clutter.

You do not need lots of equipment to start, but you will need to be patient, trustworthy and comfortable working in other people’s homes.

Laundry and ironing

If you do not mind washing and ironing, you could offer a laundry service to people in your local area.

You might help busy families, older people, professionals or anyone who struggles to keep on top of washing and ironing.

You could offer ironing only, a wash-and-fold service, or collection and delivery if that is practical for you.

Before starting, work out your costs for electricity, water, detergent, travel and the time each load takes so you can set prices that are actually worth it.

Tutoring

If you are confident in a particular subject, tutoring can be a flexible side hustle you can do online or in person.

You could help school pupils, college students or adults with subjects such as maths, English, science, languages or exam preparation.

Some tutoring work may require relevant qualifications or experience, especially for specialist subjects, so check what clients or platforms expect before you start.

Online tutoring can make it easier to work with students outside your local area.

See our guides to how to become a tutor and teaching English online.

Childcare and babysitting

If you are good with children, babysitting can be a flexible way to earn extra money in your local area.

You might look after children during evenings, weekends or school holidays while their parents are working or going out.

Parents will want someone they can trust, so experience, references and relevant checks or qualifications can make it easier to find work.

Childcare rules vary depending on where in the UK you live, the age of the children, where you care for them and how often you work, so check the current requirements before offering a regular service.

Read next: Side hustles AI can’t replace (and how to start one in the UK).

House sitting

House sitting involves looking after someone’s home while they are away.

You might be asked to collect post, water plants, put bins out, keep the property secure or look after pets while the owner is on holiday.

Some jobs may only involve visiting the property once or twice a day, while others may require you to stay overnight.

Trust is a big part of this type of work, so references and recommendations can help you find more opportunities.

Pet grooming

If you are confident handling animals, pet grooming can be a local side hustle worth considering.

Services might include bathing, brushing, coat trimming or basic nail care, depending on your experience and training.

This is not something to jump into without preparation, as poor handling or incorrect grooming can hurt an animal. It is better to start with the services you are properly trained and confident to provide.

You could begin by helping a small number of local customers and build through recommendations.

Delivery and flexible work

These side hustles are useful if you want flexible work you can fit around another job or other commitments. Some involve driving or deliveries, while others are based around casual shifts or weekend work.

Deliver for Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex lets you earn extra money by delivering Amazon parcels using your own vehicle.

You can choose available delivery blocks through the Amazon Flex app, which can make it easier to fit the work around another job or other commitments.

You will usually need a suitable vehicle, a driving licence and the correct insurance for delivery work.

Before signing up, work out your likely fuel, insurance and vehicle costs so you can judge what you will actually make after expenses.

Find out more about Amazon Flex.

Food delivery driver

Food delivery can be a flexible side hustle if you want work you can fit around another job or other commitments.

Platforms such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat use couriers to collect orders from restaurants and deliver them to customers.

Depending on the platform and your area, you may be able to deliver by car, scooter or bicycle. Your actual earnings will depend on things such as demand, location, working hours and your expenses.

If you use a vehicle, remember to factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance and other running costs before deciding whether the work is worthwhile.

Find out how much Just Eat drivers earn.

Courier work

Courier work can be a flexible side hustle if you have access to a suitable vehicle and do not mind spending time on the road.

You might deliver parcels, documents or other items for local businesses, delivery companies or courier platforms.

Some work is booked in advance, while other jobs may be offered at short notice, so the flexibility can vary.

Before taking on courier work, check the insurance and vehicle requirements and factor in fuel, maintenance and other running costs when working out whether a job is worth taking.

Drive with Uber

Driving with Uber can be a flexible way to earn extra money if you already meet the requirements for private-hire work.

You will need the correct licence, insurance and an eligible vehicle before you can start taking passengers.

The work can fit around other commitments because you can choose when to go online, but your actual earnings will depend on demand, location, working hours and your vehicle costs.

Before signing up, work out fuel, insurance, servicing and other running costs so you can judge what you are likely to keep.

Take a look at how much UK Uber drivers make.

Event and casual weekend work

If you want flexible work without committing to fixed weekly hours, casual event work can be a useful side hustle.

You might find shifts at concerts, festivals, sports events, conferences, exhibitions or hospitality venues.

Jobs can include serving food and drinks, stewarding, ticket checking, setting up venues or helping with customer service.

The work is often busiest at evenings and weekends, which can make it easier to fit around a main job, although availability can be seasonal.

Mystery shopping

Mystery shoppers are paid to visit shops, restaurants and other businesses and report back on their experience.

You may be asked to check things such as customer service, cleanliness, product displays or how staff handle a particular situation.

Some assignments pay cash, while others reimburse you for a purchase or meal. The work can be flexible, but opportunities vary depending on where you live and which companies are recruiting.

Find out how to become a mystery shopper.

Work as a film or TV extra

Working as a film or TV extra can be a flexible way to earn some extra money if productions are casting in your area.

Extras are used to fill background scenes in films, TV programmes, adverts and other productions. You may spend a lot of time waiting around between takes, so the work can be less glamorous than it looks.

Pay and availability vary depending on the production, location and length of the shoot.

Take a look at how much film and TV extras get paid.

Football referee

If you enjoy football and are free at weekends, refereeing can be a flexible way to earn extra money while staying active.

You can start at grassroots level and work your way up as you gain experience. Most new referees will need to complete an approved training course before taking charge of matches.

Pay varies depending on the age group, competition and level of football, so it is better to check current local rates rather than rely on a fixed figure.

Find out more about how to become a referee and what you could earn at different levels.

Creative and specialist side hustles

Creative and specialist side hustles can work well if you already have a skill, hobby or experience that other people are willing to pay for. Some can be started with equipment you already own, while others may need training, qualifications or a bigger upfront cost.

Sell handmade items 

If you enjoy making things, you could turn that skill into extra income by selling handmade products.

Popular options include jewellery, prints, candles, personalised gifts, knitted items and home décor. You can sell through marketplaces such as Etsy, at local craft fairs or through social media.

If you prefer designing rather than making products yourself, print-on-demand services can put your designs on items such as T-shirts, mugs and posters and fulfil orders for you, so you do not need to hold stock. Check the product, fulfilment and platform costs carefully before setting your prices.

Start small and test what people are willing to buy before spending too much on materials or stock.

Read our guide to selling on Etsy UK if you want to give it a try.

Photography

If you are confident taking good photos, photography can be a flexible side hustle.

You could offer family shoots, pet photography, events, product photos for small businesses or property photography.

You can also license photos, video clips or illustrations through stock libraries. Earnings can be unpredictable and often depend on building a larger portfolio, so this is better treated as a longer-term extra rather than quick money.

A good camera can help for some types of work, but the more important skills are composition, lighting, editing and being able to deliver what the customer wants.

Start by building a small portfolio, then offer a simple service locally before investing heavily in equipment.

Baking

If you enjoy baking, you could earn extra money by selling cakes, cupcakes, bread or other homemade treats.

You might take orders for birthdays and events, sell at local markets or build up regular customers through recommendations and social media.

If you plan to sell food regularly, you will normally need to register your food business with your local authority before you start and follow the relevant food safety rules.

It is usually best to begin with a small menu so you can work out your ingredient costs, packaging and the time each order takes before setting your prices.

Clothing alterations

If you are confident with a sewing machine, clothing alterations can be a practical way to earn extra money.

You might shorten trousers, take in dresses, replace zips, repair seams or make other simple adjustments to clothes.

You can offer the service locally, and recommendations can be especially useful because customers often come back once they find someone reliable.

Start with alterations you know you can do well and make sure you charge enough to cover your time and materials.

Music teaching 

If you can play an instrument confidently, you could earn extra money by teaching other people.

You might offer lessons in guitar, piano, drums, singing or another instrument, either in person or online.

You do not always need formal teaching qualifications, but you do need enough skill and patience to explain things clearly and help someone make progress.

You could start with beginners, local families or people in your community before expanding through recommendations.

Voiceover work

If you have a clear speaking voice and are comfortable recording yourself, voiceover work can be a creative side hustle.

You might record audio for adverts, online videos, training courses, podcasts, audiobooks or business content.

You do not need a professional studio to start, but good sound quality matters, so a quiet space and a decent microphone can make a big difference.

Start by creating a few short demo recordings so potential clients can hear your voice and style.

DJing

If you enjoy music and are confident performing in front of people, DJing can be a creative way to earn extra money.

You could play at birthday parties, weddings, private events, bars or local venues.

You will need suitable equipment and enough practice to mix music confidently, read the room and deal with requests from customers or guests.

Start-up costs can be higher than many other side hustles, so it makes sense to practise with equipment you already own or hire kit before spending heavily.

Party entertainment 

If you are confident performing in front of people, party entertainment can be a flexible creative side hustle.

You could offer children’s entertainment, magic, face painting, balloon modelling, character appearances, games or hosting at parties and events.

The work is often busiest at weekends, so it can fit around a main job.

Depending on the type of entertainment you offer, you may need equipment, costumes, insurance or relevant checks, so work out the practical costs before taking bookings.

Barbering

If you already know how to cut hair, barbering can be a useful side hustle you offer around another job.

You could work from a chair in an existing barbershop, visit customers at home or build up a small mobile service in your local area.

You will need the right skills, equipment and insurance, and any local rules that apply to the way you work should be checked before you start taking paying customers.

This is better suited to people who already have barbering experience rather than someone looking for a side hustle they can start immediately.

Personal training

If you are experienced in fitness and enjoy helping other people improve, personal training can be a good side hustle.

You could work with clients in a gym, outdoors or online, helping them with exercise plans, technique and accountability.

Most gyms and clients will expect you to have a recognised personal training qualification, and appropriate insurance is strongly recommended before working with paying clients.

It can take time to build a regular client base, so this is better suited to someone who already has a strong interest in fitness and is willing to train properly for the role. 

Water sports instructor

If you are experienced in a water sport, you could earn extra money by teaching beginners or helping with organised sessions.

That might include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, surfing or other activities, depending on your skills and where you live.

Depending on the activity and where you teach, you may need recognised qualifications, safety training and appropriate insurance before taking paying customers.

This is a more specialist side hustle, but it can work well if you already have experience in a particular sport and want to turn that skill into paid work.

Ethical hacking and bug bounties 

If you have strong cybersecurity skills, ethical hacking can be a specialist way to earn extra money.

Some companies run bug bounty programmes that pay people for finding and responsibly reporting security weaknesses in their websites, apps or software.

You must only test systems where you have clear permission and follow the rules of the programme you are working through.

This is not a beginner side hustle, but it can suit people who already have technical security knowledge and want to use those skills commercially.

Other ways to make extra money

Not every way to make extra money needs to become a regular side hustle. Some opportunities are better for occasional cash, using something you already own or taking advantage of a one-off opportunity.

Rent out your parking space

If you have a driveway, allocated parking space or garage that you do not use all the time, you may be able to rent it out for extra money.

Spaces near city centres, train stations, hospitals, airports or event venues can be especially useful to people looking for somewhere convenient to park.

You can rent a space directly or through a parking platform, depending on what suits you.

Before listing it, check that you are allowed to rent the space out and whether any lease, tenancy, mortgage or local restrictions apply.

You may also need to tell HMRC about income from renting out your space, depending on how much you earn.

Rent out a room in your home

If you have a spare room, renting it out can be a way to bring in regular extra income.

You might take in a lodger or rent the room for a longer period, depending on what suits you and what you are allowed to do.

Before you advertise the room, check your tenancy agreement, mortgage terms, insurance and any local rules that apply. If you rent your home, you may need your landlord’s permission before taking in a lodger or subletting.

Also factor in the extra household costs that come with another person living there.

Rent your car

If your car spends a lot of time parked, you may be able to earn extra money by renting it out through a car-sharing platform.

You can make the car available for other people to hire for anything from a few hours to several days, depending on the service you use.

How much you make will depend on your car, where you live, how often it is available and the fees charged by the platform.

Before listing it, check how insurance works, whether your own insurer needs to be told, and what happens if the car is damaged during a rental.

Find out more in our guide to renting out your car.

Sell plants and cuttings

If you already have healthy houseplants or garden plants, you may be able to make extra money by growing new plants from cuttings and selling them.

Plants such as monstera, pothos and succulents can often be propagated at home, although how long they take to become ready to sell will vary.

You could sell plants locally through Facebook Marketplace, community groups or at local markets.

Start with plants you already own and know how to grow rather than spending money on expensive varieties specifically to resell.

Host international students

If you have a spare room and are comfortable having someone stay in your home, hosting an international student can be a way to earn extra money.

Students may stay for anything from a few weeks to several months while studying in the UK, and some hosts may also provide meals or other support depending on the arrangement.

You will need to check what is expected of you, what payments are included and whether any rules apply to your home or insurance.

Find out more in our guide to hosting international students.

Work as a poll clerk

Working as a poll clerk can be a useful way to earn extra money around local or national elections.

You will usually work at a polling station, checking voters in, issuing ballot papers and helping the day run smoothly.

The hours can be long, and the work is only available when elections take place, so it is better treated as occasional extra income rather than a regular side hustle.

Find out more about poll clerk jobs and how much they pay.

Get paid to queue

Some people earn extra money by queueing on behalf of someone else, sometimes called line sitting.

You might be asked to hold a place for a product launch, event, ticket sale or other busy occasion where someone does not want to wait themselves.

Opportunities are fairly limited and tend to be concentrated in bigger cities or around major events, so this is better treated as occasional extra income rather than a dependable side hustle.

Find out more in our guide to making money by queuing.

Sell your hair

If you have long, healthy hair, you may be able to make extra money by selling it.

Buyers usually look for hair that is in good condition, with longer lengths generally attracting more interest.

This is not a regular side hustle because it takes time for hair to grow back, but it can be a useful one-off way to make extra money if you were planning a big cut anyway.

Find out more in our guide to making money selling your hair.

Report empty or derelict properties

Some councils and organisations offer rewards for information that helps bring long-term empty or derelict properties back into use.

If you notice a property that appears abandoned, you may be able to report it and, in some cases, receive a payment if certain conditions are met.

This is very much an occasional opportunity rather than a regular side hustle, and schemes can vary by area.

Find out more in our guide to making money by reporting derelict houses.

How to choose the right side hustle

The best side hustle is not necessarily the one with the highest earning potential. It is the one that fits your time, skills, budget and circumstances well enough for you to keep doing it.

Start by thinking about how much time you can realistically give it each week. Some side hustles can be done in short bursts around another job or family commitments, while others need longer blocks of time or regular customers.

Think about what you already have too. If you own a car, have useful equipment or already know how to write, organise, repair, teach or create things, you may be able to start without spending much money.

If you need extra cash quickly, selling things you already own, taking casual shifts or doing local service work may be a better option than starting something that takes months to build.

If you want something with more room to grow, services such as cleaning, reselling, freelance work or virtual assistant work can take longer to build but may become more regular over time.

The most important thing is to start with one idea. Test it, keep track of what you earn and what it costs you, then decide whether it is worth continuing.

Be wary of opportunities that ask for money upfront or promise unusually high earnings for very little work. See our guide to how to spot a scam side hustle before signing up to anything you are unsure about.

If you already work full-time, see our guide to ways to make extra money while working full-time.

Is a side hustle worth it?

A side hustle can be worth it if the extra income gives you more breathing room and the money justifies the time, effort and costs involved.

It can help with everyday bills, paying off debt, building savings or creating another source of income alongside your main job.

The key is to be realistic about how much time you can give it without affecting your main job, family life or rest. Some side hustles can fit around your existing routine, while others can quickly start to feel like a second full-time job.

Not every idea will make good money, so track what you earn and what you spend. If something takes hours each week but leaves you with very little profit, it may not be worth continuing.

It also helps if you choose something you enjoy or at least do not mind doing, especially if you plan to stick with it for more than a few weeks.

A good side hustle should improve your finances without making the rest of your life harder to manage.

Do you pay tax on side hustle income?

You may need to pay tax on money you earn from a side hustle, depending on how much you make and your circumstances.

The UK trading allowance lets you earn up to £1,000 a year in gross trading income before you usually need to tell HMRC about it. Gross income means the total amount you receive before taking off expenses.

If your gross trading income is more than £1,000 in a tax year, you will usually need to register for Self Assessment and report your income to HMRC.

The trading allowance does not necessarily mean your first £1,000 is always simply tax-free in every situation, and there are exceptions, so check the latest HMRC guidance if you are unsure.

See our guide to the trading allowance and check the latest rules on GOV.UK before making tax decisions.

How much money can I make from a side hustle?

How much you can make from a side hustle depends on the type of work, how much time you put into it and how much demand there is for what you offer.

Some side hustles may only bring in a small amount each month, while others can grow into a more regular source of income.

Service-based work such as cleaning, tutoring or freelance work can become more predictable if you build repeat customers. Reselling and online work can vary more from month to month, especially when you are just starting.

It is better to focus on your actual profit rather than headline earnings. Keep track of what you make, then subtract costs such as fuel, platform fees, equipment, materials and insurance.

If a side hustle starts earning consistently, you can then decide whether you want to keep it as extra income or grow it into something bigger.

Side hustle FAQs

Can I have a side hustle while working full-time?

Yes. Many side hustles can be fitted around a full-time job, particularly work that can be done during evenings or weekends. Check your employment contract first, especially if your side hustle could compete with your employer or create a conflict of interest.

How quickly can I make money from a side hustle?

It depends on what you choose. Selling something you already own or taking casual work could bring in money quickly, while building a freelance business, blog or YouTube channel may take much longer.

Do I need to tell my employer about my side hustle?

Not always, but check your employment contract and workplace policies. Some employers require you to declare other work, particularly where there could be a conflict of interest or restrictions on working for competitors.

Do I need insurance for a side hustle?

It depends on what you do. Some side hustles may need business, public liability, professional or specialist insurance, while others may not. Check what applies before you start taking paying customers.

Can a side hustle become a full-time business?

Yes, some can. If you build regular customers and the income becomes consistent, you may decide to grow it into a larger business. Keep track of your profit rather than just revenue before deciding whether it could replace your main income.

Start with one side hustle

You do not need to try ten different side hustles at once.

Pick one that fits your time, skills and budget, then test it properly for a few weeks. Keep track of what you earn, what it costs you and how much time it takes.

If it works, keep going and look for ways to grow it. If it does not, try something else.

The aim is not to find the “perfect” side hustle straight away. It is to find a practical way to make extra money that works for your life.