19 Easy Manual Labor Side Hustles
If you’re looking for some manual labor side hustles and don’t have time to waste, this list of ideas is a great place to start. All the options on this list are easy and can help you earn additional income in your spare time. Or you can even turn it into your day job. Most of these manual labor side hustles are in the gig economy. So if you are into the idea of completing gigs for a quick side income, then this is for you.
If you change your mind and would rather make money online, check out this other post from us here: Side Hustles Anyone Can Do
The Best Manual Labor Side Hustles And Business Ideas
Here is a list of the best manual labor side hustles that are profitable:
- Furniture assembly
- Grass cutting
- Snow shoveling
- Gutter cleaning
- Dog Walking
- Delivery Services
- House cleaning
- Handyman services
- Cleaning carpets and rugs
- Packing and moving
- Car cleaning services
- Auto detailing services
- Raking leaves
- Auto glass repair
- Selling scrap metal
- Gardening
- Door-to-door leaflet delivery or direct mail delivery service
- Flipping used furniture
- Cooking for others at their home (meal prep, private chef)
1. Furniture assembly
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of side hustles is probably something like Uber or Lyft. However, there are plenty of other options out there. One such option is furniture assembly. You can find jobs on Craigslist, TaskRabbit, and Fiverr. The average rate for this type of work is between $25 and $50 per hour.
If you have any experience with semi-skilled labor jobs like construction, plumbing, or electrical work then assembling furniture can be a great way to earn extra cash. There’s still plenty of demand for people who aren’t afraid of manual labor!
Learn more: How to Make Money Assembling Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide
2. Grass cutting
Grass cutting is one of the most common manual labor side hustles. This is a great way to earn extra cash and get exercise at the same time.
If you want to do this job on your own, it’s fairly easy to get started. All you need is a manual lawn mower or weed whacker and some gloves. But if you want an easier life, there are many companies that will hire you to cut grass for them. For example, Lawnstarter hires contractors who will go to people’s houses once per week or month with their own equipment and do lawn work.
3. Snow shoveling
One of the best ways to make extra money is by snow shoveling—and it’s not just for kids!
During the winter, you can make a lot of money shoveling snow. In fact, it’s one of the most common manual labor side hustles because it’s easy and simple.
But before you consider this side hustle, there are a few things you should know. You’ll need to be physically fit and have good shoes and gloves. You’ll also need to work quickly so you can get more jobs done in less time!
4. Gutter cleaning
Gutter cleaning is a natural fit for the manual labor side hustle. This is because it is done with simple tools and doesn’t require any special skills. You can clean gutters manually with a ladder and a pole brush. However, if you have an extension ladder that extends to at least 20 feet tall, you could also use this method:
- Use an extension pole to grab leaves out of gutters from the ground floor level (this might be easier than reaching up with just a regular broom).
- Sweep down each section of the gutter using either an extendable broom. You can also use a telescopic window cleaning rod attached to an extension pole set on its lowest setting (again, this will probably be easier than getting onto ladders).
5. Dog Walking
Dog walking is one of the most popular manual side hustles for people who love dogs. It can also be a great choice for those who don’t own one.
Many dog walkers start out as dog owners with an extra pup that needs exercise. Many others enjoy spending time with animals but don’t have pets of their own yet.
Both of these groups can make great dog walkers! If you love dogs, you’ll likely have fun getting to know new pups and their humans when you’re out on walks or at the park or beach.
You’d also be doing them a favor by giving them the exercise they need in order to stay healthy! You can find dog walking gigs on sites like Rover or Facebook groups.
6. Delivery Services
Delivery services such as Doordash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex are great ways to earn some extra cash while helping others out. You’ll be paid per delivery and generally get more money if the order is larger or more complicated. If you can lift at least 50 lbs, then this side hustle will be an easy way to make extra money on your schedule. DoorDash and Instacart delivery drivers make an average $25/hr. With delivery services, all you need to get started is a smartphone and you get to set your own ours. Food delivery specifically is a very easy side hustle idea that can allow you to reach your financial goals with little effort. You can also do food delivery and other types of delivery part-time while you maximize your time as a business owner.
Related: 7 Best Delivery Apps To Work For
7. House cleaning
If you’re willing to do some cleaning, it’s easy to find clients in need of your services. One way to market yourself is by putting up flyers around your neighborhood advertising your services. You could also use Craigslist or local publications. If possible, ask friends and family members if they know of anyone who needs help with their home.
8. Handyman services
Handyman services are a great way to earn money on the side. You can offer your services to friends and neighbors, or you can even get hired by homeowners through sites like TaskRabbit.
You’ll need some tools and some skills, but this is one of the best manual labor side jobs out there because it will allow you to make good money for relatively little effort.
9. Cleaning carpets and rugs
Cleaning carpets and rugs is a great side hustle because there is always a high demand for the service. You’ll need to invest in the right equipment to make sure that you’re doing the job well. But once you have everything set up, this task will be easy to do.
- Use a vacuum to clean carpets – This method works best when there is no pet hair or stains on the carpet. If there are stains, you may need to shampoo them first using an upholstery shampooer.
- Clean with steam cleaners – Steam cleaners come in many shapes and sizes but they all work by spraying hot water onto dirty areas and extracting dirt out of them with a strong vacuum suction power. Steam cleaners are great for getting rid of tough stains like coffee spills or gum stuck on carpets!
10. Packing and moving
Moving companies are always looking for help, and it’s a great way to make some extra money.
If you’re willing to drive out of town, there are plenty of opportunities. You can work with movers like Mayflower or U-Haul.
You can also find moving jobs through TaskRabbit or Craigslist.
If you have an SUV or pickup truck, consider using it to haul stuff for others as a side hustle business idea.
11. Car cleaning services
If you have a car wash business, this is one of the best ways to make money quickly. People are always looking for someone who can keep their cars clean and looking good.
A lot of people don’t have time to do it themselves or just don’t want to spend the time doing it themselves. People spend too much time doing other things or they just don’t know how to do it right! So if you know how to wash a car properly, then you should definitely consider this as an option when you are looking for ways to make some extra cash quickly!
12. Auto detailing services
If you have the time and the tools, auto detailing is a great way to make money on the side. You’ll need a good car washing kit. This can cost anywhere from $30-$1,000 depending on what kind of materials you want to use.
You’ll also need some special equipment such as polishing pads and waxing products. Once you’re set up though, it’s pretty easy to start making money. Just find a few local businesses or people who are willing to pay for your services and advertise yourself as an “auto detailer.”
13. Raking leaves
The fall season is the time of year when everyone’s lawns and gardens are filled with leaves to be cleaned up. If you have the tools, you can rake up some extra cash by offering your services to your neighbors.
The best part about raking leaves is that it’s a great physical activity that will get you outside. So if you’re looking for something low-impact and enjoyable, this is it! You can also take on larger jobs like clearing out overgrown brush or even lawn care.
14. Auto glass repair
Auto glass repair is one of the most lucrative, yet simple, side hustles out there. This job involves using common tools to fix broken auto glass and car windows. You can start earning money in as little as a few days by following these steps:
- Buy some basic tools such as a rubber mallet and a small flathead screwdriver
- Look for an online or offline marketplace where you can post your services. Sites like Fiverr and Craigslist will do the trick here
- Begin offering your services at local repair shops that are looking for someone who can fill in for their employee who quit last week (this usually happens).
15. Selling scrap metal
Selling scrap metal is a great side hustle because it’s profitable, easy, and requires little startup investment. You can make hundreds of dollars a month selling scrap metal, depending on how much time you spend searching for items to sell.
Selling scrap metal is also a great way to turn something that would otherwise be thrown away into cash. Scrap metal dealers purchase items such as aluminum cans, old appliances, and even old cars and trucks.
The best part is that there are no special licenses or permits required to sell scrap metal. You simply need a truck with a trailer and the willingness to work hard.
You can start by searching the local classified ads for “junk yards” or “metal recyclers” in your area. Call them up and ask if they accept materials from outside sources — most do! Social media is also a free space to advertise yourself.
16. Gardening
If you like gardening, you can offer your services as a gardener. You’ll need to have your own tools and be willing to travel. But if you’re willing to put in the work, there are plenty of opportunities out there. This is the best side hustle for people who like farming.
17. Door-to-door leaflet delivery or direct mail delivery service
Leaflet delivery is when you deliver leaflets and flyers to homes in your area. You can do this on foot, by bike, or on public transport. If you have a car then it’s possible to use that as well.
You can find companies looking for people to do this by searching online for “leaflet distribution” or “direct mail delivery” in your area. This is the best side hustle idea to earn extra income while exercising at the same time
18. Flipping used furniture
If you’re looking for a side hustle that can be done with little investment, selling used furniture is a great option.
You can buy used items from thrift stores, Craigslist, and garage sales, then resell them on eBay or Amazon.
If you’re not comfortable buying used items, there are other ways to make money by flipping furniture. For example, you can refurbish old furniture and sell it as new or “like new.” Or you could sell furniture pieces with your own designs or paint jobs on them. This is one of the best ways to increase your earning potential with this type of side hustle. You can even choose to do this in your spare time while focusing on other side hustles.
The key to success in this business is finding good deals on quality used furniture at garage sales and thrift stores. It also helps if you have some basic woodworking skills so you can make any necessary repairs before reselling the pieces.
19. Cooking for others at their home (meal prep, private chef)
If you’re a fan of cooking, consider preparing food for others at their home or yours. With the rise of the meal-prep trend, there are dozens of services that provide meals ready to heat and eat. Services like HelloFresh, Trifecta, and Plated—make it easy for busy people to get dinner on the table without having to think about it.
A similar service is private chefs who cook in someone’s home on an as-needed basis. With this side hustle, you can sell your cooking skills directly by advertising yourself as a “private chef” or “private caterer.” You could also set up a shop at events like weddings or corporate parties and offer catering services there too!
Related: 29 Of The Most Lucrative Side Hustles
Bonus
Real Estate
Real estate can be a great way to make money and own your own property. There are a number of ways to get involved in the real estate market, from buying and selling homes to renting out space.
If you’re new to real estate, start by investing in properties that you can see yourself living in or renting out on Airbnb. Once you have some experience under your belt, consider buying larger properties outright or joining an investment group so you have more influence over the direction of the property market.
Whatever route YOU choose: always do your research before getting started so you don’t get hurt financially. Read real estate articles, watch informative real estate shows, and talk to experienced homeowners and real estate agents before taking any action. We considered this a manual labor side hustle because you can get involved in the construction or renovation of your rental properties.
Shopper
If you love shopping, consider becoming a shopper. Shoppers are people who visit stores (usually in malls) to search for deals. You’ll need to have good money-saving skills and be able to stay busy all day long.
There are lots of ways to become a shopper:
• Join an online group that shares tips on how to save money at various retailers
• Sign up with retail loyalty programs like ShopStyle or Club O
• Learn about manufacturer coupon codes and use them when buying items online or in-store
Pet Sitting
If you love animals and have a spare moment or two, pet sitting may be the side hustle for you!
Pet sitting can be a great way to make a little extra money if you own your own home and have time to devote each day to taking care of someone else’s pet. You’ll need reliable transportation, good animal-care skills (including being able to handle difficult pets), and the ability to stay calm under pressure. There are also several online platforms that connect dog sitters with families in need. Again you can find pet-sitting jobs on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Conclusion
With so many options, there’s no reason not to try at least one of these manual labor side hustles. If you don’t have the time or energy for more than one, start with the easiest one first and work your way up from there!
