7 Unique Side Hustles You Haven’t Considered (But Seriously Should)

7 Side Hustle Ideas You Should Try

These are the 7 side hustles that might fit your schedule, preference, and taste:

Side Hustle #1: Designing Coloring Books

Designing and self-publishing coloring books on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform is a surprisingly lucrative side hustle that combines creative artistry with entrepreneurial spirit.

The Process Behind Designing Coloring Books

The process involves using AI image generators like Midjourney to conceptualize and create original designs, researching popular coloring book themes and target audiences, formatting the content with intuitive tools like Canva, and effectively marketing and optimizing your books on the KDP platform.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this side hustle are the ease of self-publishing, the growing demand for coloring books (a market that has exploded in recent years), and the potential for ongoing passive income as your portfolio of titles expands.

However, the cons include the high level of competition, as many aspiring artists have flocked to this space, as well as the lack of guaranteed income – your earnings will depend on factors like your design skills, marketing savvy, and ability to identify and cater to in-demand niches.

Overall, the money-making potential is strong, earning it a 9/10 on the money score.

Side Hustle #2: Car Ad Wraps

If you’re looking for a truly passive income stream, getting your car wrapped in advertising could be the side hustle for you.

Companies like Rapify and Sticker Ride will pay you anywhere from $264 to $452 per month to turn your vehicle into a rolling billboard, plastering it with eye-catching ads.

The Process Behind Car Ad Wraps

The process is relatively straightforward. First, you’ll need to sign up with one of these car wrap providers and provide details about your vehicle, such as the make, model, and mileage. The company will then work with you to design the eye-catching wrap that will be applied to your car.

Once the wrap is installed, your only ongoing responsibilities are to keep the vehicle clean and ensure the wrap remains in good condition. The advertising company handles all other aspects, from finding advertisers to maintaining the wrap over time.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this opportunity are twofold: First, it requires minimal effort on your part beyond the initial sign-up and vehicle wrap installation.

Second, the attention-grabbing nature of a fully wrapped car can be an effective marketing tactic for the advertisers, making it an appealing proposition.

The cons, however, include the variability based on your location (demand and rates may differ) and the potential for increased wear and tear on your vehicle from the wrap application and removal process.

Overall, the money score for this side hustle is an impressive 9.5/10.

Side Hustle #3: Carpet & Mattress Cleaning

While it may not be the most glamorous side gig, carpet and mattress cleaning can be an incredibly lucrative endeavor, with the potential to earn up to six figures annually.

This high-demand niche service is often overlooked by traditional cleaning companies, presenting a unique opportunity for enterprising individuals to stake their claim.

The Process Behind Carpet & Mattress Cleaning

To get started, you’ll need to invest in some specialized equipment, such as powerful extractors and deep-cleaning solutions. Then, you can list your services on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, targeting both residential and commercial clients.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this side hustle include the flexible hours, the satisfaction of performing honest, hard work, and the ability to be your own boss.

However, the physical labor involved and the challenge of dealing with tough stains and odors are definite cons. Still, the money-making potential is undeniable, earning it a perfect 10/10 on the money score.

Side Hustle #4: Dog Poop Removal

Yes, you read that correctly – dog poop removal is a surprisingly lucrative side hustle, especially in affluent neighborhoods where pet owners are willing to pay handsomely for the convenience of not having to deal with this unpleasant task themselves.

Some providers, such as the company Duty Calls, have reported monthly earnings of $25,000 or more, while full-time dog poop removal professionals can earn upwards of $60,000 per year.

The Process Behind Dog Poop Removal

To get started, you’ll need a pooper scooper, some sturdy bags, and a plan for proper waste disposal. Go around your neighborhood and start offering dog poop removal services. You can also ask your local authorities and offer your services.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this side hustle include the low startup costs, the flexible hours, and the potential for recurring income from regular clients. The cons, however, are the unpleasant nature of the work itself and the potential for seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Overall, the money score for dog poop removal is a solid 8.5/10.

Side Hustle #5: Baby Gear Rental

As young families continue to grow, the demand for affordable, gently used baby gear has skyrocketed. Enter the baby gear rental side hustle, where you can earn passive income by renting out items that infants and toddlers quickly outgrow, such as strollers, car seats, and high chairs.

The Process Behind Baby Gear Rental

Platforms like BabyQuip.com make it easy to get started, allowing you to list your inventory, set your own prices, and keep up to 85% of the rental commissions. You can post your baby gears on Facebook marketplace too so you can target local customers.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this side hustle include the potential for passive income, the opportunity to reduce waste by giving used items a second life, and the ability to maintain control over your pricing. The cons, however, include the potential for limited demand in certain geographic areas and the ongoing effort required to maintain and clean the rental items.

Overall, the money score for baby gear rental is an 8/10.

Side Hustle #6: House Sitting

For those who enjoy the comforts of a new home and the potential for networking, house sitting can be a surprisingly rewarding side hustle.

By taking care of someone’s residence while they’re away – watering plants, caring for pets, and ensuring the property remains secure – you can earn around $34,000 per year, according to industry estimates.

The Process Behind House Sitting

To get started, you’ll need to create a profile on a platform like TrustedHouseSitters.com. This allows you to showcase your experience, skills, and availability to homeowners in need of a house sitter.

When a suitable opportunity arises, you can apply for the job, highlighting what you can offer in terms of property and pet care.

The application process typically involves an interview, either in person or virtually, where you can discuss your qualifications and the specific needs of the homeowner.

Once selected, you’ll be responsible for tasks like watering plants, bringing in the mail, and ensuring the home remains secure and well-maintained throughout the owner’s absence.

PROS and CONS

The pros of this side hustle include the opportunity to enjoy the amenities of a new home and the potential for building valuable connections. However, the cons include the inherent responsibility of caring for someone else’s property and the relatively limited income potential compared to some of the other options on this list.

The money score for house sitting is a 7/10.

Side Hustle #7: Trash Picking

For the more adventurous and entrepreneurial-minded individuals, trash picking can be a surprisingly lucrative side hustle. This involves scouring dumpsters, abandoned properties, and other areas for valuable items that can be resold for a profit, either directly or through platforms like TrashButler.com.

The Process Behind Trash Picking

The process typically begins with researching your local laws and regulations around dumpster diving and trash collection, as some areas may have restrictions or require permits.

Once you’ve ensured you’re operating within legal bounds, you can start exploring potential treasure troves, keeping an eye out for electronics, furniture, clothing, and other items that may have been discarded but still hold monetary value.

When you come across something promising, the next step is to carefully inspect the item, assessing its condition and any necessary cleaning or repair work.

This requires a keen eye and a bit of resourcefulness, as you’ll need to determine which items are worth the effort to resell and which are better left behind.

The potential earnings for this side hustle are impressive, with some providers reporting annual incomes of $39,000 or more, in addition to the direct resale value of the items they recover.

PROS and CONS

The pros include the flexible work schedule, the satisfaction of uncovering hidden treasures, and the possibility of daily payouts.

However, the cons involve the physical labor required, the weather-dependent nature of the work, and the potential risks associated with rummaging through waste.

Overall, the money score for trash picking is a 7/10.

Should You Try These Hustles?

Do you love the satisfaction of a before and after transformation? The carpet and mattress cleaning or trash picking side hustles may be appealing if you find joy in restoring something worn and dirty to its former glory.

On the other hand, if you prefer minimal client interaction and more independent work, the coloring book design or car ad wrap opportunities could be a better fit.

Consider your personal preferences and tolerance for hands-on physical labor when evaluating which of these unique side hustles might be the right match.

The earning potential is high across the board, but the day-to-day experience can vary greatly depending on your individual work style and interests.

The Bottom Line

These unique side hustles offer a refreshing alternative to the typical gig economy suggestions. Whether you’re drawn to the creative fulfillment of designing coloring books, the passive income potential of car ad wraps, or the thrill of uncovering valuable trash, there’s sure to be an opportunity on this list that sparks your interest.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – you never know what hidden gem may be waiting to be discovered. If you want more side hustle ideas, you can check out my other posts or my YouTube channel.