The cold winter months often bring tighter budgets and the desire to stay cozy indoors. However, this seasonal shift in lifestyle also offers unique opportunities to make extra money. Winter side hustles can help offset holiday expenses, build your savings, or simply keep you busy during the colder days.
Whether you want to put your creativity to use or take advantage of winter-specific needs, there are plenty of options. From tried and true classics to new, innovative ideas, these winter side hustles can help you thrive financially during the chilly season.
Snow Removal Services
Snow removal is likely the first side hustle that comes to mind during winter. When the flakes start falling, demand for snow clearing services spikes.
With a shovel or snow blower in hand, you can:
- Offer snow shoveling services to homeowners. Clear driveways and sidewalks for a fee.
- Plow commercial properties with a truck. Larger spaces like office parking lots or retail centers often hire third party plowing services.
- De-ice sidewalks and driveways. Make high traffic areas outside homes and businesses safer for walking.
- Remove snow from roofs. Heavy snow can damage roof structures. Offer to clear off accumulated snow.
Benefits: Hourly pay often exceeds typical wages for temporary manual labor. And when large snowstorms hit, you‘re bound to get plenty of requests from homeowners.
Seasonal Craft Sales
Get creative and produce unique homemade items to sell during the winter months. Craft fairs, holiday markets, and online shops offer plenty of opportunities to peddle your wares.
Craft ideas to make and sell:
- Knitted winter accessories like scarves, hats, and mittens
- Holiday decor such as wreaths, ornaments, and table centerpieces
- Scented candles, soaps, lotions, and other gift-worthy goods
- Baked treats like cookies, pies, chocolate confections, and more
Benefits: Channel your creativity into fun projects. And the ability to set your own schedule and prices makes crafting an attractive side hustle.
Gift Wrapping Services
Everyone loves a beautifully wrapped present during the holidays. But wrapping gifts with precision and flair takes time and practice.
Take the hassle out of gift giving for others by offering professional wrapping services.
Offer options like:
- In-home gift wrapping for individual customers
- Wrapping parties where guests enjoy food and drinks while you wrap gifts
- Kiosk wrapping stations at malls and holiday markets
- Shipping pre-wrapped gifts to recipients directly
Benefits: Flexible schedule and creative work. Plus, you can charge premium holiday rates and earn tips.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pets need extra care and attention when families take off for winter getaways. Pet sitting and dog walking services are always in high demand during the holidays.
Duties may include:
- Feeding pets and walking dogs
- Cleaning litter boxes and picking up waste
- Providing companionship and playtime
- Sending photo and video updates to pet parents
- Performing other tasks like watering plants
Benefits: Snuggle time with furry friends. Ability to set your rates and schedule. And peak holiday demand makes for lucrative pay.
Gig Work like Ridesharing, Delivery, and Task Services
Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and TaskRabbit operate year-round and stay busy during winter. Sign up as a driver, delivery person or tasker to earn extra cash on your own schedule.
Some popular winter gig work includes:
- Driving for a rideshare service
- Delivering food, groceries, and packages
- Assembling furniture, mounting TVs, yard work and more
- House sitting, pet sitting and tutoring
Benefits: Choose your own work hours. Cash out immediately after each gig. High demand results in surge pricing and more incentives.
Recap
Winter side hustles present a great way to put your skills and passions to use while earning extra income. Shoveling snow, selling homemade crafts, walking dogs, and gig work on apps offer flexible ways to boost your budget during the holiday season.
Tap into winter-specific needs or think creatively when choosing your ideal side hustle. Then market yourself effectively and deliver quality work – and you can keep your income flowing despite the cold weather.
