Smart & Simple Side Hustles to Help Boost Your Income

*Collaborative Post

We all know that life gets expensive. Between rising bills, family costs, and the occasional unexpected expense (hello, broken boiler), many people are looking for ways to bring in extra income without overhauling their entire routine.

Thankfully, the world of side hustles is full of flexible, practical options. Whether you’ve got five free hours a week or fifteen minutes here and there, there’s likely something you can do to earn a little extra. Here are some of the most accessible (and realistic) ways to boost your income.

1. Sell What You No Longer Need

This is one of the fastest ways to get a cash injection, and it requires zero investment to get started.

Start by going through your wardrobe, attic, or that “everything drawer” in the kitchen. Clothes, kids’ toys, tech gadgets, small appliances, and even books can all fetch decent prices online. Apps like Vinted, eBay, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace make it super simple to upload, price, and sell items.

You’ll be surprised how much value is sitting around the house unused. Plus, you get the added bonus of a tidy, clutter-free space — win-win.

Tip: For best results, use natural lighting in your photos, be honest in your descriptions, and check similar listings to price items competitively.

2. Freelance Your Skills

If you’ve got a marketable skill, freelancing is a brilliant way to turn it into extra income.

Think writing, graphic design, virtual assistant tasks, proofreading, social media management, or even voiceover work. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour connect freelancers with clients worldwide. You don’t need to be an expert to start – many clients are looking for help with basic tasks and are happy to work with newer freelancers.

If you’re consistent, reliable, and willing to learn as you go, this kind of side hustle can grow into a proper second income.

Tip: Start small to build your reputation, then gradually raise your rates as you build a portfolio and gather positive reviews.

3. Explore Online Platforms for Entertainment & Light Rewards

Not every side hustle needs to be serious. Some people prefer lighter, more relaxed ways to earn. For instance, survey sites like Prolific, Swagbucks, or YouGov let you earn small amounts in exchange for your opinions. Cashback apps like TopCashback and Quidco reward you for purchases you’d be making anyway.

There are also platforms like Zula Casino, where users can engage in interactive online games. While not an income source in the traditional sense, some people enjoy the entertainment factor with the potential for small rewards, especially from sites that offer an additional online casino daily bonus. It’s worth remembering that platforms like this are best enjoyed casually and responsibly – think of them more as a fun way to unwind than a moneymaker.

Tip: Set a specific time to take part in this type of activity, for example, an hour before you go to bed, where you can sit and wind down after a busy day.

4. Teach What You Know

If you’ve got knowledge or experience in something, whether it’s maths, music, languages, baking, or a specific craft, someone out there wants to learn it.

You can offer tutoring or lessons online via platforms like Tutorful, Preply, or Superprof. Or, if you prefer flexibility, you can create your own mini-course using platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Skillshare. And don’t underestimate local demand. Parents looking for extra tutoring support, adults wanting to pick up new hobbies, or even school leavers needing CV help, all are potential clients.

Tip: Start with word of mouth and local Facebook groups. You might be surprised how many people would prefer to work with someone in their area.

5. Get Paid for Your Opinion

Market research is big business, and companies are willing to pay for honest feedback. That’s where you come in. Sites like Respondent, UserTesting, and InboxPounds pay users to take surveys, test websites, or join focus groups. Some even offer studies that pay £30–£100 for an hour of your time, especially if you fit a niche demographic. While it won’t replace a full-time income, it’s a low-effort way to earn during downtime.

Tip: Set up a separate email address for survey platforms so you can stay organised and avoid clutter in your main inbox.

6. Pet Sitting, Babysitting, or House Sitting

Love animals or good with kids? These kinds of jobs are perfect if you’re reliable, trustworthy, and enjoy helping people out. Websites like TrustedHousesitters, Care.com, and Rover connect carers with people in need of help. Whether that’s walking a neighbour’s dog while they’re away or looking after kids for a few hours after school. These gigs often pay well and can fit around a busy lifestyle, especially if you work from home or have flexibility in the evenings and weekends.

Tip: Join Facebook groups that allow advertising for this type of work.

A side hustle doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you want to save up for something special, reduce financial stress, or just add a bit of breathing room to your budget, there’s a path that can work for you.

*This is a collaborative post. For further information please refer to my disclosure page.