Weekends are the perfect opportunity to supplement your income without interfering with your weekday commitments. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or just add to your savings, there are plenty of ways to make money during your free time. From side hustles to creative gigs, the possibilities are endless if you’re willing to put in a few hours of effort.
This guide will explore practical and effective ways to make money on weekends, offering actionable steps and tips to maximise your earnings.
1. Offer Freelance Services
Freelancing is one of the easiest ways to use your existing skills to earn extra money. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, or programmer, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients looking for short-term projects.
Steps to Get Started:
- Create a Profile: Highlight your skills, experience, and portfolio.
- Set Competitive Rates: Research market prices for your services.
- Market Yourself: Use social media or LinkedIn to attract clients.
Potential Earnings:
Freelancers can earn anywhere from $20 to $200 per hour, depending on the service and expertise level.
2. Sell Handmade Products
If you’re crafty, consider selling handmade items like jewellery, candles, or art. Platforms like Etsy and local craft fairs provide great opportunities to showcase your work.
Tips for Success:
- Find Your Niche: Focus on a specific type of product to stand out.
- Invest in Quality: Use high-quality materials to create durable and appealing items.
- Take Great Photos: Clear, well-lit photos can make your products more appealing to buyers.
Potential Earnings:
Depending on your product and pricing, you could earn $500-$5,000 per month or more.
3. Drive for Rideshare Apps
Rideshare platforms like Uber and Lyft allow you to earn money by driving passengers to their destinations. This is an excellent option if you have a reliable car and enjoy meeting new people.
Requirements:
- A valid driver’s license and insurance.
- A vehicle that meets the platform’s standards.
Tips for Maximising Earnings:
- Drive during peak hours like Friday nights or Sunday afternoons.
- Offer a clean and comfortable ride to encourage tips.
Potential Earnings:
Rideshare drivers typically earn $15-$25 per hour, including tips.
4. Deliver Food or Groceries
Food delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart are growing in popularity. Delivering meals or groceries is a flexible way to make money on weekends.
How to Get Started:
- Sign up with a delivery platform.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
- Familiarise yourself with local routes.
Potential Earnings:
Delivery drivers earn $10-$25 per hour, plus tips.
5. Rent Out Your Space
If you have an extra room, garage, or parking space, consider renting it out. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to list your property for short-term rentals.
Tips for Success:
- Provide a clean and welcoming space.
- Take high-quality photos for your listing.
- Be responsive to guest inquiries.
Potential Earnings:
Renting out a spare room can earn you $50-$150 per night, depending on your location and amenities.
6. Offer Pet Services
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking can be a rewarding way to earn money. Platforms like Rover and Wag! connect pet owners with service providers.
Services You Can Offer:
- Dog walking.
- Pet sitting.
- Grooming or training (if you’re experienced).
Potential Earnings:
Dog walkers typically earn $15-$30 per walk, while pet sitters can earn $25-$50 per night.
7. Teach or Tutor Online
If you’re knowledgeable in a subject, teaching or tutoring can be a lucrative weekend job. Platforms like VIPKid and Tutor.com connect educators with students worldwide.
Steps to Get Started:
- Create a profile highlighting your expertise.
- Set your availability for weekends.
- Offer competitive rates to attract students.
Potential Earnings:
Online tutors can earn $20-$60 per hour, depending on the subject and platform.
8. Host a Garage Sale
Decluttering your home and hosting a garage sale is a simple way to make quick cash. It’s also a great way to recycle unused items.
Tips for a Successful Sale:
- Advertise locally using signs or social media.
- Organise items by category to make browsing easier.
- Price items reasonably to attract buyers.
Potential Earnings:
Garage sales typically bring in $100-$500, depending on the number and quality of items.
9. Rent Out Your Car
If you’re not using your car on weekends, rent it out through platforms like Turo or Getaround.
How It Works:
- List your car on the platform.
- Set availability and rental prices.
- Earn passive income while others use your vehicle.
Potential Earnings:
Car owners can earn $30-$100 per day, depending on the make, model, and location.
10. Participate in Market Research
Companies are always looking for consumer feedback, and you can get paid for your opinions by participating in market research. Websites like UserTesting and Survey Junkie offer opportunities to complete surveys, test products, or participate in focus groups.
Tips for Success:
- Sign up for multiple platforms to increase opportunities.
- Provide honest and thoughtful feedback.
- Focus on higher-paying tasks like product testing or interviews.
Potential Earnings:
Participants can earn $5-$50 per task, depending on the complexity.
11. Become a Photographer
If you have a good camera and a knack for photography, offer your services for events, portraits, or stock photos. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock let you sell your photos online.
Ideas for Weekend Photography:
- Family portraits or headshots.
- Event photography for birthdays or weddings.
- Selling landscape or travel photos as prints.
Potential Earnings:
Freelance photographers can earn $100-$500 per session, depending on experience and project scope.
12. Sell Digital Products
Create and sell digital products like printables, e-books, or online courses. Platforms like Gumroad and Teachable make it easy to monetise your creations.
Tips for Success:
- Identify a niche audience.
- Create high-quality, valuable content.
- Market your products through social media and email campaigns.
Potential Earnings:
Successful digital product creators can earn $1,000-$10,000 per month, depending on sales volume.
13. Become a Handy Person
If you’re skilled at home repairs or assembling furniture, offer your services through platforms like TaskRabbit.
Services You Can Offer:
- Fixing appliances.
- Painting or minor renovations.
- Furniture assembly or moving assistance.
Potential Earnings:
Handy people can earn $30-$75 per hour, depending on the task and location.
14. Offer Fitness or Wellness Services
If you’re a certified trainer, yoga instructor, or wellness coach, offer classes or one-on-one sessions. Use parks or community centres for hosting events.
Tips for Success:
- Promote your classes through local groups or social media.
- Offer introductory discounts to attract new clients.
Potential Earnings:
Fitness instructors can earn $30-$100 per session.
15. Start a Weekend Cleaning Service
Many people need help keeping their homes clean, especially during the weekends. Offering your cleaning services can be a lucrative way to make money while helping others maintain a tidy space.
Tips for Starting:
- Advertise Locally: Use platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or community boards to promote your services.
- Offer Special Rates: Provide discounts for first-time clients or recurring weekend cleanings.
- Invest in Supplies: Have high-quality cleaning products and tools to ensure client satisfaction.
Potential Earnings:
Weekend cleaning services can earn $20-$50 per hour, depending on the job size and location.
