Just 6 ideas for kickstarting a no-hassle side hustle.

Okay, so we all know that money can’t buy happiness, but it’s always nice to have a little bit more of it. 

Having a few extra dollars can buy you things in life, which spark joy. 

Like, for example, I recently bought a lovely print from an Indigenous artist for my study. Not only does it spark joy, but it contributes to a sense of calm when I am working. 

I am huge believer in not feeling guilty about these purchases. If they are done in moderation, make me happy and kept within my means, then no harm done. 

But what really makes me feel good about them is the fact that they're fully funded by my side hustle.

I absolutely love having one because I've learned that it's a great way to earn some extra cash when raising a family. 

I started my first side hustle (a parenting blog focusing on mums of pre-teens) when I was deep in the trenches of early parenting. I had three kids under three (crazy, I know!) and I craved a creative outlet as well as some extra pocket money. 

To, you know, buy things you *need* (like another cushion), and ease financial worries. 

If you're keen to do the same, here are 6 hassle-free ideas for kickstarting a side hustle

1. Monetise an existing passion.

Possibly the best place to start is by looking at your existing hobbies. 

Can you turn a particular hobby, passion, or skill into something that can make money and be done in the evening or weekends? Perhaps you have a talent for photography, or painting, or enjoy making candles or writing stories. 

Image: Supplied.

The internet makes it so easy to sell your artwork or words. 

Pitch article ideas to editors and use social media to shout out your services. There are many websites for freelancers which can help you tap into an extra source of income.

2. Use Releaseit to earn extra dollars.

Another great little income earner, which also has environmental and ethical benefits, is renting out your belongings. 

Yep, you can make things better for the planet and your wallet, too. This is where Releaseit, a rental marketplace, comes in.

Releaseit aims to slow down consumerism and its effect on the environment by encouraging an economy in which we all buy less and borrow more. 

Owners can diversify their income through renting out items lying around their house that they don't want to get rid of quite yet, especially in the baby and toddler category.

Maybe you have a baby seat that your toddler has grown out of, or a pram that you don’t currently need, but hope to use in the future. List it on Releaseit, clear some space in your home, and earn some money from it.

Users can also rent items they may only need on a temporary basis instead of buying them brand new. 

This enables you to try and experience what you want without having to pay the full price of ownership. 

Got a special event coming up? Instead of buying a fancy new frock, which you’re likely to only wear once, you can rent something instead. Genius.

3. Blog/Affiliate Marketing.

Okay, so you won't make money that fast with a blog. I am not going to sugar-coat it: it takes commitment, work, and a lot of effort. 

But, if you start a blog and deliver enormous amounts of value, you could set yourself up with a platform for earning a passive income.  

My first parenting blog enabled me to do something I loved (writing), connect with fellow mums, and earn some money through sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. 

A word of warning, though. Affiliate marketing is an extremely alluring industry. However, many affiliate marketers don't make much money. My maiden blog wasn’t a huge income earner, but it was a fun side hustle. 

Image: Supplied.

Fast forward seven years and I launched a new blog. 

This time I worked smarter, not harder. I niched down, focusing on mums of tween girls, and created a product that I could sell directly through my website. 

I created two sets of affirmation cards and sold them on my online shop and through my social media community. I also now have digital products which act as nice little passive income earner. 

4. Walk dogs, get fit and make money.

Almost anyone can walk dogs. If you live in a dog-filled neighbourhood — and seriously, didn’t 90 per cent of the population welcome a new dog during the pandemic? — identify yourself as a dog walker and pitch your price. 

You can easily create a few simple flyers and slip them into mailboxes or use local community Facebook Groups to reach prospective clients. 

Image: Supplied.

Not everyone has time to walk their pup every day, especially now that people are returning to the office after working from home during COVID. 

Plus, exercise and pets are known MOOD BOOSTERS that kids love. So, you can get a financial and emotional boost all while bringing your kids along for the journey. 

5. Become a house sitter.

If your circumstances allow, become a professional house sitter and watch homes for people that go on vacation or have a second home and don't spend much time there. 

There is a big market for house/dog sitters, as many people prefer leaving their dog at home, rather than a kennel. 

Help pet owners ease their pup’s separation anxiety by dog sitting while they’re away. Not only do you get paid, but you also get to play with a cute fluff ball for a few hours.

6. Hold a garage sale.

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, as the saying goes. 

So, if you have accumulated a large stash of trash (guilty!) and the items aren’t suitable for renting out, you could hold a garage sale to make some money by reducing excess clutter in your house. 

Plus, you’ll feel good that the cute teacup that your granny gave you (forgetting that you don’t drink tea) will be re-homed to someone who only drinks tea leaves in fine bone china.

So, there you have it. 

I hope this list has inspired you to get your side-hustle game on. I am not quite ready to permanently farewell a sequins number from my youth (pre-kids), so I am going to list it on Releaseit and channel my inner sparkle instead! 

Looking to make some extra cash on the side? List some of the items lying around your house on Releaseit — the new platform slowing down the impacts of consumerism and making everyday items accessible for everyone.

Feature Image: Instagram @notanotherslipperydip/Mamamia.