Who says you need to go far to bring in extra cash? Many people think making money requires long commutes, fancy degrees, or huge start-up costs, but that’s not true! Your neighborhood is packed with opportunities to earn a little (or a lot) of extra money, all without venturing too far from home. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone looking for extra income on the side, there are plenty of creative ways to put your skills, time, or resources to good use. From offering services to selling stuff you already own, there’s something for everyone, right in their own backyard. Curious? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Offer Local Services

Think about the kinds of help neighbors often need. Offering simple services to people nearby can earn you steady income, all while building connections within your community.

1. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, this one’s a no-brainer. Plenty of pet owners in your neighborhood might need someone to walk their dog during the day or take care of their furry friends while they’re on vacation. Apps like Rover make it easy to find clients, or you can go old-school and put up flyers around your neighborhood.

Pro tip: Build trust by offering short meet-and-greets with the pet and owner before you commit to a job.

2. Babysitting or Nannying

Parents are always on the lookout for reliable babysitters. If you’re great with kids, consider offering evening or weekend babysitting services. Spread the word through parent groups, local schools, or social media.

Pro tip: Take a first-aid or CPR course to make yourself even more appealing to parents.

3. Yard Work or Snow Shoveling

Not everyone has the time or energy to mow their lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow. Offering to help with these chores can be especially lucrative during fall and winter months. Advertise your services with door-to-door flyers or on local apps like Nextdoor.

Pro tip: Invest in basic tools like a sturdy shovel, rake, or lawn mower to make your job easier.

Sell Homemade Goods

If you’ve got a creative side, it’s time to put it to work! Crafting or cooking up homemade goods can be a fun way to make money while doing something you love.

4. Bake and Sell Treats

Are you a whiz in the kitchen? Baking cookies, cakes, or bread and selling them locally can be a great way to earn extra income. You can take custom orders for birthdays, holidays, or special events. Just make sure to check any local rules about selling homemade food.

Pro tip: Offer free samples to your neighbors or local businesses to drum up interest and build word-of-mouth buzz.

5. Sell Handmade Crafts

From candles to jewelry to custom art, there’s a market for handmade goods almost everywhere. You can sell your items at local farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or even set up a table in your own yard.

Pro tip: Create an Instagram account showcasing your work to attract more customers and provide updates on what you’re selling.

6. Upcycle and Resell Furniture

If you love DIY projects, consider refurbishing old furniture and reselling it. You can find cheap (or even free) furniture on the side of the road or through online listings. Give it a fresh coat of paint or fix minor damages to turn it into something desirable.

Pro tip: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace to promote your finished products locally.

Host Garage Sales

Sometimes, the easiest way to make money is to declutter your home. Hosting a garage sale is a super simple and effective way to turn unwanted items into cash.

7. Clean Out Your Clutter

Go through your attic, basement, and closets to collect gently used items you no longer need, like clothes, books, toys, and kitchenware. Set them up in your yard or driveway for a Saturday morning garage sale.

Pro tip: Advertise your sale on community bulletin boards, social media, or apps like Nextdoor to increase foot traffic.

8. Partner with Neighbors

If your own stash of clutter isn’t enough for a full sale, team up with a few neighbors for a group garage sale. This can attract more buyers since they’ll have a bigger selection to browse.

Pro tip: Offer small snacks or bottled water for sale during the event to add more revenue.

Rent Out Items You’re Not Using

Sometimes, the easiest way to make money is by letting others use what you already own. If you’ve got tools, gear, or even extra space that’s just sitting around, why not rent it out?

9. Rent Out Tools

Not everyone owns a power drill or ladder, but they might need one for a one-time project. Renting out household tools through platforms like Fat Llama can be a win-win for you and your neighbors.

Pro tip: Keep a checklist of your tools’ condition to track any wear-and-tear.

10. Rent Out Baby Gear

Traveling parents often need things like strollers, car seats, or baby cribs. If you’ve got items your kids have outgrown, consider renting them out through platforms like BabyQuip.

11. Rent Out Your Garage or Driveway

If you’ve got extra space, renting it out is an effortless way to make money. Use platforms like Neighbor to list your garage, attic, or even a parking spot.

Pro tip: Make sure the space is clean and secure to keep renters happy.

Use Local Apps or Platforms

Technology makes it easy to connect with people nearby who might need your services or items. Here are some ideas for leveraging apps to make money locally.

12. Local Task Services

Apps like TaskRabbit allow you to offer skills like assembling furniture, running errands, or hanging pictures. Someone nearby likely needs help with their to-do list, and you can quickly earn cash in your spare time.

13. Sell Your Time or Skills

If you’re good at something specific, like tutoring, baking, or photography, advertise your skills on local Facebook groups or community boards.

Pro tip: Share photos of your past work or reviews from happy customers to build trust.

Babysit Houses or Pets

When people go on vacation, they often need someone to watch over their home or pets. This is a hassle-free way to earn extra cash without any major commitments.

14. House Sitting

House sitting usually involves things like watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring the property looks lived-in. While the job doesn’t take much effort, homeowners are often willing to pay for peace of mind.

15. Pet Boarding at Home

If you have extra space and love animals, consider offering at-home pet boarding. This can be especially lucrative for pet owners who prefer a cozy, home environment for their pets instead of a kennel.

Pro tip: Sign up on Rover or Wag to find local clients faster.