The new year is the ideal time for new beginnings — new goals, new routines, and, yes, even new ways to earn money. After all, that December spending spree tends to catch up with most of us in the form of credit card bills.
This is when a side hustle can really shine.
Whether you want to boost your savings, chip away at your debt, or simply enjoy a little extra spending money, taking on a side hustle in January is a great way to start the year on solid financial footing.
Best of all, you don’t need to quit your day job or be a seasoned professional to get started. In fact, many of the most popular side hustles can be done from home or in your spare time.
In this post, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best side hustle ideas for making extra money in January — and throughout the year.
January Side Hustle Ideas to Make Extra Money
1. Freelancing (Writing, Design, or Social Media Management)
If you’re skilled in something that can be done remotely — such as writing, graphic design, video editing, or social media management — freelancing is one of the easiest ways to start earning extra cash.
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are full of clients looking for short-term help with their projects. You can start small by offering services like writing blog posts, designing logos, or managing Instagram pages for small businesses.
Pro tip: Build a simple portfolio using free tools like Canva or Google Sites to showcase your work and attract clients faster.
Related: 100 Things To Do In January 2026
2. Online Tutoring or Teaching
Are you a great explainer or do you have expertise in a particular subject? If so, you can make money tutoring or teaching online.
With so many students studying remotely, the demand for virtual tutors is higher than ever. You can teach subjects like math, English, science, or languages, and even help students prepare for exams.
Websites like Tutor.com, VIPKid, and Preply make it easy to find learners from around the world.
Related: 100 Things To Do In January 2026
3. Selling Digital Products
Selling digital products is one of the most passive ways to make money — you only have to create something once, but you can sell it over and over again.
Some great ideas include:
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Printable planners or calendars
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Budgeting or productivity spreadsheets
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E-books or guides
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Digital art or templates
You can sell your products on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website. If you create printable planners or goal-setting templates, January is the perfect time to sell them, as people are eager to get organized for the year ahead.
Related: 248 Affirmations For New Month (January-December)
4. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
Love to write, take photos, or share your life on video? Start a blog or YouTube channel.
It can take time to build an audience, but once you do, this can become a passive source of income through ads, affiliate marketing, and brand sponsorships.
Pick a niche you’re passionate about and can consistently create content for. Popular niches include personal finance, food, travel, fitness, fashion, cooking, parenting, book reviews, and DIY projects.
Tip: Start by posting once or twice a week and use social media to promote your content.
Related: 20 Things to Do in 2026: Ideas to Make the Year Count
5. Reselling or Flipping Items
Got clutter at home? January is the perfect time to declutter and turn your unwanted items into cash.
Sell clothing, electronics, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari.
You can also “flip” items — buy undervalued products at thrift stores, yard sales, or clearance racks and resell them for a profit.
Popular flipping niches include sneakers, vintage clothing, electronics, furniture, and collectibles.
Related: 20 Things To Do Everyday For A Year
6. Delivery or Rideshare Driving
Have a car and some spare time? Make extra money through delivery or rideshare driving.
Apps like Uber, Bolt, DoorDash, and Uber Eats let you earn by delivering food or giving rides in your area.
January can be a quieter month for rides, but food delivery remains steady — especially during cold winter days when people prefer to stay in and order food.
It’s flexible, easy to start, and you can work as much or as little as you like.
Related: How to Budget As a Couple and Avoid Money Fights
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Love animals? Earn money by watching other people’s pets.
There’s always demand for pet sitters and dog walkers, as pet owners are often busy or traveling but need reliable help.
Start by advertising locally or signing up on apps like Rover and Wag!.
8. Virtual Assistant Work
Busy entrepreneurs and small business owners often need help managing their daily tasks but don’t want to hire full-time staff. That’s where virtual assistants come in.
VA work can be done from anywhere with an internet connection, and you can work for multiple clients if you wish.
It’s flexible, well-paying, and ideal for those with strong organizational skills. Offer services such as email management, calendar scheduling, social media management, and data entry on sites like Belay or Time Etc.
9. Print-on-Demand Business
Have a flair for design? Try print-on-demand.
You create designs for T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or tote bags, and when someone orders, a third-party company prints and ships the product for you.
Websites like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printify handle printing and fulfillment — you just focus on design and marketing.
10. Online Surveys and Market Research
Earn a little extra cash by completing online surveys or participating in market research.
It’s not a high-paying gig, but it’s an easy way to supplement your income during downtime.
Companies conduct surveys to improve their products and services, and they’ll pay for your opinions.
Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars reward users for completing surveys, watching ads, or testing products.
11. Sell Handmade Crafts
If you’re creative or enjoy making things, turn your hobby into profit by selling handmade goods.
Jewelry, candles, soap, and home décor items are all popular choices. You can sell them on Etsy or locally through social media or craft fairs.
January is a great month to sell self-care and home décor items, as people focus on comfort and wellness after the holidays.
12. Offer Cleaning or Organizing Services
Many people start the year determined to declutter, but few actually follow through. That’s where you come in.
Offer cleaning, closet organizing, or decluttering services in your local area.
Start by helping friends and family, then grow your client base through word of mouth or local ads.
13. Rent Out Your Stuff
You don’t always have to sell things to make money — renting them out can be just as profitable.
Consider renting out:
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Your car (via Turo)
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Tools and equipment
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Spare rooms (via Airbnb)
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Camera gear or electronics
It’s a simple way to earn passive income from items you already own.
14. Social Media Content Creation
Love taking photos, writing captions, or making videos? You can get paid to manage social media accounts for businesses or influencers.
You don’t need to be an expert — many small businesses just need consistent posting and engagement.
You can also create User-Generated Content (UGC) — short videos or posts that brands use for their ads.
15. Start a Dropshipping Store
Dropshipping is a great way to start an online business without handling inventory.
You set up a store, list products from a supplier, and when someone makes a purchase, the supplier ships the item directly to the customer.
It’s low-risk and easy to start with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
16. Rent Out Your Skills Locally
Are you good at photography, hairstyling, baking, crafting, or fixing gadgets? Offer your skills locally.
Local side hustles grow fast because people love hiring someone nearby they can trust.
Advertise through community Facebook groups, WhatsApp statuses, or flyers.
17. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and reliable online income streams.
You earn a commission by promoting other people’s products through your blog, YouTube channel, or social media.
You don’t need thousands of followers — a few hundred engaged fans can be enough if you recommend helpful products.
Join programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Impact to get started.
18. Voiceover or Audio Work
Have a clear, pleasant voice and good speaking skills? Try voiceover work.
You can record for videos, ads, or audiobooks. You’ll need a good microphone and a quiet recording space.
Websites like Voices.com and Fiverr connect you with clients worldwide.
19. Photography or Videography
If you love taking photos, offer photography sessions for individuals, events, or businesses.
You can also sell stock photos on Shutterstock or Adobe Stock.
January is an excellent time to market “New Year” branding shoots for small businesses or lifestyle portraits.
20. House Sitting
One of the most underrated side hustles — and one of the easiest! Homeowners often need someone to look after their property while they’re away, especially after the holidays.
If you’re reliable and trustworthy, this can be an easy way to earn cash — and sometimes, you even get free accommodation.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of starting a side hustle in January is that it’s not just about making extra money. It’s about setting yourself up for financial freedom, learning new skills, and creating opportunities that can grow into something bigger.
The most important thing is to start small and stay consistent. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the options. Pick one that fits your skills and schedule — then take the first step.
Before you know it, your “side hustle” might just outgrow your day job — and you’ve got a whole year to make it happen.
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