5 Ways To Bring in Extra Cash This Holiday Season

The holiday season is just around the corner. The beginning of the 2020s brought with it unexpected financial cutbacks for many families, leaving plenty of adults scrambling to figure out how to bring in extra cash for the holiday season. Often, the hardest part is coming up with money-making ideas that fit into already busy work and family schedules. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to earn money that you can fit into your lifestyle in a way that works for you.

1. Sell Your Arts & Crafts

Are you a crafty person? Perhaps you know how to knit or crochet. Maybe you sing, paint, or even create sculptures. You might even have a unique art or craft that's off the beaten path. Why not sell your work to bring in extra money for the holidays? If you have time and want to do so locally, some churches and craft groups hold holiday bazaars. Of course, this year is a bit different than other years, so your best bet may be to sell virtually. Consider opening an Etsy shop, selling on a Facebook page, or even joining a virtual bazaar that allows people to shop online.

2. Offer Babysitting or Pet Sitting Services

Holiday shopping can already be stressful and time-consuming, but it's exponentially harder when trying to do it with little ones in tow. Babysitting is an excellent way to give other parents the help they need for their own holiday to-do list while bringing in money for yours. While you can offer your services any time, they will be most popular the weekend after Thanksgiving and most Saturdays and Sundays until the end of the year. You might even consider hosting an overnight for parents who need a little holiday downtime or offering to pet sit for those who need to go out of town. Do you want to bring in some money after the gifts have all been unwrapped? Consider offering New Year's Eve babysitting as well.

3. Get a Driving Job

Retail stores, restaurants, warehouses, and customer service centers often hire holiday help, but they typically cannot be flexible with schedules. If you want a more traditional seasonal job but need flexibility, look into seasonal truck driving jobs. Between early September and late January, trucking companies hire extra help to transport goods, deliver packages, and more. Full- and part-time positions are available in most cases, but keep in mind that you'll need to have a CDL. This is an excellent option for previously retired drivers, those who usually want to stay close to home, or those who have a CDL and are still deciding if driving is right for them. Often, you'll have the chance to stay on after peak season ends if you want to.

4. Provide Cleaning Packages

Work, homeschool, appointments, and extracurricular activities take up so much time around the holidays. Throw in shopping, decorating, baking, and other seasonal traditions, and it's easy to see that people may get behind on their house cleaning. Why not offer to do it for them for a reasonable fee? Consider offering basic packages that include kitchens, bathrooms, dusting, and vacuuming. If you have a couple of free weekends, you might even consider offering a deep cleaning package. More detailed services bring in more money and is perfect for anyone who likes to host a pristine, high-class holiday dinner.

5. Clean Out Your Own House

Maybe you don't want to work for other people and aren't very crafty, either. That's okay! You can also make money simply by cleaning out your own house. When is the last time you went through your kids' toys, cleaned out your wardrobe, or checked out all those boxes in the basement or attic? Getting rid of clutter and selling unwanted items on Craigslist or Facebook not only brings in cash but helps you have a cleaner and more comfortable home.

Holidays may look a little different this year, but don't let it get you down. You can still bring in cash to spoil your loved ones, even those you won't be able to see in person. Above all, remember that money doesn't make the season, so allow yourself time to relax, de-stress, and enjoy your own holiday baking and decorating.