Looking for an easy way to make extra cash without a huge upfront investment? A yard work or snow shoveling side hustle is a great way to earn money, especially if you’re trying to save for a financial goal, pay off debt, or just boost your income.
These side hustles require minimal equipment, can be done on a flexible schedule, and provide an immediate return on your effort. Whether you’re raking leaves, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow, homeowners are always looking for reliable help.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to start, price your services, find customers, and maximize your earnings from a yard work or snow shoveling side hustle.
Key Steps to Starting a Yard Work or Snow Shoveling Side Hustle
1. Determine Your Services
Before getting started, decide what services you’ll offer. Your options will depend on the season and your local demand.
Yard Work Services (Spring, Summer, Fall)
- Lawn mowing
- Leaf raking and removal
- Hedge trimming
- Garden weeding
- Mulching
- Power washing driveways
Snow Shoveling Services (Winter)
- Clearing driveways and walkways
- De-icing with salt or sand
- Removing snow from cars
- Roof snow removal (only if safe)
2. Gather Necessary Equipment
You don’t need expensive tools to get started. You might already own most of what you need!
Basic Yard Work Tools:
- Lawn mower – save money on gas with electric (can be rented if needed)
- Rake
- Hedge trimmer
- Leaf blower (optional)
- Gardening gloves
Snow Shoveling Tools:
- Sturdy snow shovel
- Snowblower (optional but useful for bigger jobs)
- Ice melt or salt
💡 Pro Tip: Start with basic equipment and reinvest earnings into better tools as you grow your side hustle.
3. Set Your Pricing
Pricing depends on your location, service type, and competition. A good starting point is:
Yard Work Pricing:
- Lawn mowing: $30 – $60 per yard
- Leaf removal: $50 – $150 per session
- Hedge trimming: $40 – $100 per job
Snow Shoveling Pricing:
- Sidewalk and driveway shoveling: $25 – $75 per house
- Ice removal: $10 – $50 per job
- Monthly snow removal subscription: $100 – $300 per month
💡 Pro Tip: Offer package deals (e.g., “weekly mowing for $100/month”) to secure repeat customers.
4. Find Customers Quickly
Finding your first few customers is key to building momentum. Try these methods:
- Word of Mouth – Tell friends, family, and neighbors about your services.
- Social Media – Post on Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and local classifieds.
- Flyers & Posters – Place them in community centers, laundromats, and stores.
- Door-to-Door Marketing – Knock on doors in neighborhoods with large yards or heavy snowfall.
- Gig Apps – List your services on TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, or Craigslist.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer a discount for first-time customers or referrals to encourage word-of-mouth growth.
5. Maximize Your Earnings
Want to turn this into a serious income stream? Follow these strategies:
- Upsell Additional Services – Offer de-icing after snow removal or trimming after mowing.
- Secure Repeat Clients – Offer weekly, biweekly, or seasonal service packages.
- Hire Helpers – If demand grows, bring in a friend or hire workers to take on more jobs.
- Go Digital – Create a simple website or social media page to attract local customers.
A yard work or snow shoveling side hustle is one of the easiest ways to earn extra income with minimal investment. With the right approach, you can quickly build a steady flow of clients and maximize your earnings throughout the year.
Ready to start earning extra cash with a simple, flexible side hustle?
Whether you choose yard work or snow shoveling, the demand is always there! Start today by reaching out to neighbors, setting your prices, and getting your first job.
Have experience with yard work or snow removal? Share your tips in the comments below! Looking for more side hustle ideas? Stayed tuned for more easy ways to make extra money!
So, grab your tools and start making money today!
How to Start a Yard Work Side Hustle: The Ultimate Checklist
Use this checklist to quickly start your yard work side hustle. Follow these steps to get prepared, find customers, and maximize your earnings!
1. Choose Your Services
Decide what services you’ll offer based on demand in your area:
✅ Lawn mowing
✅ Leaf raking and removal
✅ Hedge trimming
✅ Garden weeding
✅ Mulching
✅ Power washing driveways
2. Gather Necessary Equipment
Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow:
✅ Lawn mower (or rent one if needed)
✅ Rake and leaf blower
✅ Hedge trimmer
✅ Gardening gloves and safety gear
✅ Trash bags for leaf/yard waste collection
3. Set Your Pricing
Determine competitive and fair pricing:
✅ Research local competition rates
✅ Price based on time, effort, and service complexity
✅ Offer package deals (e.g., weekly lawn care subscriptions)
4. Find Your First Customers
Start promoting your services with these methods:
✅ Tell family, friends, and neighbors
✅ Advertise in local Facebook groups and Nextdoor
✅ Print flyers and post them in community areas
✅ Knock on doors in neighborhoods with large yards
✅ List services on gig platforms like TaskRabbit or Craigslist
5. Maximize Your Earnings
Increase profits by expanding your offerings and securing repeat clients:
✅ Upsell additional services (e.g., trimming, power washing)
✅ Offer seasonal contracts for recurring customers
✅ Consider hiring a helper to take on more jobs
✅ Create a social media page or simple website for marketing
6. Stay Organized
Keep track of clients and income to grow your business:
✅ Maintain a schedule for booked jobs
✅ Track earnings and expenses
✅ Reinvest in better tools as the business grows
💡 Pro Tip: Consistency and reliability will help you get repeat customers and referrals. Start small, build a reputation, and expand your services as demand increases.
🚀 Ready to start? Follow this checklist and get your yard work side hustle up and running today!
How to Start a Snow Shoveling Side Hustle: The Ultimate Checklist
Use this checklist to quickly start your snow shoveling side hustle. Follow these steps to get prepared, find customers, and maximize your earnings!
1. Choose Your Services
Decide which snow removal services to offer:
✅ Shoveling driveways and sidewalks
✅ De-icing with salt or sand
✅ Removing snow from cars
✅ Roof snow removal (only if safe and necessary)
✅ Snowblowing (if you have or rent a snowblower)
✅ Offering emergency snow removal services
2. Gather Necessary Equipment
Start with essential tools and upgrade as needed:
✅ Sturdy snow shovel (ergonomic if possible)
✅ Snowblower (optional but useful for large jobs)
✅ Ice melt, salt, or sand for de-icing
✅ Waterproof gloves, insulated boots, and warm clothing
✅ A snow brush and ice scraper for vehicles
✅ Heavy-duty sled or cart for carrying equipment
3. Set Your Pricing
Determine competitive rates based on local demand:
✅ Research local snow removal rates
✅ Charge based on driveway size and snow depth
✅ Offer per-visit pricing and seasonal contracts
✅ Provide discounts for referrals or recurring customers
4. Find Your First Customers
Promote your services using multiple channels:
✅ Tell family, friends, and neighbors
✅ Advertise in local Facebook groups and Nextdoor
✅ Post flyers in grocery stores, community centers, and gas stations
✅ Knock on doors after heavy snowfall offering your services
✅ List services on gig platforms like TaskRabbit or Craigslist
✅ Offer a discount for first-time customers
5. Maximize Your Earnings
Increase your profitability with these strategies:
✅ Offer subscription-based services (monthly snow removal plans)
✅ Upsell de-icing services for extra income
✅ Charge extra for emergency or last-minute jobs
✅ Partner with other local service providers (e.g., landscapers)
✅ Expand into other winter services like firewood delivery
6. Stay Organized
Keep track of clients and income to grow your business:
✅ Maintain a schedule of booked jobs
✅ Track payments and expenses
✅ Use a mobile payment option (Venmo, PayPal, Cash App)
✅ Invest in better equipment as demand increases
💡 Pro Tip: Be reliable! Customers will stick with you if you show up on time and provide good service.
🚀 Ready to start? Follow this checklist and get your snow shoveling side hustle running today!