Driving your car is a great way to earn some extra cash, and it’s a fun way to get around town! Whether you have an hour free in the morning before work, want to take on less responsibility so you have more time with family, need some financial relief after losing your job—whatever the reason may be—driving your car from time to time could help you reach your goals faster. In this article, you’ll learn a few ways you can earn money from driving your car.
1. Become a ride-sharing driver
Sign up for a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, and start making money whenever you have extra time. You can use your car to drive or rent one through the company. Drivers on both apps can choose their hours. So if you need extra cash just for today, it’s easy to say yes. And if you’re feeling generous, you can even volunteer your time to help people get around town.
You can also take advantage of surge pricing to earn more than usual. Just make sure you are aware when surge pricing applies in your location.
2. Starting a moving business
If you have a car and some free time, you can start your own moving business! All you need is a few boxes, some packing tape, and maybe a dolly or two to help you move heavier items.
Acquiring a cargo trailer or utility trailer from manufacturers like Hillsboro Industries lets you transport bigger items and equipment for your client. These trailers are customizable so you can find one suitable for your needs. Their double-wall aluminum construction also allows you to add a graphic to advertise your business. These cargo trailers are affordable so you can buy one now and continue making money as a mover in the future.
You can also post flyers in your neighborhood or post an ad online. Be sure to list your rates and ensure you’re insured in case of any accidents. You could also offer to help people move their furniture on moving day. This is a great way to make some extra money, and it’s a lot of fun!
3. Deliver food to customers
Turn your car into a restaurant on wheels by delivering food from restaurants to customers. You can sign up to be a delivery driver with GrubHub and help people get the food they want when they’re feeling hungry—and earn some money while doing it!
Getting started is easy, and you can earn bonuses for meeting certain goals. Make sure you’re insured and follow all of GrubHub’s instructions: it’s a common mistake to forget details like the driver releasing the order to the customer or getting an accurate delivery time. That can result in penalties.
You’ll have to pass a background check before starting work, but once you’re approved, you can start making money delivering food. Be sure to wear your seatbelt and drive safely with the food—otherwise, it could ruin someone’s dinner!
4. Deliver packages and groceries to customers
If you have a car, sign up to work for companies like Amazon, Instacart, or other similar delivery services. You can make money by delivering packages and groceries from stores to customers’ doors. Again, be safe when driving—some of these deliveries could include breakable items!
If you’re delivering groceries, remember to include an ice pack in your cooler to keep food and drinks cold. You can also make a few extra bucks by selling cold items at the grocery store you pick up from.
5. Rent your car when you don’t need it
Lots of people do this to save money on car payments and insurance. If you’re not using your vehicle for an extended period, or if you just want to rent it out for a few hours—or even days!—you can use the app to turn your car into cash.
If you have a car with you most days, no one will use it! Just create an account through peer-to-peer carsharing, and list your car. Be sure to set your rates so you can make some extra money renting out your vehicle—and just like that, you’re earning cash without having to do anything at all.
6. Offer babysitting services in your neighborhood
If you have children yourself, this is a great way to make extra money! If you’re available, parents might ask you for child care if your kids are home from school. You could even offer to babysit during the holidays, so they can have some time to themselves this season! All you need is a few hours of free time each day, and you could make some extra money.
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money without too much effort, driving your car might be the answer. Whether it’s ride-sharing services, delivering food or packages, or just renting out your vehicle when you don’t need it—you can help customers get what they want while making more than enough cash in the process. Just remember to wear your seatbelt and drive safely!
