Side hustle ideas in Detroit, MI

Detroit has snowy winters and plenty of homeowners in the suburbs. That's where the paying work is. Here are side hustles that fit Detroit, with what they cost to start, what people usually charge, and how to land your first customer this week.

1. 🎄

   1. Holiday light installs

   Hang and take down holiday lights for people who don't want to get on a ladder.

   Start: $150–400Charge: $200–600 a house

   First step: Post photos of one house you did in the neighborhood Facebook group in early November.

2. ❄️

   2. Snow shoveling route

   Driveways and walks for busy families and older homeowners, paid per storm or for the season.

   Start: $50–150Charge: $30–60 a driveway, or a season plan

   First step: Knock on 20 doors on one street before the first big storm and sign up a route.

3. 🚗

   3. Mobile car detailing

   Interior and exterior detailing at the customer's home or office.

   Start: $200–600Charge: $100–250 a car

   First step: Detail a friend's car, film it, and offer a launch price to your first 10 customers.

4. 🚛

   4. Junk removal and hauling

   Haul away old furniture, yard waste and garage junk with a truck.

   Start: Use your truck; dump feesCharge: $100–350 a load

   First step: Post in the neighborhood group with a photo of your truck and a flat price.

5. 🧹

   5. Pet waste cleanup

   Weekly yard cleanups. Recurring, simple and most people hate doing it.

   Start: $50–150Charge: $15–25 a visit

   First step: Door-hang flyers on a street where you see a lot of dogs.

6. 🍳

   6. Meal prep for busy families

   Weekly prepped meals picked up or delivered. Check your state's cottage food rules first.

   Start: $100–300Charge: $80–150 a week per family

   First step: Cook a week for one family you know and ask for a testimonial.

7. 💦

   7. Pressure washing

   Driveways, decks, fences and siding. Before-and-after photos sell it for you.

   Start: $300–600Charge: $150–300 a driveway

   First step: Wash one driveway for free and post the before-and-after.

8. 🛠️

   8. Tech help for seniors

   Phone, TV, wifi and computer setup for older people and busy families.

   Start: $0Charge: $40–75 an hour

   First step: Put a flyer up at the library and senior center.

Prices are typical US ranges. What people pay in Detroit can be higher or lower, so check a few local listings before you set yours.