top of page
Search

Weekend Side Hustles for Broke Single Dads (The $0 Startup Playbook)

  • Writer: Aaron Nolan
    Aaron Nolan
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 3 min read

Broke single dads can make fast weekend cash by offering simple labor jobs like yard cleanup, garage cleaning, dog walking, hauling, and flipping free items using nothing but the homeowner’s tools and pure “dad stubbornness.”

weekend side hustles for broke single dads

If your bank account is currently performing a magic trick called now you see it, now you don’t, this guide was built for you.


You don’t need startup money.


You don’t need a truck.


You don’t need a tool set that looks like it came from a superhero movie.


You just need a weekend, a willingness to work, and maybe that old pair of shoes that survived your last custody exchange.


Let’s get you paid.


Side Hustles for Single Dads Who Are Broke (And Tired. And Still Somehow Trying.)


1. Yard Cleanup Using the Customer’s Tools


This is the “borrow their mower, save your weekend” strategy.

You show up. They hand you the tools. You make their yard look less apocalyptic. You get paid. Simple.


Start-up cost: $0Pay: $40–$150


Bonus: Kids love leaves. Free entertainment.


2. Garage & Shed Cleanouts


Garages are where people hide their shame. They will pay you to help them face it.


Start-up cost: $0

Tools: Their broom, their trash bags, their apologies for the mess

Pay: $60–$180


Big jobs. Bigger paydays. Zero overhead.


3. The Free Item Flip Hustle


You know that dresser someone left on the curb? That’s grocery money wearing a disguise.


Where to find treasure:

  • Facebook Marketplace “Free” section

  • Craigslist

  • Curbs

  • Storage-unit dumpsters (the Vegas of flipping)


What to flip:

  • Furniture

  • Bikes

  • Tools

  • Patio chairs that just need a wipe-down

  • TVs that work if you jiggle the cord


Profit: $20–$200 per item.


4. Dog Walking & Pet Check-Ins


Dogs don’t judge you; they want snacks and movement. Therapy with a paycheck.


Start-up: $0

Pay: $15–$25 per walk

Perks: Kids + dogs = instant allies.


5. Moving Help (Labor Only)


This is the “pick heavy stuff up and put it somewhere else” profession.


Start-up: $0

Pay: $50–$120 per hour


It’s tiring, but the money hits instantly, like a financial defibrillator.


6. Borrow-a-Tool Handyman Jobs


No tools? Borrow them like a traveling knight collecting gear from different villages.

Borrow from:


  • Neighbors

  • Friends

  • Churches

  • Tool libraries

  • Buy-Nothing groups


Jobs you can do:

  • Hang curtains

  • Tighten loose cabinets

  • Mount TVs

  • Fix squeaky doors


Pay: $40–$80 per job.


7. House Cleaning


Cleaning is undefeated. Always needed. Always available. Always pays.


Pay: $60–$150

Startup: $0

Experience required: If you can clean peanut butter off your kid’s forehead, you’re qualified.


8. Errand Running / Personal Helper


AKA “Be the responsible adult someone wishes they had.”


Examples:


  • Grocery pickup

  • Donating old clothes

  • Organizing a pantry

  • Helping put up Christmas lights

  • Waiting for the cable guy


Pay: $15–$30 per hour.


How Broke Single Dads Can Get Clients Fast (Like… Today)

broke single dads weekend side hustles

1. Post in Local Facebook Groups


Drop this in a group:


“Single dad here. I can clean garages, mow yards, haul junk, walk dogs, or help move. Affordable. Reliable. Available this weekend.”


People jump on it. Single-dad energy hits different.


2. Knock on Five Doors


It’s old-school but undefeated. You’ll land faster jobs doing this than scrolling job apps for two hours.


3. Ask Neighbors


They love helping a dad who’s trying.


4. Nextdoor


People go there to panic and hire help.


5. Offer “Pay What You Can” Jobs


People pay surprisingly well when you show humility.


How Much Can a Broke Single Dad Actually Make in One Weekend?


Real numbers from real dads:


  • $60 (minimum effort)

  • $150–$300 (average)

  • $400–$800 (free flips + labor combo)


You don’t need to be perfect. You just need two jobs and a little momentum.


FAQs (Written for the Dad Who’s Overthinking Everything)


What if I have literally nothing to start with?

Start with yard work, cleaning, pet sitting, or flipping free items.


What if I don’t have tools?

Borrow theirs. They expect it.


Can I bring my kids?

Yes. People love hiring dads who show up with little helpers.


What’s the highest-paying weekend hustle?

Moving help and large garage cleanouts.


Where do I check if I need a permit?

sba.gov (simple menus)


Weekend Side Hustles for Broke Single Dads References

Comments

bottom of page