🤧 7 Boring Side Hustles

91% of Americans would rather start a “fun” side hustle than a profitable one

(Okay, we made that up—but it sure feels accurate.)

Because while everyone’s busy launching tote bags and chasing TikTok fame, there’s a league of boring business owners quietly stacking cash doing things like… cleaning trash bins.

These aren’t flashy. They aren’t sexy. But they don’t care about economic downturns, TikTok trends, or cute branding. They just make money. Consistently.

💦 1. Pressure Washing

What it is: Cleaning sidewalks, driveways, siding, patios, and commercial buildings with high-powered washers.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
Everyone wants their home or business to look clean—even during a downturn. HOAs and storefronts often require it.

💸 Upfront Investment:
~$300–$2,000 for a commercial-grade washer and surface cleaner.
Pro tip: Start with used gear on Facebook Marketplace.

💵 Potential Return:
$75–$400+ per job. One weekend = $1,000+ with recurring commercial clients.

✅ Pros:

• Low startup cost

• Works well as a weekend hustle

• Scalable with referrals

❌ Cons:

• Seasonal in colder areas

• Physical labor involved

This guy started a pressure washing business all on his own and grew by making viral videos👇

🚮 2. Trash Can Cleaning

What it is: Sanitize and deodorize residential/commercial trash bins using a pressurized hot water system.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
People will always have trash, and no one wants to clean the bin.

💸 Upfront Investment:
~$5,000–$10,000 for a trailer-mounted cleaning unit (or start with a DIY build).

💵 Potential Return:
$20–$40 per bin, often booked monthly or quarterly. Easy to scale to 100+ clients.

✅ Pros:

• Little competition

• Repeat revenue from subscription plans

• Low marketing costs (door flyers, Facebook groups)

❌ Cons:

• Requires a water source + vehicle

• Kinda gross

🍫 3. Vending Machines

What it is: Set up vending machines in gyms, schools, warehouses, or apartments and restock with snacks or essentials.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
Low-cost snacks and convenience always win when wallets tighten.

💸 Upfront Investment:
$1,500–$3,500 for a refurbished machine
Use Facebook Marketplace or UsedVending.com to source.

💵 Potential Return:
$200–$500/month per machine (higher in high-traffic areas)

✅ Pros:

• Semi-passive income

• Great for scaling once systems are set

• Cash or card payments accepted

❌ Cons:

• Need to restock and maintain

• Must negotiate good location deals

🌱 4. Lawn Care & Mowing

What it is: Mow lawns, trim bushes, clear leaves, and upsell landscape maintenance.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
HOAs and homeowners care more about curb appeal than economic forecasts.

💸 Upfront Investment:
~$1,000 for used mower, weed eater, and blower
Bonus: You can get clients just by knocking on doors.

💵 Potential Return:
$30–$100 per lawn, weekly or biweekly contracts

✅ Pros:

• Immediate cash flow

• Referrals grow quickly

• Seasonal but highly in demand

❌ Cons:

• Manual labor

• Some equipment wear and tear

🚘 5. Mobile Car Detailing

What it is: Clean interiors, wash exteriors, polish, and vacuum cars at customers' homes or offices.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
People may skip new cars—but they’ll protect the one they have.

💸 Upfront Investment:
~$500–$2,000 for detailing supplies, vacuums, polishers, and water tanks.

💵 Potential Return:
$50–$200 per car depending on package. Upsells (ceramic coating, engine cleaning) = big margins.

✅ Pros:

• Flexible hours

• No storefront needed

• Can specialize in luxury/high-ticket detailing

❌ Cons:

• Water supply logistics

• Weather-dependent in some areas

Check out this guy that started out just like everyone else and now details Rolls Royces👇

📝 6. Mobile Notary Services

What it is: Get certified as a notary and offer mobile services to people who need documents legally signed—real estate closings, wills, medical forms, loan signings, etc.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
Legal documents still need notarizing in any economy. And people will always pay extra for convenience (i.e., coming to them).

💸 Upfront Investment:
$100–$300 for certification, background check, and supplies (stamp, journal).

💵 Potential Return:
$15–$200 per appointment. Loan signings pay the most. Easy to do 5–10 per week as a side hustle.

✅ Pros:

• Flexible schedule

• Low barrier to entry

• Repeat real estate or legal clients = recurring revenue

❌ Cons:

• Paperwork and ID verification required

• Varies by state regulations

🧹 7. Home Cleanouts (a.k.a. Junked-Up Property Rescue)

What it is: Clear out homes, garages, basements, and hoarder situations. These cleanouts are often needed before a sale, rental, or estate turnover—and they’re too overwhelming for most people to handle on their own.

🛡️ Why it’s recession-proof:
People pass away, downsize, or move no matter what’s happening in the economy. Real estate agents, property managers, and families will always need someone to do the dirty work.

💸 Upfront Investment:
~$500–$2,000 for gloves, masks, trash bags, dolly, and truck rental (or your own). You can scale later with a trailer or junk hauling partner.
Use Thumbtack or TaskRabbit to get your first jobs.

💵 Potential Return:
$300–$2,000+ per job depending on size. Larger jobs often booked by real estate agents or landlords. Bonus: resell valuable items you find.

✅ Pros:

• Very little competition

• Clients are often desperate to hand off the task

• High-ticket jobs and repeat referrals

❌ Cons:

• Physical labor

• You’ll see things you can’t unsee

Watch a couple that does this & makes over $1K every day👇

Know someone who doesn’t care if the business is boring as long as it makes money?