For many mums in the UK, juggling family life, childcare, and household responsibilities is already a full-time job. However, the rising cost of living, coupled with the desire for more financial independence, has inspired many mothers to explore side hustles—flexible income streams that can fit around their busy schedules. Whether you’re on maternity leave, working part-time, or simply looking to add to your household income, there are plenty of opportunities to side hustles for mums UK without compromising your role as a mum.
At MumMakingMoney, we believe that earning extra income should be both achievable and enjoyable. This guide explores some of the most practical and profitable side hustles for mums in the UK, along with tips to help you get started.
If you have a skill such as writing, graphic design, social media management, web development, or proofreading, freelancing can be one of the most lucrative side hustles.
Why it works for mums:
You set your own hours and take on projects that suit your schedule. This is especially helpful if you have school runs, nap times, or after-school activities to work around.
Where to start:
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and LinkedIn are great for finding freelance gigs. You can also approach small businesses directly via email or social media.
Earning potential:
Depending on your skills and workload, you could earn anywhere from £15 to £50+ per hour.
Tip from MumMakingMoney: Create a professional portfolio, even if it’s just a simple website or PDF document, to showcase your skills.
If you enjoy crafting, sewing, or upcycling, you can turn your hobbies into income by selling your creations online or at local markets.
Platforms to use: Etsy, Folksy (UK-based), and eBay for vintage finds.
Popular items: Handmade jewellery, home décor, personalised gifts, baby clothes, candles, or even digital printables.
Earning potential:
Some sellers earn a few hundred pounds a month as a hobby, while others scale into full-time businesses.
MumMakingMoney Tip: Factor in your time, materials, and shipping costs to price items profitably.
If you already have young children at home, offering childcare to other parents can be a natural side hustle.
Requirements:
In the UK, childminders must register with Ofsted if they look after children under the age of 8 for more than two hours a day.
Why it works for mums:
You can earn while staying at home with your own children, and your kids benefit from socialising with others.
Earning potential:
Rates vary by location but typically range from £4 to £7 per hour, per child.
If you have a background in education or expertise in a specific subject, tutoring can be a flexible and rewarding side hustle.
Subjects in demand: English, maths, science, coding, and languages.
Platforms to try: Tutorful, MyTutor, Superprof, and Preply.
Earning potential:
Tutors often charge £15–£30 per hour, and you can work evenings after your children are in bed.
Many businesses, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals hire virtual assistants to manage emails, scheduling, research, and social media.
Why it works for mums:
VA work is often task-based and can be completed at flexible times.
Getting started:
Create a list of tasks you can offer and promote yourself via LinkedIn, Facebook groups, or freelance websites.
Earning potential:
£12–£25 per hour, depending on experience and services offered.
Starting a blog or Instagram account based on a passion—whether it’s parenting, cooking, fitness, or budgeting—can grow into a profitable venture.
Income streams:
Sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, ad revenue, and selling your own products.
Why it works for mums:
You can work at your own pace and choose topics that interest you.
Earning potential:
It can take months to build an audience, but successful bloggers in the UK often earn £500–£2,000+ a month.
Decluttering your home not only creates space but can also earn you extra money.
What sells well: Baby clothes, toys, furniture, electronics, and branded clothing.
Platforms: Vinted, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree.
Earning potential:
Some mums make £100–£500 a month just by selling unwanted items.
MumMakingMoney Tip: Take clear, well-lit photos and write honest descriptions to attract buyers.
If you love animals, this can be a fun way to earn extra income.
Platforms to use: Tailster, Rover, and Pawshake.
Earning potential:
£10–£15 per walk, or £20–£40 per day for pet sitting.
Why it works for mums:
You can choose times that fit around your children’s schedules, and it often involves outdoor activity, which can be good for your own wellbeing.
Baking, meal prepping, or catering for small events can be a great side hustle if you enjoy cooking.
Requirements:
You’ll need to register your kitchen with your local council and follow UK food hygiene regulations.
Earning potential:
Special occasion cakes can sell for £50–£200, while catering events can bring in much more.
Participating in paid surveys, focus groups, or mystery shopping can provide small but steady income boosts.
Platforms to try: Prolific (UK-based), Respondent, Swagbucks, and i-Say for surveys; Market Force and ESA Retail for mystery shopping.
Earning potential:
£5–£50 per session, depending on the task.
No matter which side hustle you choose, success comes from balancing time, energy, and realistic expectations.
Tips from MumMakingMoney:
Start small – Don’t overwhelm yourself. Begin with one or two income streams and expand once you’re confident.
Stay organised – Use a calendar or app to track deadlines, income, and expenses.
Set boundaries – Make sure your side hustle doesn’t take away from family time or self-care.
Reinvest in growth – Use some of your profits to upgrade tools, skills, or marketing.
Know your worth – Don’t undervalue your time or skills; price your services fairly.
Side hustles aren’t just about making ends meet—they can provide mums with a sense of independence, creativity, and purpose. In some cases, they can even grow into full-time businesses.
Whether you’re selling handmade products on Etsy, tutoring in the evenings, or managing social media for small businesses, your side hustle can be as flexible or ambitious as you want it to be.
At MumMakingMoney, we’re passionate about empowering UK mums to take control of their financial futures while keeping family life a top priority. The right side hustle can give you the freedom to earn extra income, develop new skills, and feel more in control of your household finances—without missing those precious moments with your children.