There is a generous amount of information online regarding summer businesses and jobs on a local level, but what happens when fall rolls around? Surely people in your area still need assistance? And more than likely, you still need an income.
How can you provide for yourself and your family with the changing of the seasons?
Here are some fall business ideas to keep your bank account in the black during cooler weather and companies and platforms that connect consumers to these types of roles and positions.
1. Weatherproofing
If there are older homes in your area, their owners may benefit from weatherproofing services before the cold weather hits. Offer to caulk drafty windows and doors. Apply plastic sheeting or weather stripping to older windows. Reinstall storm windows that were removed in the warmer months.
If you don’t want to start your own business, you can find handywoman positions at the following on-demand sites:
2. Closet Clean Up
As colder weather approaches, many people need to take inventory for seasonal clothing shopping. Offer closet organizing services to those in need. Help the client set up a well-organized wardrobe. Box up and take outdated or ill-fitting items to your local donation center. If you have a strong fashion sense, make suggestions for must-have pieces that should be purchased for the upcoming season and beyond. If things go well in the closet, offer your assistance in the garage or attic as well.
If you enjoy cleaning and organizing, these smartphone apps connect clients and workers:
3. Lawn Care Services
If you didn’t start a summer lawn care business, it is not too late. You can rake leaves, remove dead plants, and protect cold-sensitive vegetation before frost hits. While you are wrapping up seasonal yard duties, think ahead. Now is a good time to get a continuation from your fall client. Offer snow removal services through the winter months, or help them get a head start on their Christmas lights.
Looking to get started now? These platforms will connect you with clients needing your services:
4. School Supply Shopping (Running Errands)
While busy parents may not be able to hand over their children’s clothing shopping, school supplies are easy to shop for in their absence. Many school districts supply a list of needed items prior to school starting. With their list and budget needs, you can shop for several clients at once.
Here are a couple of platforms that allow you to sell your services for running errands and odd jobs:
5. Party Planning
Fall is a time for several holidays in a short period. With school starting back up, the slumber parties and birthday festivities will resume. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas are all back-to-back. If you have an eye for detail, provide party planning services during the upcoming months. You can send the invitations, handle the shopping and book caterers and entertainment.
If you’re searching for freelance party planning gigs check out:
6. Baking and Cooking
If you have culinary talents, you can prepare the tasty morsels needed for upcoming gatherings. Bake those holiday sweets we wait all year for. Cook the turkey and fixings so the host can enjoy more time with family and friends at Thanksgiving. Let your client be the envy of the Halloween party with all the cute treats they would love to tackle, but don’t have the time. Prepare the finger foods for the small get-togethers that are brought indoors during the cooler evenings.
These platforms team up cooks with hungry guests:
Related Content: Starting a Cupcake Business From Home
7. Cabin, Camper, or Boat Winterizing
If you live in an area with vacation homes, river cabins, boats, or campers, those summer getaways will need a good cleaning and winterizing before being closed up for the season. Offer seasonal services for second homes in the fall and spring. Do a top-to-bottom cleaning, make sure all the windows are closed up, do any needed lawn care, and report back any leaks, broken items, or needed repairs you notice.
Conclusion
With the kids heading back to school, fall is a great time to start a business. Whether you want to start your own business or use an on-demand app to earn some extra money in your free time — the opportunities are there for the taking.
Do you plan to start a business this fall? How do you plan to earn money for the upcoming winter season? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you!
Originally published September 4, 2014. Content updated by Holly Reisem Hanna on August 29, 2018
