Every home has a list of jobs that never quite get done. They are not difficult, they are just too small for a tradesperson to bother quoting for and too tedious to do at the weekend. Searching for an odd job man near you often turns up handymen with minimum call-out charges that make a 30-minute job expensive. The good news is that a lot of these jobs do not need a tradesperson at all.
Small jobs that do not need a professional
- Carrying boxes to and from the loft or garage
- Clearing out a shed, garage or spare room and bagging rubbish
- Sorting things for the tip or charity shop
- Moving furniture between rooms
- Helping on moving day with packing and carrying
- Simple flat-pack furniture with hand tools
- Washing the car, sweeping the drive and clearing leaves
- Weeding, watering and general garden tidying
- Setting up phones, tablets, Wi-Fi and smart TVs
- Putting up and taking down Christmas decorations
- Feeding pets and watering plants while you are away
Jobs that still need a professional
- Anything electrical beyond plugging something in
- Plumbing and gas work
- Work on roofs, gutters, ladders or at height
- Drilling into walls near pipes or cables, and mounting heavy items like TVs
- Anything with power tools such as hedge trimmers or saws
- Heavy lifting that needs two strong adults or a van
For these, use a tradesperson directory such as Checkatrade or a handyman booking app. See TaskRabbit alternatives in the UK for a comparison.
Who can do the rest?
Most of the first list is ideal work for a local teenager. The jobs are safe, ground-level and easy to check, teenagers are usually free after school and at weekends, and the cost is far below a handyman's minimum charge. They are also often quicker than adults at anything involving tech.
What it costs
For carrying, clearing and sorting, a fair rate is around £10 to £12 an hour. Car washing, leaf clearing and garden work are usually priced per job. The 2026 price guide covers each one.
How to get it done
- Write the list, then split it into professional jobs and simple jobs.
- Group the simple jobs into one visit of an hour or two.
- Describe each job clearly, including what you will provide.
- Be home while the work is done.
Post your list
On KidsHustle any adult can post a paid job for local 13 to 17 year olds. You verify your identity once, every listing is checked before it goes live, parents approve their teen's applications, and payment is held until the job is done. Post a job on KidsHustle, or read how to hire a teenager safely and legally.