Meet the Young Woman Turning Carsitting into a Lucrative Side Hustle

Sydney Charlet, 29, has found a way to make extra income by sitting in strangers’ cars during busy street cleaning hours on the Upper West Side. Her service, dubbed “The Car Sitter,” costs clients up to $50 for a 90-minute session, during which she watches over parked vehicles while owners comply with city regulations requiring them to move their cars temporarily.

This idea was born out of her own experience during an especially chaotic alternate parking period, where she watched drivers and doormen rush to move vehicles before street sweepers arrived. Inspired, Charlet posted a viral flyer on social media, leading to an overwhelming response. Since then, she’s received over 500 inquiries and has already worked with about 20 clients, covering half of her Manhattan rent.

Charlet’s process is straightforward: after signing a simple agreement and paying a deposit, she arrives at the car about 15 minutes before parking rules apply. She documents any preexisting damage with a video, then stays in the vehicle for 90 minutes, only leaving when the street sweeper passes by. She considers it a form of “babysitting” for cars.

Despite being unemployed, she reports high demand for her service. Her approach aims to prevent disputes between drivers and help busy residents avoid costly fines or towing. Charlet’s success exemplifies how side gigs are increasingly vital for urban dwellers struggling with the cost of living, with over half of Americans taking on extra work last year for savings or to keep up financially.

Charlet finds trust plays a crucial role, noting that clients appreciate her relatable, stylish persona—helping her build a reputation as a trustworthy young entrepreneur in Manhattan. She hopes to expand her business across all five boroughs someday.