Here’s the next part of our side hustle case study series, where real people share how they make extra money in their spare time! Today, Steph from Debt Free Family is talking about her creative side hustle – upcycling and selling second-hand furniture.
How to make money flipping furniture
Tell us a little about yourself and your side hustle.
I’m Steph, a mom of three and the owner of Debt Free Family, a blog about my family’s financial journey. Over the past few years, I’ve been making extra money by upcycling old furniture and reselling it.
Sometimes I actively search for furniture, while other times I find pieces that people are throwing out. I always look for solid wood and well-made items, regardless of their condition.
How long have you been doing this side hustle? How did you get into it?
I started upcycling furniture about six years ago. Initially, I didn’t plan to sell the pieces I refurbished; I was just trying to furnish our home affordably and sustainably. When I found a beautiful old pine chest of drawers covered in white paint, I knew I could restore it to its former glory.
Sanding that chest of drawers took a long time, but I eventually learned techniques to speed up the process. I sold that chest of drawers about six months later and made a £108 ($140) profit. That’s when I realized this could be a lucrative side hustle that fits well around my kids’ busy schedules.
What does the work involve? What does a typical day look like for you?
My specialty is restoring old furniture to its original condition. I particularly love pieces that were painted during the ‘shabby chic’ phase of the 2000s. If the paint job was done poorly, it’s the perfect piece for me to upcycle!
First, I make sure the piece is solid wood by checking the joins and looking for chips and scratches. Then, I remove the old paint using a paint stripper, as sanding alone is too time-consuming and messy. I always work in a well-ventilated area, usually outside on a dry day, keeping children and animals away.
After removing the paint, I use a rough sander to get rid of the remaining bits, followed by a fine sand until the wood is smooth. Lastly, I seal the wood with wax. Sometimes I replace drawer handles, but I prefer to keep the pieces as close to their original state as possible.
How much can you make doing this side hustle?
It’s hard to say exactly, as it depends on many factors. If I can get a piece of furniture for a very low price or even free, my profit is higher. Home clearance shops, charity shops, car boot sales, and friends offering items they no longer want are great sources for cheap pieces. On average, I make about £70-£80 ($90-$100) per item after buying paint stripper and sanding pads.
Are there any start-up costs or ongoing expenses?
While not essential, having a sanding ‘mouse’ makes sanding easier. Start with a small item, like a bedside table, so you don’t need much paint stripper. Wax to seal the wood is important; a decent tin costs around £10 and lasts for about 3-4 small pieces of furniture.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started?
Start with a simple item. I love old furniture that’s functional and straightforward. Once you get the hang of basic pieces, find a style you love, and you’ll enjoy working on every item.
Where can we find you?
You can follow my family’s journey to becoming debt-free at Debt Free Family or on Pinterest.
Thank you, Steph! Restoring old furniture to flip can be a fun and creative way to make money for anyone who enjoys hands-on projects.