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Trash to Treasure

This week, let’s talk about my all-time favorite side hustle, furniture flipping! You’ve probably seen those old, beat-up dressers or coffee tables sitting around, right? Most people walk right past them, but not us. We see potential. We see dollar signs. We can turn that trash into cold, hard, cash. All it takes is some work and a little creativity.

The best part?

You don’t need a ton of money to get started, just some hustle and a good eye. Let’s break it down.

The Opportunity

1. Low Initial Investment: This side hustle doesn’t need a huge budget. You can score furniture for free or cheap at thrift stores, garage sales, estate auctions or even on the curb. And the tools? We’re talking sandpaper, paint, and some basic stuff you can grab for next to nothing, especially if you buy used as well! Of course, you can take it to the next level with more speciality equipment, but if you’re trying to keep this on a shoestring budget, it’s certainly possible.

2. High-Profit Margins: With such a low cost to acquire inventory, there is plenty of room for a big profit left over. It’s not uncommon to profit hundreds of dollars on a single piece if done well!

3. Flexibility: Got a full-time job? No problem. Busy with the kids? You can work around that. You’re the boss here, so you set the hours and decide how much time you want to put in.

4. Creative Freedom: Let’s be honest—this can be hard work, but at least you can have fun doing it! You’re not stuck in a cubicle and you’re creating something cool. Whether you’re painting, staining, or adding unique touches, each piece is your creation.

5. Growing Demand: In the last 10 years, the used furniture market has DOUBLED in demand. People are always on the hunt for quality furniture that doesn’t break the bank. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Instagram make it easier than ever to post your items for sale in your local market.

The Starting Line

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to get rolling:

Step 1: Educate Yourself

First things first: learn the basics. Watch YouTube videos, follow flippers on Instagram, and soak up as much knowledge as you can. Be sure not to get stuck on step one, though. You don’t need to be an expert—often the best teacher is time, so take a shot and get started!

Step 2: Find Your First Piece

Start hunting for furniture that’s cheap but has potential. Here’s where to look:

Thrift Stores: Solid wood pieces are gold. Even if they’re ugly, they’re usually sturdy.

Garage/Estate Sales: This may take more driving, but normally these sellers just want to get rid of things. Plenty of opportunities to score an awesome piece at a low price.

Estate Auctions: Check out auctionzip.com to see what auctions are near you. I prefer auctions as usually there are a lot of pieces to choose from and you can get a great deal!

Online Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, and Craigslist are full of deals if you know where to look. My preference is Facebook Marketplace, but hidden gems can still be found on the others!

Step 3: Get Your Tools

You don’t need a workshop or fancy gear. Here’s a starter pack:

Sandpaper or an electric sander

Paint and brushes/rollers

Screwdrivers and basic hand tools

Wood filler and glue

Cleaning supplies (soap, degreaser, and rags)

Step 4: Plan Your Project

Take a good look at the piece you found. What can you do with it? Are you painting it? Staining it? Swapping out the hardware? Keep it simple at first, and always think about what people are into right now. Modern, farmhouse, boho—these styles are popular and are likely to sell quickly.

Step 5: Prep the Furniture

This step is key, so don’t skip it:

Clean It Up: Wipe off the dirt and grime.

Fix It Up: Tighten any loose parts, fill in cracks, and make sure it’s solid.

Sand It Down: Smooth it out and get it ready for paint or stain.

Step 6: Rehab

Here’s where you bring it to life:

Add a fresh coat of paint or stain.

Replace old knobs and handles with something fresh.

Take your time and make sure it looks top-notch. The better it looks, the more you can charge.

Step 7: Sell Like a Pro

When it’s time to sell, presentation is everything. Snap some great photos with good lighting and a clean background. Write a solid description that highlights what makes the piece special. Then list it on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, or even Etsy.

Step 8: Build Your Brand

If you’re serious about this, build your name up. Pick a catchy name for your flipping business, set up social media accounts, and show off your work. Share behind-the-scenes pics and videos. People love to see the process, and it makes them more likely to buy from you.

Step 9: Step It Up

As time goes on, consider going bigger!

Invest in better tools.

Offer custom work.

Partner with local stores to display your pieces.

Run ads or hit up local markets to expand your reach.

This should come as no surprise, I love flipping furniture. Although, I do have to give one important caveat. I’ve always flipped furniture in a much lazier way than full-on rehab. For me, I’ve always preferred to flip items that required very little work, cleaning at most. I prioritized speed and a lower margin over time-consuming rehab and higher margins. I made my money on it being a good buy, not on creating value with the remodel. I found that I could make more money taking a high volume-lower profit vs low volume-higher profit approach.

But times are changing! The flipping landscape has become more competitive and it takes more to stand out. I do believe there is potential to flip with either strategy in mind, but the rehab route does seem to offer compelling value to a buyer.

Furniture flipping offers high-profit potential, low start-up costs, and all done on a flexible timeline. However, it comes at the cost of being time-consuming, physically demanding, and having a potential learning curve.

All in all, I think the rewards far outweigh the risks and you should give it a shot if interested. In fact, I think I’ll even take a stab at the rehab strategy on our YouTube channel here soon!

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What side hustle should I try or research next? Let me know.