Childcare worker's genius Gumtree hack after losing job during pandemic

Queensland woman Lainey is looking forward to splurging this Christmas on expensive gifts and lavish seafood lunches, thanks to her creative 'upcycling' side hustle.

The 24-year-old childcare worker was temporarily stood down from her job during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting her to look at unique ways to make cash.

While browsing second-hand marketplace Gumtree, Lainey realised there were hundreds of pre-loved items such as couches, chairs, and coffee tables she could buy and fix up for a profit.

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"I started seeing old furniture that was good quality, but just needed a bit of a flip and a new life," Lainey tells 9Honey.

"When I went on Gumtree, I noticed there was so much stuff going for free or really cheap. A lot of people were cleaning out their houses during that time."

Lainey started buying old pieces of furniture from the website and gave them a makeover, whether it be a lick of fresh paint, an upholster or a sanding.

She would find an old couch or cabinet for $50 and spent around $100 of her own money — plus six or seven hours of time — to restore the piece to its former glory.

"I'd then resell it for a profit to make ends meet and pay my bills," Lainey says proudly.

"I knew how to paint and I had the skill of sewing, I just had to teach myself how to upholster. I gave it a shot and it worked out really well."

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For each piece she sold, Lainey was able to make around $400 to $500 in profit — and during the pandemic, the early childhood educator pocketed $2000 from her Gumtree side hustle.

"I used that money to pay the bills and now I've got my job back, I've just kept up the hobby," Lainey explains.

In the last two months alone, the talented furniture flipper made $1000 in Gumtree profits.

Lainey says she'll be using the extra cash to splurge during Christmas and for presents, flights and seafood for her family.

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"I've just used it to buy Christmas presents and flights to go home and see my family in NSW, once the borders are open," she says happily.

"I'm the one shouting the seafood this year, which is very exciting. I'm getting oysters!"

Lainey's savvy Gumtree habit is a timely reminder of how one person's junk is another's treasure.

Everyday Australians could have thousands of dollars lying around their home — all it takes is a quick spring clean and an ad on the online marketplace.

"It's amazing what you've just got lying around that's worth a lot," Lainey adds. "Once you do it, it's so simple."

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