Why More Families Are Turning to Side Hustles and Reselling for Extra Income

Have you noticed more people posting curb alerts on Facebook Marketplace? Or maybe you’ve seen your neighbors hauling furniture into the garage to “clean up” — only to watch it pop up online for sale the next day.

You’re not imagining it. Right now, more families than ever are diving into side hustles like reselling to bring in extra income and create a cushion for whatever life throws at them.

Why Families Are Picking Up Side Hustles

The truth is, the 9-to-5 isn’t the safety net it used to be. In fact, a 2023 survey by McKinsey found that 58% of Americans now have some type of side hustle — and reselling is one of the top picks.

Why? Because it’s simple, flexible, and it works. When layoffs happen, hours get cut, or prices keep going up at the grocery store, a side hustle can help keep the lights on, the fridge full, or even help fund a little extra fun when you need it most.

Add in the fact that AI and automation could replace up to 300 million jobs worldwide in the next decade (Goldman Sachs) — and more people are waking up to the idea that one paycheck just isn’t enough.

Why Reselling is the Perfect Family Side Hustle

Here’s what makes reselling so powerful: you can start with what you already have. You don’t need a fancy office, a big loan, or even a lot of free time.

You can hunt for treasure together at garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, or online freebie posts — turning other people’s “trash” into extra cash. Kids can learn what sells, how to negotiate, and how to take great photos. It’s real-life entrepreneurship at its simplest.

Real Reselling Stories That Inspire

Families all over the world are doing this right now. Here are just a few stories that might inspire you:

Thrift Store Treasure: A single mom started flipping thrift store handbags on Poshmark. One $10 bag flipped for $150 — now she makes hundreds each month doing it on her lunch break.

Backyard Bonus: A dad in Ohio noticed neighbors tossing out old lawn mowers every spring. Now, he fixes them up and resells them locally on Facebook Marketplace for $100–$300 each.

Weekend Hustle: A family in Florida started picking up free furniture off the curb, sanding and repainting it together, and flipping it for profit. They made $600 in one weekend — enough to take the kids to Disney for the first time.

What’s Hot Right Now: Top 5 Items Families Are Flipping

So what should you look for if you’re ready to give reselling a try? Here’s what people are moving fast right now:

1. Furniture — Dressers, nightstands, shelves. Free or cheap to find, easy to freshen up, always in demand.

2. Power Tools & Yard Equipment — Weed trimmers, mowers, drills. Fix or clean them up and sell them fast.

3. Golf Clubs & Sporting Goods — Thrift stores and garage sales are goldmines for these.

4. Small Appliances — Washers, dryers, microwaves, mini fridges — people want deals and don’t want to pay full retail.

5. Designer Bags & Shoes — Brand names sell well on Poshmark, Mercari, or eBay — even used.

Where Families Are Reselling

Reselling is easier than ever thanks to local buy-and-sell platforms. Here are some favorites:

Facebook Marketplace: Fast, free, local — great for bigger items you don’t want to ship.

Craigslist: Still great for appliances, furniture, and tools.

eBay: Ideal for collectibles, electronics, and anything you can ship nationwide.

Poshmark: Perfect for clothing, handbags, and shoes.

OfferUp: Another easy local app for everyday household items.

A Side Hustle that Builds More than Money

At Next Big Flip, I’ve seen this first-hand — it’s not just about profit. It’s about freedom, flexibility, and showing your kids how to spot opportunities when others see junk.

Years ago, I was a young dad laid off with bills to pay and mouths to feed. I found a free dryer on Craigslist, cleaned it up, flipped it for $75, and that one sale gave me hope. That hope turned into THOUSANDS of flips (and still counting!) and a community of people who know that every little flip adds up.

If I can do it — so can you.

Your Next Flip Could Be the Spark You Need

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Your next big flip might be sitting in your garage, at the thrift store down the street, or just waiting on the curb.

Start where you are. Flip what you have. And let’s keep moving forward — together.

Looking for more real-life flipping stories, reselling tips, and fresh ideas to build your side hustle income? Subscribe to Next Big Flip and get weekly inspiration, step-by-step guides, and practical flipping advice you can actually use — whether you’re looking to pay off a bill or fund your next adventure.

Your next flip could change everything. Let’s get it.