We’ve all been there—sprawled on the floor surrounded by particleboard, mysterious screws, and instructions that might as well be in ancient hieroglyphics. As more people opt for flat-pack furniture (looking at you, IKEA, Wayfair, and Amazon), there’s a growing army of frustrated customers willing to pay good money to avoid the headache.
If you can put together a Billy bookcase without wanting to throw it out the window, you’ve got the foundation for a surprisingly lucrative side hustle. No fancy equipment needed, no inventory to buy—just a reliable set of hands and the patience to deal with those infuriating cam locks.
Why This Works (And Who’s Desperate Enough to Pay You)
The math is simple: Time-strapped professionals would rather work an extra hour at their job than spend three hours fighting with a Malm dresser. Your ideal clients:
- Recent movers (especially in apartments—they’re drowning in boxes)
- Single parents (try assembling a bunk bed while a toddler “helps”)
- Elderly or disabled folks who physically can’t handle it
- Small businesses setting up offices (those standing desks are tricky)
Real Example:
Jake started helping his sister’s friends with their IKEA hauls after work. When a local realtor saw his clean work, she hired him to stage six rental units at $75 per furniture piece. Suddenly, his “little side gig” was pulling in $900 weekends.
Gear Up: The Minimalist Toolkit That Handles 90% of Jobs
Don’t overcomplicate this—your entire business fits in one backpack:
Must-Haves:
- Impact driver (not just a drill—your wrists will thank you)
- Magnetic hex bit set (no more dropped Allen wrenches)
- Rubber mallet (for those stubborn dowels)
- Collapsible work mat (keeps floors scratch-free)
- Small parts organizer (because nothing kills momentum like losing a cam screw)
Pro Moves:
- Keep spare common hardware (IKEA’s infamous M6 screws, anyone?)
- Use painter’s tape to label identical-looking panels during assembly
- Snap a photo of the finished product for your portfolio (and to prove you didn’t leave extra screws)
Pricing: How to Charge (Without Scaring Off Customers)
Smart Pricing Strategies:
- By the piece: $40–120 depending on complexity (a nightstand vs. a sectional sofa)
- Hourly rate: $50–80/hr for open-ended jobs
- Bulk discounts: “3 pieces for $200” gets you bigger jobs
Upsell Opportunities:
- “While I’m here…” Offer to mount TVs or hang shelves for extra
- Move-in packages for apartments (assemble 5 standard pieces = flat rate)
- Disassembly service for people moving out
Real Example:
Maria charges $65 for basic dressers but noticed clients always needed help positioning them. She added a “room layout consult” for an extra $20—now 80% opt for it.
Finding Clients Where They’re Already Frustrated
Low-Effort Marketing That Works:
- IKEA parking lot hustle (Yes, really. Hand out cards to people loading boxes.)
- Facebook hyperlocal groups (“Tired of assembling furniture? I speak IKEA fluently.”)
- Partner with movers (Slip your card into their packing materials)
- College move-in days (Set up near dorms with a sign)
Pro Tip:
Film a timelapse of you assembling a Hemnes in 15 minutes flat—it’s marketing gold for Instagram Reels.
The Hidden Perks Nobody Talks About
- Oddly satisfying work (There’s joy in watching chaos become order)
- Flexible scheduling (Most clients want evenings/weekends—perfect if you have a day job)
- Zero customer small talk (They usually leave you alone to work)
Final Thought:
This isn’t about being a master carpenter—it’s about being reliable. Show up on time, don’t scratch the floors, and actually finish the job. Do that, and you’ll have clients begging you to come back when they buy their next Pax wardrobe.