In a world full of unusual side hustles, one man has traveled from washing graves to buying his first home. Fitted with nothing but a bucket, brush, and determination, this enterprising grave cleaner has transformed something many people view as a sullen job into a lucrative money-maker. He keeps the dignity of resting places alive, and through it all, he’s saving enough to earn the biggest prize of all; a first home.
“It’s a very satisfying job,” he says, finding both purpose and profit in maintaining cemetery sites. This story goes to prove how hard work and creativity can certainly pay off-even in the most unexpected of ways. Nobody ever thought of cleaning tombstones as a springboard to financial freedom.
Man buys first home by cleaning graves as a side business
An unusual side hustle has brought life-changing milestones for a 31-year-old man, Shaun Tookey. A professional tree surgeon from Harlow, England, started cleaning graves in May 2023 to have extra pocket money. What started as a part-time gig has helped Shaun purchase his first home.
The business side of the venture, which is “The Grave Cleaner,” allowed him to restore more than 300 graves with deep cleaning, repainting lettering, and adding touches such as decorative. Shaun was charging between $187 (₹15,535) and $562 (₹46,673) per job; by December 2024, Shaun had saved up enough for the mortgage deposit, and his family moved into its first home.
How cleaning graves helped a man attain financial stability
Shaun’s work, posted on TikTok and Facebook under @thegravecleaner, has inspired many. “It’s a very satisfying job and rewarding to help people honor their loved ones,” he says, proving that even the most unconventional ideas can lead to success.
In December 2024, Shaun moved into his first home. He credits this milestone to his unique venture: “The Grave Cleaner”.Shaun provides customized services based on client preferences, which include the size of the grave, lettering, and if gold leaf or paint will be required. Most of his clients find him through TikTok, Facebook, or by leaflets that he passes out. “A lot of people don’t even know this service exists in the UK,” he said.
Beyond financial freedom, Shaun finds personal satisfaction in his work. “This job has given my family stability and a life we didn’t think was possible,” he shared.
Check out Shaun Tookey’s instagram profile here:
https://www.instagram.com/thegravecleaner/
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