Cleaning graves as a side hustle helped one individual earn enough money to buy their first home, indicating the value of hard work.
Shaun Tookey, a 31-year-old from Harlow, Essex, has turned his unique side hustle of cleaning graves into successful business that allowed him to buy his first home.
Since starting this venture in May 2023, Shaun has cleaned over 300 graves, providing a valuable service to families.
How does the business work?
Shaun offers different cleaning packages for gravestones.
Families can pay between $187 and $312 for a deep cleaning. If they want extra services, like repainting lettering or adding decorative chippings, the price can go up to $562.
Each cleaning job can take him up to two hours, and he manages to clean between two to four graves each day, all while working full-time as a tree surgeon.
Shaun finds his work to be rewarding. He often cleans graves on his day off during the week and on the weekends.
He believes that his service helps many families who may not know how to clean their loved ones’ gravestones properly.
Impact on family life
Thanks to his grave cleaning business, Shaun has been able to save money for a deposit and secure a mortgage for his family’s first home.
He says that owning a home felt impossible before starting this side hustle.
“This job has given my family stability, especially with how life is hard at the minute,” he shared.
Shaun emphasizes the satisfaction he feels from helping others.
“A lot of people don’t know this service is available,” he explained.
His work has not only provided financial stability but also a sense of purpose.
Building a client base
To attract clients, Shaun shares videos of his transformations on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook under the name @thegravecleaner.
Many of his clients find him through word of mouth, but he also sees a lot of interest from his online presence.
“Most of my jobs are through social media; it is such a big platform,” he noted.
He also distributes leaflets and business cards in local cemeteries.
When people see him working, they often approach him, surprised to learn that grave cleaning services exist in the UK. Shaun takes pride in educating the public about his business.
Customizing the service
The cost of Shaun’s services can vary based on the type of grave and the specific requests from families.
For instance, some families may want gold leaf lettering, while others may prefer simple paint.
Shaun offers standard rates but also has add-ons to customize the service to meet client needs.
He mentioned that cleaning headstones can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, while larger graves might require several hours of work.
“I can do four graves a day on average, but if they are big jobs, I might only get two done,” he said.
Achievements and future goals
Since starting his grave cleaning business, Shaun has felt a sense of stability and accomplishment.
In December 2024, he achieved his goal of buying a family home after years of renting.
“It was a massive achievement for me,” he expressed.
“It gives me a steady income to provide a life for my family, something we didn’t think would be possible in this day and age.”
Shaun’s story demonstrates how a unique side hustle can lead to financial freedom and a better quality of life.
His dedication to his work and commitment to helping others have not only made a difference in his life but also in the lives of the families he serves.
In conclusion, Shaun Tookey’s grave cleaning business has proven to be more than just a side hustle; it has transformed his life and provided a stable future for his family.
As he continues to grow his business, he remains dedicated to offering a valuable service and helping families honor their loved ones.