Many of us own expensive items that spend more time sitting in a garage, basement, or closet than they do being used. Instead of letting those belongings collect dust, consider turning them into an extra source of income by renting them out.
Whether it’s a pressure washer, camping gear, or even an empty parking space, there’s a good chance someone nearby would rather rent it for a day than buy one themselves. Here are some of the best things you can rent out that you may already own.
Power Tools and Lawn Equipment
Large tools are among the easiest items to rent because most homeowners only need them occasionally. If you’ve accumulated tools over the years, they could quickly pay for themselves again.
Popular rentals include:
- Pressure washers
- Miter saws
- Chainsaws
- Lawn aerators
- Leaf blowers
- Ladders
Many of these items can rent for $20 to $100 or more per day, depending on demand.
Camera Equipment
Photography equipment is expensive, making rentals popular for vacations, weddings, and special events. Cameras, lenses, drones, lighting equipment, and tripods are all frequently rented, with higher-end gear sometimes bringing in several hundred dollars over a weekend.
Camping and Outdoor Gear
Many families only camp once or twice each year, so renting makes more financial sense than buying.
Items that rent well include:
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Coolers
- Portable camp stoves
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
Party Supplies
If you’ve hosted birthdays, graduation parties, or weddings, you may already own items that others are searching for. Folding tables, chairs, tents, yard games, beverage dispensers, popcorn machines, balloon arches, and even bounce houses are popular rentals for weekend events.
Baby Equipment
Parents traveling with young children often rent bulky baby gear instead of bringing everything with them. Cribs, strollers, Pack ‘n Plays, high chairs, and baby gates are commonly requested. If you decide to rent a car seat, make sure it meets current safety standards and has never been involved in an accident.
Sports Equipment
Sports gear is another category that’s often rented because many hobbies are seasonal.
Examples include:
- Golf clubs
- Bicycles
- Fishing gear
- Skis and snowboards
- Pickleball equipment
Pickup Trucks, Trailers, and Utility Equipment
If you own a pickup truck or utility trailer, you already have something many people need for moving furniture, hauling landscaping materials, or making a trip to the dump. Even if you don’t want someone else driving your truck, you may be able to offer delivery or hauling services yourself.
Storage Space
An empty garage, barn, shed, or extra storage building can provide recurring monthly income. Many people need affordable storage for boats, RVs, motorcycles, business inventory, or seasonal decorations.
Parking Spaces
If you live near an airport, downtown area, hospital, stadium, or university, your driveway or parking space could be surprisingly valuable. Renting out a parking spot requires very little effort and can become a consistent source of passive income.
Musical Instruments
Many people want to learn an instrument before committing to buying one. Guitars, violins, keyboards, drum sets, and other instruments are commonly rented by beginners, students, and local performers.
Designer Clothing and Special Occasion Items
Formal wear often gets worn once and then sits in a closet. Renting out designer dresses, tuxedos, handbags, jewelry, costumes, or prom attire can help you recover some of your original investment.
Recreational Vehicles and Boats
If you own an RV, camper, fishing boat, pontoon, or jet ski that spends most of the year parked, renting it out can help offset ownership costs. Some owners earn enough during the busy season to cover insurance, storage, and maintenance expenses.
Specialty Kitchen Equipment
Large kitchen appliances are another overlooked rental opportunity. Stand mixers, chocolate fountains, food dehydrators, ice cream makers, roasters, and catering supplies are often needed for holidays or special events but rarely used year-round.
Spare Rooms or Backyard Amenities
Your home itself can become an income-producing asset. A spare bedroom can be rented to travelers or temporary workers, while homeowners with swimming pools or hot tubs may be able to rent private access where local laws and insurance policies allow.
Where Can You Rent Out Your Items?
You don’t necessarily need a dedicated rental business to get started. Many people find renters through:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Neighborhood Facebook groups
- Community bulletin boards
- Specialty rental marketplaces
- Friends and family referrals
Protect Yourself Before Renting
Before handing over any valuable item, take a few simple precautions to protect yourself:
- Photograph the item before each rental.
- Use a basic rental agreement.
- Collect a security deposit when appropriate.
- Verify the renter’s identity.
- Review your insurance coverage.
- Inspect the item when it’s returned.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always need to buy something new to start a side hustle. In many cases, the best money-making opportunity is already sitting in your garage, basement, or spare bedroom. By renting out items you already own, you can earn extra income while helping others save money by borrowing instead of buying.
Start with one item you rarely use, see how the process goes, and you may discover you’ve been sitting on a surprisingly profitable side hustle all along.
