A couple of years ago, I was desperately clearing out my garage, knee-deep in a pile of camping gear, old tools, and a stand mixer that hadn’t seen the light of day since I bought it. Like many of us, I had accumulated "stuff"—some of it barely used—that was collecting dust. At the same time, I was trying to figure out how to earn some extra cash without committing to a side hustle that required major time or energy.
That’s when it hit me—what if some of this “stuff” could make money for me? After a little research (and a trial run with our old tent), I discovered an entirely new side hustle trend that completely changed my perspective. Renting out my unused stuff brought in a steady stream of income, and the best part? It required hardly any effort after the initial setup.
If you’ve also got unused items sitting idly in your home, this guide is for you. I’ll explain exactly how you can turn your clutter—and even some of your pricier possessions—into a money-making operation.
Why Renting Out Unused Items Works
Here’s the reality we don’t often think about—many people need items for one-time or occasional use, but buying them outright doesn’t make sense. For example, someone going on their first camping trip might not want to splurge on a new tent and sleeping bags, while another person may need a tile cutter for one weekend DIY project.
By renting out your items, you’re filling a gap in the market while also helping people save money. It’s a classic win-win setup. And trust me, the demand is there. Peer-to-peer renting platforms and apps have surged in popularity, transforming everything from power tools to designer handbags into income-generating assets. With that said, I’ll walk you through how to do this step by step, starting with figuring out what exactly you can rent.
Step 1: Identify What You Can Rent Out
Start by taking stock of your home and the items you rarely use. Here are some categories to spark ideas:
1. Outdoor and Recreational Gear
- Tents, sleeping bags, and camping gear
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles
- Ski equipment, snowboards, and sleds
A few years ago, I listed my camping gear on a rental platform for the summer months, and it was booked almost immediately by a family going on their first camping adventure. They were happy to save money, and I was thrilled to see my gear being used instead of gathering dust.
2. Tools and Equipment
Home improvement tools like ladders, drills, and power washers are in high demand. DIY folks often need these for short-term projects, and renting eliminates the need for them to buy something they’ll barely use.
Pro-tip! If you’ve got a pressure washer (like I did), list it for rental during the spring and summer months because that’s when people are tackling outdoor cleaning projects.
3. Party and Event Supplies
- Folding tables and chairs
- Pop-up tents and coolers
- Serving ware or decorations like string lights
Admittedly, I didn’t think I had anything people might want for parties, but I underestimated my stash of folding chairs. Those babies were rented out three weekends in a row last summer!
4. Tech and Gadgets
- Cameras and lenses
- Drones
- Projectors or gaming consoles
If you’re a gadget person like my husband, you likely have some pricey tech sitting around that could rake in some cash. Our GoPro, for instance, became a popular rental for travelers.
5. Clothing and Accessories
- Formalwear, such as tuxedos and evening gowns
- Designer handbags and watches
- Specialty gear like hiking boots or snow jackets
A close friend of mine turned her collection of gently used designer purses into a rental side hustle. Every month, those bags practically flew out the door for weddings, galas, and even Instagram fashion shoots.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
Once you’ve identified what you’d like to rent out, the next step is finding the right platform to reach potential customers. Here are some tried-and-tested options based on what I’ve used or heard great things about from others:
- Outdoor gear: Platforms like Spinlister (for bikes) and Outdoorsy (for RVs) are specific to recreational equipment.
- Tools: Loanables and Peerby connect people looking for tools and equipment.
- Fashion and accessories: For clothing and designer items, platforms like Rent the Runway or Bag Borrow or Steal cater to fashionistas.
- General rental platforms: Apps like Fat Llama or Neighbor allow you to list anything from camera equipment to storage space.
These platforms provide the exposure and trust you need to connect with renters. Plus, most of them handle payments and provide insurance, so you don’t need to worry too much about risk.
Step 3: Price Your Items Wisely
Pricing your items can feel tricky at first, but I found the sweet spot through trial and error. Start by searching your rental platform for similar listings to see what others are charging. For example, when I rented out my pressure washer, I checked prices on Fat Llama and noticed rentals ranged from $15 to $25 per day.
Sticking to the lower end worked at first to attract early renters, and then I bumped up the price as my reviews started rolling in. Remember, people are looking for a deal compared to buying new, but they’re also willing to pay for convenience and quality.
Step 4: Create an Irresistible Listing
Your listing is everything—this is how you’ll hook renters. Focus on clear, appealing images and a description that answers basic questions. For example, in my kayak rental listing, I included details about the size, weight capacity, and whether paddles were included.
Here’s what I recommend for your listing:
- Take High-Quality Photos: Show off your item from multiple angles, including close-ups that highlight details.
- Include Key Specs: Don’t make renters guess the details—be specific about the size, features, and condition.
- Highlight the Benefits: Is your tent lightweight and easy to set up? Does your stand mixer come with all the attachments? Share what makes your item great.
Bonus tip! If your item is seasonal, update your listing copy to highlight why renters might need it now (like "Perfect for spring cleaning!" on your pressure washer listing).
Step 5: Protect Yourself
Of course, handing over your items to strangers might feel nerve-wracking at first—I get it. But fortunately, most rental platforms include insurance or a damage deposit to cover any accidents. For extra peace of mind, I also screen renters by checking their reviews on the platform. This step made me more comfortable handing over my gear, knowing it was in responsible hands.
Step 6: Keep Things Organized
Once rentals pick up, staying organized is key. I use a simple schedule to track when each item is rented and when it’s due back. Plus, after each rental, I inspect the item and clean it if necessary. Establishing a routine here saves you headaches on busy weeks.
How Much Can You Make?
The sky’s the limit depending on how many items you rent and how much demand there is. For example, my camping gear rented for $40 to $50 per weekend, and those small margins added up quickly over the busy summer months. During peak months, I managed to bring in about $300 to $500 per month by renting out my unused stuff—while barely lifting a finger.
Why I Love This Side Hustle
Here’s what I’ve learned after more than a year of renting out my items—it’s the perfect side hustle for so many reasons. You don’t have to invest money upfront (in fact, you’re monetizing things you already own).
The time commitment is minimal, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see things that would’ve stayed unused being put to work.Plus, helping others save money by offering rental alternatives feels pretty great. Everyone wins.
Declutter, Earn, Repeat—Start Renting Out Today!
My garage is a lot less cluttered these days, but you’ll still find me snapping photos of things around the house and listing them online when inspiration strikes. If you’ve got unused items collecting dust, give renting a try. Start small, and you might just find yourself earning passive income with little effort.
Don’t wait for that camping gear or old camera to take up more space—put it to work for you! Who knows? Your next renter could be just a click away. Happy renting! 😊
