Rent Out Personal Items

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Renting personal items is a great way to save money and get the things you need without having to buy them. There are many different things you can rent, including tools, sports equipment, and kayaks.

All the tools and toys we buy cost a lot of money and take up a lot of space. Americans spend an average of $18,000 per year on nonessential items.

I don’t know about you, but most of my equipment sites around a majority of the year and I would love to make some money off of it and still enjoy it at the same time.

What Items People Rent

There are a lot of things that people rent. Some people rent tools, sports equipment, or kayaks. There are many reasons why people might choose to rent something instead of buying it. Maybe they only need it for a short period of time, or maybe they can’t afford to buy it outright. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of things that can be rented.

FriendWithA is connecting creatives, outdoor and adventure enthusiasts to share the gear they love. People everywhere are looking to try out new adventures, from the Onewheel, electric skateboards, to snowboarding and photography, but either can't afford it, or they want to try it before they buy it. At FriendWithA, they want to connect people with a safe, and trustworthy environment, in order to list and rent items with each other.

Outdoor Equipment

Bikes remain one of the most rented items globally, especially in regions known for outdoor activities. That’s why folks like Lime and Riders Share started entire companies to rent bikes out. Electric bikes are rapidly gaining popularity and have become one of the most profitable things to rent out, thanks to their eco-friendly appeal and convenience. They attract both locals and tourists, who use them for commuting or exploring new areas.

Sports equipment is another popular item to rent. If you’re going on a ski trip, for example, you can rent skis, boots, and poles from a ski shop. And, if you only need it for a week or two, there’s no sense in buying it when you can just rent it.

Kayaks are another popular item to rent. If you’re going on a camping or hiking trip and want to explore some waterways, renting a kayak is a great option. Most people don’t want to invest over $1,000 in a kayak and its storage. Take a look at local kayak rental places for rates. SUP boards also attract both tourists and locals looking for an accessible yet exciting water activity.

Rent out your boat on Sailo, especially if you have a sailboat or yacht in a vacation hotspot.

Camping gear and camping trailers are both some of the best things to rent out, especially in areas known for outdoor activities. Renting out tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and camping trailers provides a comprehensive solution for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience nature without the hassle of owning and maintaining their own gear. By offering a range of camping gear and trailer sizes and styles, you can cater to a diverse customer base, from solo adventurers to families seeking a comfortable outdoor experience.

Offering a diverse range of hiking gear, such as backpacks, trekking poles, hiking boots, and weather-specific clothing, ensures that your rental service caters to a wide variety of customers, from casual day-hikers to those planning multi-day treks. Providing gear pick-up at accommodations or near popular trailheads adds further convenience, making your service even more attractive to both guests and your business partners.

Scuba diving and snorkelling equipment rentals are a lucrative business, especially in coastal regions and popular dive destinations. Regular inspections, cleaning, and servicing of the gear not only enhance the customer experience but also extend the lifespan of your equipment, making your business more sustainable. Partnering with local dive shops, resorts, and tourism boards can help you reach a broader audience, ensuring steady rentals throughout the year.

Surfboards are essential for catching waves, attracting water sports enthusiasts at coastal hotspots. Rentals cater to both beginners trying out surfing lessons and experienced surfers traveling light. Offering options like shortboards, longboards, or even soft-top beginner boards ensures you meet the needs of a diverse clientele seeking adventure on the waves.

Tools and Heavy Equipment

Tools are a great example of something that can be rented. Power tools and other home improvement equipment are consistently in demand, especially with the rise in DIY projects. Many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts prefer renting these tools rather than investing in expensive equipment for one-time use, making them some of the most profitable things to rent out. Try our Rent My Equipment.

Renting out lawnmowers can be profitable not only in suburban areas where homeowners may not want to invest in their own but also for small landscaping businesses, property managers, and community organisations responsible for maintaining shared spaces.

If you happen to have construction of farm equipment lying around, even better. Heavy construction equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, is crucial for large-scale projects, making it a highly profitable rental market. Partnering with local farming cooperatives and agricultural suppliers can help you build strong industry connections, positioning your business as a trusted resource in the farming community.

Farming is a big business and it requires a lot of expensive equipment. This includes everything from tractors to combines. In many cases, farmers will lease this equipment because it is more cost effective than buying it outright.

Audio Video

Cameras are essential for capturing high-quality images, whether for professional projects or personal events. Offering a range of camera models, from entry-level to professional-grade, allows you to cater to a diverse customer base. This diversity makes camera rentals one of the most profitable things to rent out in the market. That’s why Borrow Lenses and Lensrental started their camera rental businesses.

Projectors are essential for various occasions, from business presentations to movie nights and events, making them one of the most profitable things to rent out across numerous industries. Renting out projectors can be particularly lucrative if you target both corporate clients and individuals hosting personal events. The good part is they are fairly cheap to buy, but business travelers often don’t want to drag them around.

Renting out musical instruments, particularly guitars, can be a lucrative side business, especially in areas with a strong music scene. Providing additional services like guitar tuning and accessories such as amplifiers and pedals can further boost your rental income.

Event lighting is a critical component for creating the right atmosphere at weddings, corporate events, and parties, making it one of the most profitable rental items in the event industry. One of the most profitable rental businesses from home is offering party tents, which are essential for outdoor events ranging from casual gatherings to large weddings.

Clothing

Renting wedding dresses has become increasingly popular as more couples look to save money on their big day. Similarly, suits are a staple for weddings, proms, corporate events, and other formal occasions, making them one of the most profitable things to rent out. Consider providing additional services such as tailoring, dry cleaning, and accessories like ties, cufflinks, and shoes.

Save those Halloween costumes, as they are a popular rental item for Halloween, themed parties, theatre productions, and more.

If renters are putting on events, you can also have an add-on for tables and chairs if you have extras.

Renting out baby gear like strollers, car seats, and travel cots is a growing niche, especially in tourist destinations where parents prefer to rent rather than travel with bulky items. Providing additional services like delivery to hotels, vacation rentals, or airports can further enhance your business’s appeal and attract more customers. Baboodle is an example of rentals for baby stuff, since they grow out of it so quick!

Technology

Grover is a fresh alternative to owning tech. We’re giving people simple and flexible access to technology by offering the freedom to rent devices monthly instead of buying them. You can refer friends, relatives, colleagues—anyone you think will enjoy renting tech.

Decor

Renting out artwork is a unique way to monetize creativity, making it one of the most profitable things to rent out. This service is popular with businesses looking to enhance their workspace or individuals seeking to decorate their homes temporarily.

Furniture hire is a versatile and profitable rental business that serves a variety of industries. Beyond homeowners, real estate agents often need stylish furniture for staging homes; corporate clients may require temporary office setups, and film and TV production companies frequently rent furniture for sets.

Many businesses lease their office furniture. This includes everything from desks and chairs to filing cabinets and conference tables. Leasing office furniture is a great way to get high quality furniture without having to pay a lot of money upfront.

Risks of Renting Your Items

Renting your items can be a great way to make some extra money, but it comes with a few risks. Here are some things to keep in mind when renting out your belongings:

1. There is always the risk that the person you are renting to will damage or lose your item. Make sure you are comfortable with this risk before renting out your belongings.

2. You will also need to be comfortable with the fact that the person you are renting to may not return your item in the same condition as when they received it.

3. There is also the possibility that the person you are renting to will not return your item at all. This is a risk you will need to be comfortable with before renting out your belongings.

4. Make sure you have a clear understanding with the person you are renting to about the terms of the rental agreement. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings down the road.

5. Be sure to get a security deposit from the person you are renting to. This will help to cover any damages or losses that may occur during the rental period.

6. Keep in mind that renting out your belongings is a business transaction. Be sure to treat it as such by being professional and courteous throughout the process.

How Do I Rent My Stuff Out?

The easiest way to rent your stuff out is to find a company that handles the transactions and any insurance and liability for you. If you try to do it yourself you may be stuck with alot of broken goods.

RentMy facilitates the sharing of assets spanning Cameras & Photography equipment, Tools & Gardening gear, Sporting Goods & much more, allowing users to rent what they want, when & where they want it. All users are verified with photo ID to ensure safety on the platform. Your items are protected in case of loss, theft or damage up to £10,000.

Fat Llama is a platform that helps you earn money by renting out the things you don't use every day and rent the things you need, when you need them. Listing your items is completely free, and everything is insured! You keep 80% of the rental price while Fat Llama handles insurance, payments, and verification. Note, you can even rent out your campervan, but they don’t provide insurance for that!

Yoodlize is an app that lets you rent out your stuff as well. Each of your listings are covered up to $2,000 at no additional cost. Renter identity is verified with multiple factors, like government ID. It’s free to post listings, so give it a shot!