Have you ever looked around your home and thought, “I barely use half of this stuff”? That snowboard from last season, the DSLR camera you bought for a trip, or even that extra parking spot in your building—all of it could be making you money. Welcome to the world of peer-to-peer rentals, where your underused items become someone else’s solution—and your next stream of side income.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn everyday belongings into a source of passive income, how to get started, what platforms to use, and how to do it safely.
Why Renting Out Your Stuff Is the Ultimate Low-Effort Side Hustl
Let’s be honest: most side hustles demand time or upfront investment. But with item rentals, you’re leveraging things you already own. No need for fancy degrees, extensive training, or long hours.
No Inventory Costs – You already have the stuff.
Low Time Commitment – List it, approve a renter, and earn.
High Demand – People prefer renting over buying for short-term use.
🔗 Also read: 10 Smart Side Hustles You Can Start with $100 or Less
What Can You Rent Out?
You’d be surprised how many everyday items are in high demand:
Tools (drills, saws, ladders)
Cameras and Drones
Camping and Outdoor Gear
Event Items (tables, chairs, speakers)
Tech Gadgets (projectors, VR headsets)
Vehicles (bikes, scooters, RVs)
Storage Space or Parking Spots
🔗 Related: Hidden Gems: 15 Lesser-Known Websites to Earn Money Online from Home
Platforms to List Your Items
Depending on what you want to rent out, these peer-to-peer platforms make it easy:
🧰 For Tools & Equipment
Fat Llama
ToolMates
📷 For Cameras & Electronics
ShareGrid
KitSplit
🚗 For Vehicles
Turo (cars)
Spinlister (bikes)
RVshare (recreational vehicles)
🏕️ For Outdoor Gear
Gearo
FriendWithA
🏠 For Space & Storage
Neighbor
Spacer
🔗 Explore more: Best Budgeting Tools for Freelancers and Creators
How to Get Started in 5 Simple Steps
1. Take Inventory
Go through your home and list items you don’t use daily but are in good condition.
2. Research Demand
Check platforms to see what similar items rent for and how often they’re booked.
3. Create a Listing
Use clear photos, honest descriptions, and fair prices. Mention any unique features or benefits.
4. Screen Renters (if allowed)
Many platforms let you view renter ratings or require identity verification.
5. Meet or Arrange Delivery
Some rentals are pickup-only; others can be dropped off. Choose what works best for you.
🛠 Tip: Always sign a basic rental agreement and take a photo of the item’s condition before handoff.
How Much Can You Earn?
Let’s break it down:
| Item | Avg. Daily Rate | Est. Monthly Income (4 rentals) |
|---|---|---|
| DSLR Camera | $35 | $140 |
| Power Drill | $15 | $60 |
| Tent + Sleeping Bag Set | $25 | $100 |
| Bike (road or mountain) | $20 | $80 |
Safety Tips
Use platforms with insurance or damage coverage.
Take before/after photos.
Communicate only through the platform.
Avoid cash payments—use secure, traceable payment systems.
🔗 Also read: How to Spot Financial Scams in 2025
Real-Life Story
Chris from Seattle rented out his GoPro and kayak on Fat Llama. Within a few months, he made enough to buy upgraded versions—then started renting those out too. He now earns over $500/month, part-time.
Final Thoughts
Renting out your stuff is like finding money in your closet—literally. Whether you want to cover a bill, save faster, or test the waters of entrepreneurship, this is a smart and simple way to earn.
It’s not just a trend—it’s a shift toward smarter ownership and shared economy.
So, what’s collecting dust in your garage right now? It might just be your next paycheck.
🔗 Next read: 5 Simple Ways to Start Building Passive Income
