We’ve all heard about renting out a spare room or listing our homes on short-term rental platforms. That’s Passive Income 101, right? But let me throw you a curveball: what if some of the most valuable rental assets you own aren’t square footage—but stuff?
I’m talking skis, drones, guitars, cameras, camping gear, and even that top-tier blender you swore you’d use every day. The truth is, your underused gear might be your next big income stream—no home rental required.
I didn’t fully appreciate the potential until I stumbled into it myself. A dusty tennis racket during spring cleaning sent me down a rabbit hole, and what I found was an untapped economy that had been hiding in my garage all along.
Let me walk you through what I learned—how you can unlock passive income by renting out gear you already own.
Welcome to the Sharing Economy (Your Closet Included)
You’ve probably used ride shares or booked a stay on Airbnb—but there’s a quieter corner of the sharing economy thriving right now, and it revolves around gear.
1. The Shift in Ownership Culture
We’ve moved from “own it all” to “access it when needed.” Millennials and Gen Z, especially, are more comfortable renting than buying—especially when it comes to high-cost, occasionally-used gear.
Instead of spending $400 on a camera for a weekend trip, many people would rather rent one for $40. The same goes for power tools, drones, hiking packs, DJ gear, and more.
2. My Aha Moment
While decluttering one weekend, I found a nearly-new GoPro I hadn’t used in over a year. I listed it on a peer-to-peer rental platform—and to my surprise, it was booked within days. That single rental covered a dinner out. A few months in, I had earned enough to buy a backup GoPro… which I also listed.
3. The Market’s Growing Fast
PwC projects the sharing economy to hit $335 billion by 2025. While most people focus on ride-shares and short-term rentals, gear-sharing is a fast-growing (and often overlooked) slice of that pie.
Hidden Treasures: Finding Gear with Rental Potential
You’d be amazed what people will pay to rent.
1. Start With an Inventory Sweep
Go room by room or through storage bins. Ask yourself:
- When did I last use this?
- Would I lend it to a friend?
- Is it still in good condition?
If it passes those questions, it might be rental-worthy.
2. Hot Categories That Rent Well
Based on personal experience and research, here are common winners:
- Photography gear: DSLRs, tripods, lenses, drones
- Sports equipment: Bikes, surfboards, skis, golf clubs
- DIY gear: Power tools, ladders, pressure washers
- Camping & travel: Tents, hammocks, rooftop carriers
- Electronics: GoPros, microphones, lighting kits
- Fashion/luxury: Designer bags, watches, event dresses
3. Think Seasonally
Some items peak during certain months. Snowboards go fast in winter. Tents and kayaks thrive in summer. Plan listings accordingly to match demand.
Getting Started: Platforms and Listings That Work
You’ve found gear to rent—now let’s put it to work.
1. Choose the Right Platform
There are several user-friendly platforms that connect owners to renters:
- Fat Llama: Great for electronics, cameras, music gear, and tools
- Spinlister: Specializes in bikes, surfboards, and snow gear
- Style Lend or Rent the Runway: Perfect for fashion and luxury items
Local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps (like Nextdoor) can also work well for community-based rentals.
2. Craft a Strong Listing
Here’s what makes a listing stand out:
- Title: Be clear and keyword-rich (e.g., “Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless Camera with 2 Lenses”)
- Photos: Clean, well-lit images of the actual item
- Details: Mention any accessories, condition, and quirks
- Pricing: Check other listings in your area and price competitively
3. Communicate Like a Pro
Fast, friendly responses build trust. I always send a short “how-to” or usage tip to renters—it makes the experience smoother and encourages good reviews.
Money Matters: Pricing, Insurance, and Protection
Treat this like a mini-business—it pays to be prepared.
1. Pricing to Attract (and Profit)
A good rule: aim for 5–10% of the item’s value per daily rental. For example, a $1,000 camera might rent for $50–$75/day.
You can also offer discounts for multi-day rentals or weekly packages.
2. Protect Your Stuff
Many platforms offer built-in coverage, but always:
- Read the fine print
- Take photos before and after each rental
- Use signed rental agreements (most platforms help with this)
For expensive gear, I added a personal insurance rider to cover high-ticket losses. It wasn’t costly, and the peace of mind is worth it.
3. Set Boundaries
Be clear in your listing about:
- Pickup and drop-off times
- Usage limitations
- Late return penalties
After one late-night scramble for a return, I learned the hard way to communicate these clearly.
From Side Hustle to Steady Income
You might start with one rental—but it can grow quickly.
1. Reinventing Clutter Into Cash Flow
After that first GoPro success, I started listing more items. Eventually, I reinvested the earnings into newer, more in-demand gear—creating a sustainable cycle of income.
2. Building Repeat Business
Repeat renters are gold. One traveler who borrowed my backpacking tent came back for my cooler and camp stove a month later. Prompt communication and great customer service go a long way.
3. Expanding the Collection (Smartly)
If you notice an item getting booked frequently, consider buying a second one—ideally during a sale or with your profits. That’s how I turned one camera into a mini-rental fleet.
The Extra Perks: Connection and Sustainability
Renting gear isn’t just financially rewarding—it’s meaningful in other ways, too.
1. Meeting Cool People
One renter was a travel vlogger visiting town for a shoot. We exchanged tips and stayed in touch. Another was a couple borrowing a projector for an anniversary movie night in the backyard. These moments are small but memorable.
2. Reducing Waste
Let’s be honest: most of our gear sits unused 90% of the time. Renting helps extend its life, keeps new production down, and reduces waste. You’re not just earning—you’re doing your part for the planet.
3. Learning Along the Way
The more I rented, the more I learned—about local demand, what gear people love, and how to better protect my assets. I became more organized, resourceful, and confident managing my little rental biz.
Getting Started: Your First 30 Days
If you’re ready to turn unused gear into side income, here’s your roadmap:
1. Take Inventory
List everything that could potentially be rented. Prioritize items that are seasonal, high-quality, and still in great condition.
2. Pick One Platform
Don’t overthink it—start with one. List 1–3 items. Track interest. Tweak listings if needed.
3. Talk to Other Renters
Join forums or Facebook groups related to rental side hustles. You’ll learn what works, what to avoid, and maybe even get ideas for niche items to rent.
Scaling Smart and Staying Safe
As your rentals grow, be intentional with your systems.
1. Track Everything
Keep a spreadsheet or use apps to track:
- Item location
- Rental duration
- Revenue and expenses
- Maintenance or replacements
2. Schedule Routine Checkups
Just like Airbnb hosts clean and restock after each guest, you should do quick inspections after every rental. Small fixes now prevent big problems later.
3. Stay Organized with Pickups and Drop-Offs
Have a dedicated time window for exchanges—or offer delivery/pickup for a small fee. I use a simple calendar tool to keep bookings organized and avoid double-booking.
Wealth O’Clock!
- Today: Take 15 minutes to walk through your garage, closet, or office. Jot down items you rarely use but are in great condition.
- This Week: Create and publish your first listing on a peer-to-peer rental site—start small, but start now.
- Next Paycheck: Reinvest a portion of your rental income into maintaining or upgrading your most-requested item.
- This Month: Join at least one gear rental forum or Facebook group to connect with others doing the same.
- Next 90 Days: Track and aim for at least 12 rental days/month across your listings—adjust your pricing and promotion to reach this goal.
- By Year-End: Expand your rental inventory by at least 50% based on demand and seasonality. Consider niche gear that aligns with your local market.
Your Gear Could Be Working—Even When You’re Not
We often overlook the income potential sitting quietly in our closets. But once you start viewing your gear as rentable assets instead of sunk costs, something shifts. You realize that your financial freedom doesn’t have to come from major investments—it can start with what you already have.
So go ahead. Dust off that tent. Charge up that drone. Get your gear working while you sleep.
You’ve already paid for the stuff. Now let it pay you back.
