How to Make Money Renting Out Your Items
Have you ever looked around your home and realized how much stuff you own but barely use? That was me a couple of years ago—closets filled with camping gear I used once a year, a DSLR camera gathering dust, and a pressure washer sitting in my garage most of the time. Then, I had an idea: Why not rent out these things and make some extra cash? Let’s Make Money Renting Out Your Items!
Fast forward to today, and renting out my unused items has become a solid side hustle. If you’re in Canada and thinking about turning your extra stuff into passive income, here’s everything you need to know, from my experience to practical tips to get started.
Why Renting Out Your Items is a Great Side Hustle
Before I started, I was skeptical. Would people really want to rent my things? Turns out, there’s a huge market for it! The sharing economy is growing fast, and Canadians love to save money by renting instead of buying expensive items they only need occasionally.
Here are some of the biggest benefits I’ve found:
- Extra income – Even a few rentals a month can cover bills, groceries, or a weekend getaway.
- Less clutter – Instead of hoarding things I rarely use, I let others get value from them.
- Eco-friendly – Renting reduces waste and encourages a sustainable lifestyle.
- Community building – I’ve met some great people in my neighborhood who needed a quick rental.
What Items Rent Well in Canada?
Not everything is worth renting out, but certain items are always in demand. Based on my experience and research, here are some of the best categories:
1. Tools & Equipment
Homeowners and DIYers are always looking for tools like:
- Pressure washers
- Lawn mowers
- Power drills
- Tile saws
- Snowblowers (a big one in Canada!)
2. Outdoor & Sporting Gear
Seasonal sports and outdoor gear are very popular, especially in adventure-friendly Canada:
- Kayaks and paddleboards
- Tents and camping gear
- Skis and snowboards
- Bicycles
3. Electronics & Photography Equipment
Many people need high-end equipment for a one-time project, such as:
- DSLR cameras and lenses
- Drones
- Projectors
- Gaming consoles
4. Party & Event Supplies
With weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations happening all the time, these items rent well:
- Tables and chairs
- Sound systems
- Pop-up tents
- Photo booths
5. Vehicles & Transport
If you have an extra vehicle or trailer, you can rent it out through platforms like Turo:
- Cars and SUVs
- Cargo vans
- RVs and campervans
- Bike racks
Where to List Your Items for Rent
Now that you know what to rent, the next step is figuring out where to list your items. Here are some of the platforms I’ve personally used:
1. MY IVVI Rentals Marketplace
- A growing rental platform for various items
- User-friendly interface
- Secure payment and rental management system
2. Facebook Marketplace & Kijiji
- Free to use and great for local rentals
- You can communicate directly with renters
- Best for tools, sporting gear, and party supplies
3. Ruckify (Now Part of Sharebee)
- A Canadian rental platform
- Handles payments and insurance
- Good for tools, electronics, and vehicles
4. Turo (For Car Rentals)
- Canada’s leading car-sharing marketplace
- Insured by the platform
- Ideal if you have an extra vehicle
5. Loanables & Other Niche Sites
- Smaller platforms focused on specific rentals (e.g., camera gear)
How to Set Prices for Your Rentals
Pricing is tricky. If you go too high, people won’t rent from you. If you go too low, it may not be worth your time. Here’s what worked for me:
- Check competitors – See what others are charging for similar items in your area.
- Factor in depreciation – If renting wears out your item, price accordingly.
- Offer daily & weekend rates – People love weekend discounts!
- Bundle items – Offer a full camping kit instead of just a tent to make more money.
Example pricing (based on my experience):
- Pressure washer: $30/day, $75/weekend
- Kayak: $40/day, $100/weekend
- DSLR camera: $50/day, $125/weekend
Tips for a Successful Rental Business
I’ve learned a few things along the way, so here are my best tips to ensure a smooth rental experience:
1. Take Great Photos
People want to see exactly what they’re renting. Clean your items and take well-lit photos from different angles.
2. Write a Clear Description
Include details like:
- Brand and model
- Condition (scratches, wear, etc.)
- Any special instructions for use
3. Set Clear Rental Terms
Avoid misunderstandings by specifying:
- Pickup and return times
- Deposit or security requirements
- What happens if an item is damaged
4. Offer Excellent Customer Service
- Respond to inquiries quickly
- Be flexible with pickup/drop-off
- Offer guidance on using the item if needed
5. Have a Rental Agreement
For higher-value items, it’s smart to have a basic contract. You can find templates online or create your own.
How Much Can You Make?
This depends on how many items you rent and how often. Here’s a rough estimate based on my earnings:
| Item | Rentals Per Month | Price Per Rental | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Washer | 5 | $30 | $150 |
| Kayak | 3 | $40 | $120 |
| DSLR Camera | 4 | $50 | $200 |
| Snowblower | 3 | $50 | $150 |
| Total | $620/month |
With a good collection of rental items, you can easily make $500–$1,500 per month.
Final Thoughts: Is Renting Out Your Stuff Worth It?
For me, renting out my items has been a fantastic way to earn extra money without a huge time commitment. It’s also satisfying knowing that my things are getting used rather than collecting dust.
If you’re in Canada and have underused items, I highly recommend giving it a try. Start with one or two things, test the market, and expand as you gain experience.
Who knows? You might turn your extra stuff into a thriving rental business!
Got questions or experiences with renting out items? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!