13 Things You Can Rent Out and Actually Make Money

A variety of electric power tools, including a jigsaw, drill, heat gun, nail gun, grinder, and router, arranged on a wooden surface. The tools are in different colors and positions.

You don’t have to own a vacation home or a fleet of luxury cars to make money renting out your stuff. Chances are, you already have something people are willing to pay for. Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a power tool, or even your driveway, here are more than a dozen things you might own that could bring in extra income.

1. Trailer

A white pickup truck towing a trailer with a lawnmower and equipment, stopped at an intersection. A silver car is visible on the left. The background shows an open road, grassy fields, and trees.
Aziz Shamuratov / istockphoto
Aziz Shamuratov / istockphoto

It’s likely that you’ve seen a post from someone on Facebook asking, “Who has a trailer and can help me move?” Trailers are a hot commodity that not everyone owns. Utility trailers, enclosed trailers, or even flatbeds can be in high demand for moving, hauling, or construction work. List yours on a rental marketplace, and let others put it to use while you collect a fee.

2. Power Tools

A wall-mounted tool rack displays a variety of tools including drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, clamps, and saw blades. The arrangement is organized, providing easy access to the tools in a workshop setting.
Hand Tools and Workbench in Carpentry Workshop
Edwin Tan / istockphoto

DIYers and contractors often need tools for a one-time job but don’t want to buy them outright (they are NOT cheap). If you own drills, saws, pressure washers, or other power tools, platforms like Reventals can help you turn them into passive income.

3. Your Backyard

A group of people enjoying a game of croquet in a garden. They are smiling and laughing, with string lights and paper lanterns hanging above. Trees and shrubs surround the area, creating a cheerful and lively atmosphere.
monkeybusinessimages / istockphoto
monkeybusinessimages / istockphoto

A spacious backyard can be more than just a place to grill burgers. Rent it out for dog playdates on Sniffspot, host small gatherings through Peerspace, or even let campers pitch a tent with Hipcamp. If your yard is elaborate enough, you may even be able to have it moonlight as a wedding venue.

4. Baby Gear

A woman with curly hair and a purple shirt sits outdoors, gently touching a baby lying in a black stroller on a cobblestone street.
FG Trade Latin/istockphoto

Got a bunch of baby stuff that you no longer use? Don’t sell it just yet. Places like BabyQuip allow you to list your gear to help make it easier for traveling families to rent the supplies they need.

5. Storage Space

Empty, modern garage with three white doors, including two large roll-up doors and one standard entry door. The room has polished concrete floors and bright overhead lighting, creating a clean and spacious appearance.
Wirestock / istockphoto
Wirestock / istockphoto

If you have an empty garage, pole barn, basement, or other storage space being neglected, you can let other people store their stuff there and make money. People are always looking for affordable storage options. Platforms like Neighbor let you rent out your extra space to folks who need it for seasonal gear, furniture, jet skis — you name it.

6. RV or Camper

A family of three is sitting at a picnic table beside a motorhome, outdoors. They are enjoying a meal and raising glasses in a toast. The setting is grassy with trees in the background.
simon2579 / istockphoto
simon2579 / istockphoto

Plenty of people love to camp but don’t want to do it in a tent, and some of those people don’t have the means or desire to own an RV or camper themselves. Sites like Outdoorsy and RVshare connect RV and camper owners to travelers and campers who want the experience without the ownership costs. It’s like Airbnb, but on wheels.

7. Pool

A backyard with a swimming pool and pergola where several people are gathered for a party. The house in the background has solar panels on the roof. Balloons and a ping pong table are visible, with people enjoying food and drinks.
FOTOGRAFIA INC. / istockphoto
FOTOGRAFIA INC. / istockphoto

If you have a pool, there’s a good chance someone nearby would love to rent it for a private swim. Apps like Swimply let homeowners rent their pools by the hour for parties, workouts, or just a relaxing day of living your best life in the sun.

8. Camera Equipment

A person in a blue shirt is working on a laptop, surrounded by photography and videography equipment. Items include camera lenses, a drone with a controller, a camera, and various accessories on a wooden floor.
nullplus / istockphoto
nullplus / istockphoto

Professional cameras, lenses, drones, and lighting gear are expensive, making rentals a popular option for photographers and videographers. Sites like ShareGrid and Fat Llama let you safely rent out your equipment.

9. Extra Bedroom

A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a backpack and casual summer clothes, exchanges keys with another woman in a room with a brick wall. Sunlight streams through a window, illuminating the friendly encounter.
PIKSEL / istockphoto
PIKSEL / istockphoto

An unused guest room could be earning you money as a short-term rental. Airbnb and VRBO are obvious choices, but if you prefer long-term arrangements, consider renting to a student or traveling professional on sites like Furnished Finder.

10. Lawn Equipment

A green lawn mower on a lush grass lawn, surrounded by garden tools including a rake, a hedge trimmer, and a hand trowel. The background features green foliage and orange flowers, creating a vibrant garden setting.
Vitalliy / istockphoto
Vitalliy / istockphoto

Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers — these items can be pricey, and many homeowners would rather rent than buy (especially if they’re living somewhere temporarily). List your yard tools on local Facebook groups or rental apps for an easy way to earn some extra cash.

11. Your Driveway

A two-story house with a three-car garage, wide driveway, and manicured lawn. It is surrounded by tall trees and shrubs, with a backdrop of hills under a pink and blue evening sky.
Wirestock / istockphoto
Wirestock / istockphoto

Sounds weird, right? However, if you live in a high-traffic area, your driveway could be a prime rental spot. Apps like SpotHero and JustPark allow you to rent out your parking space for people who need a short-term spot near concerts, sports events, or busy downtown areas.

12. Boats, Kayaks, or Canoes

A pontoon boat with a maroon canopy and beige seats is docked by a wooden pier on a lake. Two blue-and-white Adirondack chairs sit on the pier. The background features green grass, houses, and calm water.
herreid / istockphoto
herreid / istockphoto

If your watercraft spends more time on land than in the water, consider renting it out through Boatsetter or GetMyBoat. From fishing boats and pontoons to canoes and kayaks, there’s always someone looking for a fun day out.

13. Your Vehicle

A man seated in a car smiles as he receives a set of car keys from someone standing outside the vehicle. He is wearing glasses and a brown jacket. The person outside is holding a document.
blackCAT / istockphoto
blackCAT / istockphoto

If you don’t drive your car every day, why not make some cash from it? Car-sharing platforms like Turo let you rent out your vehicle to responsible drivers (fingers crossed), giving you an easy way to offset ownership costs.

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A patio dining table set for four with drinks and colorful dishes, surrounded by potted lemon trees and greenery in an outdoor garden setting.
MelanieMaya / istockphoto
Author
Rachel Schneider

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in a variety of subject matter from finance and higher education to lifestyle pieces and food writing. She also enjoys writing stories based on social media trends. Find her on Instagram @rachel.schneider922