Things You Can Rent Out for Extra Cash (Without Starting a Side Hustle)

Making extra money doesn’t always mean grinding through a second job. Sometimes the simplest way to earn more is to put your stuff to work.
A garage, a camera, even a stroller. If it’s just sitting there, it could be bringing in cash.
Nearly 40% of Americans still can’t cover a $400 emergency, and this kind of passive income can make all the difference.
In this article, I’ll walk through real things you can rent out without taking on a new job or committing to a full-blown side hustle. These are practical, low-effort ways to make what you already own start paying you back.
If that sounds like a smarter way to earn, the following list is a good place to start.
Table of Contents
Car

If your car spends more time parked than on the road, you’re missing out on easy money. Peer-to-peer car rental platforms let you rent out your ride on your terms, it could be for a few hours or a weekend trip.
People need cars for all sorts of reasons, travelers, business trips, or even locals with a temporary need. Listing it is simple, and you stay in control of availability. Some platforms even offer insurance, so you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
Instead of letting it sit in the driveway, turn your car into a cash-generating machine.
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Garage

That garage filled with old junk and forgotten projects could be doing more than collecting dust. People need storage for seasonal gear, motorcycles, or even business inventory. Traditional storage units charge a premium, and renters are always looking for a better deal.
Clearing out space and listing it takes minimal effort, and you decide how much access renters get. It’s a win-win: you declutter, they save money, and you pocket easy cash. Instead of hoarding, let your garage pay for itself.
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Backyard

A decent-sized backyard can bring in extra income in ways you might not have considered. People rent spaces for pop-up events, weddings, even glamping experiences. Some are looking for a private area to set up a garden, raise chickens, or just relax away from the city.
If you’ve got space, there’s someone willing to pay for it. Listing your backyard as a rentable spot gives you flexibility, you set the rules and decide how often it’s available. It’s an easy way to make money without lifting a finger.
Swimming Pool

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, you could be making serious money with it. Families looking for private swim time, fitness buffs who want to train, and people hosting summer parties will pay to use your pool.
With booking platforms, it’s easy to rent it out for an hour or a whole afternoon. You decide the rules, whether it’s supervised use or private rentals.
Instead of letting it sit unused most of the time, turn it into a steady stream of income. Even a few bookings a month can cover maintenance costs and more.
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Tools and Equipment

Expensive tools sit idle most of the year, but plenty of people need them for a quick job or weekend project. DIYers, landscapers, and small business owners are always on the lookout for affordable rentals.
Instead of letting your power tools, ladders, or pressure washers collect dust, list them on a rental site. You can charge by the day or hour, keeping things flexible and profitable. With the right setup, you can make back what you spent on the tools in no time.
Your toolbox might be worth more than you think.
Camera Gear

Photography and video equipment costs a fortune, which is why people are always looking for short-term rentals. Wedding photographers, content creators, and students working on projects need cameras, lenses, and lighting setups without the hefty price tag.
If you own professional gear, listing it for rent could turn into a solid side hustle. Some platforms even offer insurance, keeping your equipment protected while it earns money.
A few rentals a month could cover upgrades or maintenance, keeping your setup fresh without dipping into savings.
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Musical Instruments

That guitar collecting dust in the corner? It could be making money instead of sitting untouched. Students, gig musicians, and hobbyists often need instruments for short-term use, but buying isn’t always an option.
If you own a keyboard, drum set, or even a violin, listing it for rent could bring in steady income. Music schools and theater productions also rent equipment for rehearsals. Instead of letting your instrument sit unused, let someone else make music while you make money.
Camping Gear

Not everyone wants to invest in expensive camping gear for a single trip. Tents, sleeping bags, and hiking equipment sit unused most of the year, but outdoor enthusiasts are willing to rent them when adventure calls.
People heading out for a weekend getaway prefer to borrow high-quality gear instead of buying cheap versions they’ll only use once. Listing your camping supplies lets you earn cash without much effort.
A couple of rentals could easily pay for new gear or upgrades, making this a smart way to turn storage space into profit.
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Sports Equipment

Skis, snowboards, kayaks, and bikes cost a lot upfront, and many people don’t want to commit to owning them. Travelers, weekend warriors, and occasional adventurers prefer to rent instead.
If you have well-maintained gear, you could be making money during peak seasons with little effort. Rental platforms connect you with people looking for equipment, and you set the availability.
Instead of letting your sports gear sit idle between trips, put it to work and turn it into a steady source of extra cash.
Furniture and Home Décor

Home staging companies, event planners, and filmmakers are always on the hunt for furniture and decorative pieces. High-end chairs, tables, and unique home accents can bring in surprising rental income.
Whether it’s for an open house, a photo shoot, or a short-term lease, well-kept furniture is in demand. Some companies even handle pickup and delivery, making the process hassle-free.
Instead of storing unused furniture, turn it into an asset that generates cash while staying in great condition.
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Costumes and Props

Special events, theater productions, and themed parties require unique outfits and decorations that most people won’t buy outright. If you have a collection of costumes or props, listing them for rent could bring in a steady stream of income.
Halloween, cosplay events, and school plays all create demand year-round. Instead of letting costumes sit in a closet, they can be earning money while still being preserved for future use. A well-maintained inventory could turn into a fun and profitable rental business.
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Party or Event Equipment

If you’ve ever thrown a big party, you know how expensive it gets. People don’t want to buy tables, chairs, or sound systems for a single event. That’s where rentals come in. Weddings, birthdays, and corporate events all need decorations, lighting, and even photo booths.
If you already own these, listing them for rent could turn them into a steady stream of extra cash. Event planners and party hosts are always searching for affordable options, and a few rentals could cover the cost of buying more gear or upgrading what you already have.
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Drones

A high-quality drone isn’t cheap, which is why so many photographers, videographers, and surveyors prefer to rent. Real estate agents, wedding videographers, and filmmakers need aerial shots but don’t always own the equipment.
If you’ve got a drone with a solid camera, listing it for rent could bring in serious money. Just make sure renters are experienced, and insurance is in place. Instead of letting a drone sit in its case most of the year, putting it to work could bring in cash with minimal effort.
Gaming Consoles and VR Equipment

New gaming systems and virtual reality setups cost a lot, and not everyone wants to shell out hundreds just to try them. Renting them out for parties, events, or weekend gaming marathons could turn them into an easy side income.
Parents looking for short-term entertainment, streamers testing new content, and casual gamers wanting to experience VR without buying their own setup are all potential customers. A few rentals a month could cover the cost of new games, accessories, or even a console upgrade.
Clothing and Accessories

Designer clothing, luxury handbags, and formalwear sit in closets for most of the year, but people need them for special occasions. Instead of letting high-end pieces stay packed away, renting them out could bring in steady cash.
Weddings, gala events, and professional photoshoots all require outfits that people don’t want to buy for a single use. Platforms connect lenders with renters, making the process simple. A few rentals could cover dry cleaning costs and still leave a profit.
Instead of holding onto expensive fashion that rarely gets worn, letting others borrow it for a fee is a smarter move.
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Vacation Home

A second home that sits empty for most of the year is wasted potential. Short-term rentals bring in serious income, especially in tourist-heavy locations. People prefer unique stays over hotels, and even an occasional rental could help cover property costs.
Platforms handle bookings and payments, making the process simple. If the home is already furnished and ready, putting it to work could turn a seasonal getaway into a profitable investment.
Instead of letting it sit vacant, turning it into a rental could turn a costly asset into a consistent earner.
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Home Gym Equipment

Workout gear isn’t cheap, and not everyone has space to own it. If you’ve got a treadmill, rowing machine, or even dumbbells collecting dust, there’s someone out there who’d pay to use it.
List it for local rentals or offer access to neighbors looking for a no-membership gym option. You save space, they save cash, and everyone wins. It’s fitness gear that pays you back.
Baby Gear

Strollers, high chairs, and travel cribs are expensive, and most people only need them for a few days or weeks. If your kids are older, that gear can still be put to work.
Parents traveling for vacation or visiting family will gladly rent instead of haul. Clean it, store it, and cash in when the next family trip rolls around. Baby gear might not be forever, but the income can be steady.
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Turn What You Own Into Cash

Most people don’t realize how much money is sitting right in front of them. A car, a camera, even a backyard can turn into a steady income stream with almost no effort. Instead of letting things sit unused, putting them to work could bring in extra cash every month.
The best part? No need for a second job or a complicated side hustle, just smart ways to make what you already have pay for itself. A few rentals here and there could cover bills, fund upgrades, or build up savings faster than expected.
It’s time to stop letting assets sit idle and start making them work.
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