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Most people have purchased at least one expensive item, only to use it once or twice and then let it gather dust. Of course, it’s easy enough to sell unused items at a yard sale or online. But it may be better to rent instead of buying things you’ll only use once or twice.
Instead, rent those items you know you’ll rarely use. You’ll be surprised at just how many things can be rented. We were quite surprised when we started looking for things that made more sense to rent.
We found 12 surprising things that make renting more sensible than buying, and we’ve offered our reasons why.
Baby Travel Items
Babies need a lot of stuff, so traveling with young kids can be a hassle. Fortunately, you can rent many things your baby will need at your destination. You can rent a stroller, highchair, travel cot, and even toys from companies like Baby Quip. You may rent from individuals on sites like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace if you need more specific items.
Power Tools
You’ve been able to rent carpet cleaners for years, but many people don’t know you can also rent other power tools. Places like Lowes and Home Depot have a selection of rental tools available. They are always in top condition, ready to use, and often come with expert tips on using them.
Wedding Dresses
Wedding dresses are expensive, and most women only wear their dresses once. So, it makes perfect sense to rent rather than buy. You can still expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a rented wedding dress, but you’ll still likely spend less than half the amount you would if you bought the dress.
Camping Equipment
If you don’t go camping often, consider renting rather than buying your gear. You’ll save money and won’t have to waste storage space for a tent and other rarely used equipment.
Formal Clothes
Wedding dresses aren’t the only clothes you can rent. If you’re going to a black-tie event and don’t want to spend a lot of money on some formal attire, you’ll be happy to hear you can rent formalwear and save on costs and closet space.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can be very expensive, so if you plan on taking up a new hobby or have a child learning an instrument, consider renting one from a local music store. Especially until you know that you or your child will continue to play for a long time.
Rims and Tires
Everyone knows you can rent a car, but did you know you can also rent rims and tires to spruce up your own vehicle? Most stores that rent tires and rims work on a rent-to-own basis.
Lawn Mowers
If your lawn mower is being serviced, you can rent one so your lawn doesn’t get too long. Many tool and home improvement stores rent both push and riding lawnmowers, so it’s easy to find the right one for your needs.
Goats
If you don’t want to mow your lawn, you can actually rent goats to cut your lawn. They’ll enjoy chewing on your grass and invasive plants while fertilizing your lawn at the same time.
Baby Toys
Kids outgrow their clothes and toys quickly, especially when they are young. So, instead of buying things like a baby jumper, walker, or swing, think about renting instead. There’s a good chance you’ll only need the item for a few weeks, anyway.
Cookware
Are you planning a crawfish boil but don’t have a 60-quart stockpot handy? Don’t worry—you can rent one. You can also rent most types of cookware and kitchen equipment, from pots and pans to appliances.
College Textbooks
College is expensive enough without adding the costs of textbooks. Fortunately, you can rent print or electronic textbooks for a fraction of the cost of buying them. Check with your college library, bookstore, and your professors to see what options are available.
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