We all have friends who seemingly own every tool, gadget, lawn care machine and snow removal equipment, right? They buy all this stuff and then only use it a few times a year while their garage starts to look like the inside of a Home Depot. Seems like an awful waste of resources to buy all that stuff that is rarely used, only to have to keep it in working condition and stored. Well, in order to reduce clutter and expenses, why not rent those “few times a year” products so you don’t have to maintain or store them? Can you imagine how organized and clean your garage or shed would be if you just rented what you needed instead? Now, I use my TV, my computer, and my dishes every day…but a carpet cleaner? Not so much. So I gave some thought to some of the products I have either bought and/or rented over the years and decided to put them in a post for you guys to comment on and add to. Got items you rent often? Bought products you wish you had rented? Let everyone know in the comments!
Things I could rent if necessary or have rented already instead of buying:
– Carpet/upholstery cleaner
– Large power tools
– Paint sprayer
– A jumpy tent (Ok, not me, some friends)
– Nail gun
– Party supplies
– Most books you would ever want to read
– DVD’s
– Some sports equipment
– Floor sanders
– A bigger car than I need on a daily basis
– Camping gear
– Golf clubs, if you only play a few times a year
– Baby equipment (I really like this idea)
– Garden rototiller
– Fitness equipment
– Back hoe (although, that would be fun to own)
So…what would you add to the list? What am I missing? I have made it my mission now to rent the things I won’t use all the time so I don’t have to waste money or clutter up my living space. What do you think?
Even better — ask your friends, family or neighbors before you rent!
We’ve been able to borrow quite a few tools from neighbors and others — and they know they can do the same.
Just be sure to be a good borrower! Promptly return everything in the condition you got it (or better if you can swing that).
I have just come across a great web site
justfortheloveofit.org and it’s all about helping other’s out, not just people with skills but tools as well, in your local area.
No money is exchanged. You just pay it forward like in the film. It’s a great way to make friends with like-minded people as well.
Also part of The freeconomy community.
I heartily agree with the DVDs. And netflix streaming is getting better and better for watching old favorites. Plus there’s always the library.
Other rarely used tools: wheelbarrow, chainsaw, power washer.
I’m not sure about the fitness equipment though, seems like you need to use most things regularly to be fit.
Ski equipment, if you ski less than five times a year. You can rent for much less. The equipment technology advances each year. So $1000 or more for new ski gear is only worth it if you ski every weekend and will actually wear it out.
I think snow boards are less. So I don’t know the breakdown on that
A great list you have here.
I agree with everything on the list.
Another option for the stuff you use, say, once a week is to co-own with a neighbour. We did this a few years back with our lawn mower. It worked brilliantly.