The problem with most side hustles is that they require the one thing you likely don’t have enough of: time. Driving for a ride-share app or picking up freelance shifts trades your limited hours for dollars, which is often a recipe for burnout rather than wealth.
A more efficient strategy is to look at what you already own. The sharing economy has evolved, and it is now easier than ever to rent out physical assets — from your vehicle to your swimming pool — turning idle possessions into a reliable monthly cash flow. Instead of working harder, you can simply let your property pay its own way.
Here are a few things you might own right now that could be earning you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month without adding hours to your workday.
1. A swimming pool
If you own a pool, you know it is an expensive luxury that sits unused for the vast majority of the day. Platforms like Swimply allow you to turn that downtime into revenue by renting your pool by the hour to neighbors who want a private swim.
Hosts on Swimply earn an average of around $45 per hour, though rates can climb significantly higher depending on your location and amenities.
It is not uncommon for hosts to earn $1,000 a month with just a few bookings a week. The platform provides liability protection, so you can stress less about the legal risks of hosting strangers.
2. A driveway or garage
Parking is a premium commodity, especially if you live near a city center, airport or event venue. If you have an empty spot in your driveway or space in your garage, you are sitting on a steady stream of passive income.
Apps like Neighbor connect people who need storage or parking with people who have space. You can rent out a driveway for a commuter vehicle or a garage for someone needing to store furniture or boxes.
Earnings vary by location, but indoor garage spaces can command up to $500 per month. It is one of the lowest-effort income streams available because once the renter parks or drops off their items, your work is essentially done.
3. A backyard
If you have a fenced yard but no dog (or a dog who loves company), you can monetize that green space through Sniffspot. This “Airbnb for dog parks” allows pet owners to rent private yards where their dogs can run safely off-leash, away from other dogs and people.
This is particularly valuable for owners of reactive or anxious dogs who cannot handle public parks. Hosts typically charge between $10 and $15 per hour per dog.
While that sounds small, frequent bookings add up quickly. Hosts earn up to $3,000 a month just by unlocking their back gate. You don’t even need to be home when the guests arrive.
4. An RV or camper
Recreational vehicles are notoriously bad investments if they sit idle. They depreciate quickly and require maintenance whether you use them or not. However, they are also one of the highest-yielding rental assets you can own.
Platforms like RVshare and Outdoorsy let you rent your rig to families looking for a road trip without the commitment of buying one. The demand is massive.
According to industry data, the average owner on RVshare earns $16,000 a year. That income can easily cover your payments, insurance and maintenance, effectively making the RV free for you to use when it’s not booked.
5. A car
If your household has a second car that rarely leaves the driveway, it is costing you money in insurance and depreciation every day. Turo allows you to list your vehicle for others to rent, acting like a private car rental agency.
Earnings depend heavily on the make and model of your car. Economy cars get consistent bookings at lower rates, while luxury or unique vehicles command higher prices.
Turo has recently shifted its focus toward longer, advance-notice bookings. This helps attract more responsible travelers rather than last-minute renters. If you live near an airport or tourist hub, this can generate substantial monthly income.
6. A camera or other tech gear
High-end photography and video equipment holds its value well, but it is expensive to buy. That creates a strong rental market for professionals who need a specific lens or camera body for a single shoot.
ShareGrid is a marketplace specifically for creatives to rent gear to each other. If you own a high-quality camera — like a Sony Alpha or Canon R series — lenses or even lighting kits, you can list them for daily rates.
Popular camera bodies can be rented for over $100 per day. Because the platform verifies users and offers insurance options, the risk of theft or damage is mitigated. This allows you to monetize your hobby gear when you aren’t shooting.
