Have you ever rented anything other than a house or a vehicle? Did you know there are many things you can rent? Imagine needing something for a short period. Instead of buying, you can rent it! Here are 14 surprising things you might have never known you could rent.
Friends
Looking for a one-night concert friend? Someone to sip a cup of coffee with? Services such as “Rent a Friend” will set you up with outing partners, with no strings or emotional baggage attached. The minimum rate? Around $10 per hour. Transform solo Sunday into a social Sunday with rent-a-friend services. Most friendships seem to come with a time limit anyway, so why not schedule one for when it’s convenient for you?
Christmas Tree
Love the Christmas tree scent, but hate the hassle of disposal? Consider getting a rental Christmas tree. Numerous tree rental companies deliver, set up, take down, and even replant the trees after the holiday. It’s festive and eco-friendly. So, no need to sweep soon after New Year’s.
Private Bathrooms
Bathroom emergency, but you can’t find a public one nearby? You can rent one super-quick! Yes, you read that right, some apps allow you to rent private bathrooms by the minute. Whether you’re at a festival or stuck downtown, Airbnb provides bathroom rentals that can save your day.
Furniture & Appliances
Moving often or decorating on a DIY budget? Furniture rental businesses, such as Cort, let you hire sofas, desks, and even coffee machines for as long as you need. It’s trendy and flexible, and you won’t have to take your mattress every time you shift!
Bridesmaids
Planning a wedding and short on a good friend? You can rent a bridesmaid. These professionals are trained in handling emotions, negotiating with vendors, bouquet holding, dress fixing, and also speech-writing. These bridesmaids will stand up for you. They may come with a price tag, but one thing is for sure: you will get your money’s worth! They’re not taking the place of your best friend, but just standing in professionally at a time you need extra support.
Line Sitters
Want an exclusive and highly sought-after item but can’t bear the thought of spending the night camping for it? Do you hate being in long queues? Don’t worry, the “Same Ole Line Dudes” in NYC will do the waiting for you.
Paparazzi Posers
Most of us have fantasized about being a celebrity at some point. You can get a taste of that lifestyle thanks to paparazzi posers available for rent. Hire a group of “Famous for a Day” paparazzi to follow you around in a flashbulb frenzy. Even if it’s staged, fame is a fleeting luxury.
Livestock Lawn Care
Sick of paying massive amounts to mow your lawn? Consider renting goats to graze your weeds and grass. They’re adorable, efficient, and eco-friendly. Chickens are also another popular choice. Rent a coop and a few hens for fresh eggs (and pest control) through services such as Rent the Chicken, for seasonal flocks.
Funeral Caskets
Funerals are already emotional and financially taxing enough, so why spend a large amount on a casket you’ll leave behind? You can hire a casket for the service, then switch to cremation later. This way, you can still have an open-casket ceremony without the massive price tag.
Cuddle Friend
Want hugs but no time to charm your way into a cuddle circle? Believe it or not, you can now rent a cuddle buddy who offers gentle, platonic, and therapeutic snuggles. Services like The Cuddlist provide professional cuddle therapy to lower stress and blood pressure. It’s not just strange, it’s wellness!
Plants
Love being around plants, but it seems like everything you touch ends up dead? For those who were born without a green thumb or simply don’t have the time and energy to make the commitment, you can rent live plants to enhance events, offices, or your mood. Plant rental services help add brightness to any place without the hassle of maintenance. It’s minimum work and an upgrade to seasonal décor.
Gadgets, Tools, and Party Gears
From garden tools and carpet cleaners to party projectors and popcorn machines, “libraries of things” allow you to rent almost everything. It’s convenient, sustainable, and readily available. If you only need them for one-time use, it’s better to borrow them.
Exotic Private Islands
Do you long to spend time on a private beach (I mean, who wouldn’t)? Rich people rent an entire island (Kim Kardashian and other celebrities have been known to do it at the drop of a hat), but smaller private islands are also available for the rest of us “regular folk.” The level of privacy you require will determine the price of the island, but it’s reassuring to know that this option is available.
Phony Wedding Cake
Want picture-perfect cake vibes without going over budget? Get a faux wedding cake: Styrofoam layers covered in icing that look real on camera. Bakers offer sheet cakes along with fake wedding cakes to be served to the guests. You can even still capture that cake-cutting moment by opting for a single cake layer or just a single slice of cake placed strategically among the Styrofoam. This way, you can score those picture-worthy moments with a stunning cake while also saving yourself major bucks.
Furniture Workshop & Tools
In addition to tools, you can hire workshop time from local maker spaces and tool libraries. Spend a few hours fixing a bike, crafting a wooden frame, or welding a sculpture in a shared workshop. No expensive equipment is required. Ideal for DIY lovers.
Benefits of Renting
- Saves your money – It is Cost-effective and can avoid unwanted purchases.
- Flexible – Can seasonally change décor, or get rid of huge equipment after just one use.
- Eco-friendly – Circulating goods cuts down on waste and promotes reuse.
- Adventurous – Renting friends? Islands? Bridesmaids? Welcome to the 21st century.
Conclusion
From cuddle cakes to caskets, goats to friends, the world of rentals is strangely huge. Why hoard when you can share? The next time you feel a bit of FOMO about not having something, maybe you don’t have to.
Rent smart, accept the weird, save money, and let somebody else deal with lawn care.
