Hey everyone! 👋 Have you ever looked at your empty garage, driveway, or that spare closet and thought, “I could make money with this!”? Well, you absolutely can! I recently dove into Neighbor.com, a platform that lets you rent out your unused space for storage—think of it as the Airbnb of storage units! In this post, I’ll break down how Neighbor works, how much you can earn, what to watch out for, and some tips to maximize your earnings. Let’s get started and turn that extra space into passive income! 💸
What is Neighbor.com?
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer platform that connects people with extra space (like you!) to folks who need a place to store their stuff—anything from boxes of clothes to furniture, cars, or even an RV. It’s a win-win: you earn money from space you’re not using, and renters get a cheaper, more flexible alternative to traditional storage facilities.
- Founded: 2017 by Colton Gardner, Joseph Woodbury, and Preston Alder, based in Lehi, Utah.
- Available: On the web, iOS, and Android apps for easy management.
- Spaces you can rent out: Garages, driveways, basements, closets, attics, sheds, parking spots, and more!
Unlike Airbnb, you’re not hosting people—just their belongings. This makes it a low-effort way to earn passive income. Plus, the platform is super user-friendly, so you can list your space and start earning in no time.
Why Rent Out Your Space on Neighbor?
You might be wondering, “Why would someone store their stuff at my place instead of a storage unit?” Great question! Here’s why Neighbor is appealing for both hosts (you) and renters:
For Renters:
- Cost-effective: Neighbor spaces are often cheaper than traditional storage facilities.
- Convenience: Renters can find storage close to home, sometimes even in their neighborhood.
- Flexibility: More options (e.g., a driveway for an RV or a closet for boxes) and no long-term contracts or paperwork hassles.
- Availability: Traditional storage facilities can have waitlists (I’ve heard of years-long waits for RV storage!), but Neighbor has plenty of options.
For Hosts (You!):
- Passive income: Earn $100–$400+ per month (or more!) depending on your space and location.
- Control: You choose the price, who rents, and what they store.
- Low effort: Once the space is set up, it’s mostly hands-off, with Neighbor handling payments and agreements.
- Safety features: Neighbor offers up to $1M in liability coverage for hosts and $25,000 in theft protection for renters’ items.
How Much Can You Earn?
Your earnings depend on a few factors:
- Location: High-demand areas (like cities) let you charge more.
- Type of space: Larger or specialized spaces (e.g., climate-controlled garages or RV-friendly driveways) command higher rates.
- Demand and supply: Check local listings to see what others are charging.
Based on my research, here’s a rough guide:
- Small spaces (closets, shelves): $50–$150/month.
- Medium spaces (basements, small garages): $100–$300/month.
- Large spaces (driveways, large garages, RV storage): $200–$1,000+/month.
For example, I found a listing near me offering a climate-controlled garage for RV storage at $1,000/month! Even a simple driveway for car parking can net you $100–$200/month in the right area. Curious about your area? Check Neighbor’s website to see local demand and pricing.
How Does Neighbor Work?
Getting started is straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process to become a host:
Sign Up:
- Download the Neighbor app or visit Neighbor.com.
- Create a free account with your email, phone number, and basic info.
List Your Space:
- Describe your space: size, type (e.g., garage, closet), location, and any special features (e.g., climate control, security).
- Upload clear, high-quality photos to attract renters.
- Set your monthly price. Tip: Check similar listings in your area to stay competitive.
Review Booking Requests:
- Renters send booking requests through the app. You can review their profiles and chat with them to ensure they’re a good fit.
- Approve or decline requests based on your preferences.
Prepare Your Space:
- Clean and clear the area to make it renter-ready.
- Ensure it’s secure (e.g., add locks or cameras if needed).
Coordinate with Renters:
- Arrange drop-off and pick-up times via the app.
- Most rentals are low-maintenance, requiring minimal communication.
Get Paid:
- Neighbor handles payments, collecting rent from the renter and depositing it into your bank account or PayPal monthly.
- Note: Neighbor charges a 4.9% + $0.30 service fee per transaction. For a $100 rental, you’d receive ~$94.80.
Types of Spaces You Can Rent Out
The beauty of Neighbor is its flexibility. You can rent out almost any unused space, including:
- Garage: Perfect for vehicles, furniture, or equipment. Offers weather protection and security.
- Driveway: Great for cars, boats, or RVs. Affordable and convenient for renters.
- Closet/Shelf: Ideal for small items like boxes or seasonal decorations.
- Basement/Attic: Good for larger items or long-term storage.
- Shed: Suitable for tools, bikes, or outdoor gear.
- Parking Lot/Street Parking: Useful in urban areas with parking shortages.
Pro Tip: Highlight unique features like climate control, 24/7 access, or security measures to attract more renters and charge higher rates.
Things to Consider Before Hosting
Before you jump in, here are some key points to think about:
- Space Prep: Clear out the area and make it functional. A clean, organized space attracts more renters.
- Responsibilities: Provide a safe, secure space and respond to renter questions promptly. It’s mostly passive, but occasional coordination is needed.
- Safety and Security:
- Neighbor verifies all users’ identities for added trust.
- Use locks, cameras, or alarms to protect stored items.
- Neighbor’s $1M host guarantee covers liability, and renters’ items are insured up to $25,000 for theft or damage.
- Prohibited Items: Neighbor bans hazardous materials, explosives, firearms, illegal drugs, perishable goods, animals, and waste. You can also set your own rules for what’s allowed.
- Time Commitment: Hosting is low-effort, but you’ll need to manage initial setup and occasional renter communication.
Fees, Payments, and Policies
Fees:
- Hosts: Neighbor takes a 4.9% + $0.30 fee per transaction.
- Renters: Pay a 15% service fee on top of the rental price.
Payments:
- Renters pay via credit/debit card through the platform.
- Hosts receive monthly payouts via direct deposit or PayPal.
Refunds/Cancellations:
- If a renter cancels before moving in, they may get a full refund (depending on timing).
- After moving in, partial refunds are based on the remaining rental period.
Is Neighbor Safe and Legit?
Yes, Neighbor is a legitimate company with robust safety measures:
- Insurance: $1M liability coverage for hosts and $25,000 protection for renters’ items.
- Identity Verification: All users must provide legal ID, creating a safer community.
- Prohibited Items List: Ensures no dangerous or illegal items are stored.
- Reviews: Neighbor has mixed reviews on Trustpilot. Many praise the ease of use and income potential, but some mention issues with specific hosts or customer service. Always check renter profiles and communicate clearly to avoid problems.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Want to make the most of Neighbor? Try these strategies:
- Price Competitively: Research local listings to set a fair but profitable rate.
- Optimize Your Listing: Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions. Mention features like security, accessibility, or weather protection.
- Offer Flexibility: Allow short- or long-term rentals to attract more renters.
- Market High-Demand Spaces: Driveways for RVs or climate-controlled garages often fetch top dollar.
- Keep It Professional: Respond to inquiries quickly and keep your space clean and secure to earn great reviews.
Is Neighbor Worth It?
If you have unused space and want to earn passive income with minimal effort, Neighbor is definitely worth a try. It’s like renting out a room on Airbnb but without the hassle of hosting guests—just their stuff! You set the price, choose your renters, and let Neighbor handle the rest. With potential earnings of $100–$1,000+/month and solid safety features, it’s a low-risk way to make extra cash.
Let’s Discuss! 🗣️
Have you tried Neighbor or a similar platform? What spaces do you think would work best in your area? Got any questions about getting started? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your experiences or ideas! And if you’re ready to give it a go, check out Neighbor.com to list your space today.
Happy hosting! 🚪📦
