Car storage in your spare shed or yard
Rent out a spare garage, shed or fenced yard to people who need a safe place for a car.
- A$500-2.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You turn unused space on your own property, such as a double garage, shed, carport or fenced paddock, into secure storage for cars, classics, caravans or second vehicles.
Your first three steps
- Check what space you have, and ask your local council whether storing vehicles for others on your property is allowed
- Add basics such as a strong lock, lighting and a camera, then ask your insurer about cover for other people's vehicles
- Write a simple storage agreement and list the space on local classifieds and car club forums
Who pays
Classic and sports car owners, people going overseas or away for work, downsizers, and neighbours with no room for an extra car.
How it makes money
A monthly fee per space, often cheaper for longer commitments. Extras can include battery maintenance, starting the car regularly or covered storage at a higher price.
Skills that help
- Reliable and trustworthy
- Basic admin and record keeping
- Clear communication with customers
Watch out for
- Council zoning or home-based business approval, which differs by council, so check before you advertise
- Your home and contents policy may not cover customers' vehicles, so check public liability and whether you need cover for goods in your care
- Fire and safety risks, such as fuel, batteries and electrical wiring in sheds
- A written agreement covering access hours, damage, unpaid fees and what happens to abandoned vehicles
- Income tax on rent received, and ask an accountant about ABN and GST
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: car storage in your spare shed or yard
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start renting out car storage space?
Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the space you already have and what you spend on security, lighting, clearing the area and a written agreement.
How much can you earn renting out car storage?
Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many vehicles fit, your location and your pricing. These are estimates, and it may need only about 2 hours a week.
What rules should I check before storing other people's cars?
Check council zoning or home-based business approval, as it differs by council. Your home and contents policy may not cover customers' vehicles, so check insurance. Also check fire and safety risks, a written agreement, and tax on rent received.
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Photo: jarmoluk on Pixabay