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The short version
- Garages make practical storage: drive-up access, weather protection and room for anything from boxes to an RV.
- You set your own price. On a $200/month space in Alberta, you would take home $180.05 a month after fees.
- No renovation needed: clear, measure, secure, photograph and list.
If your garage is mostly holding a bike, a few boxes and a lot of empty air, you're sitting on an asset most people overlook. Homeowners are discovering that unused garage space isn't dead square footage. It's a legitimate source of passive income, thanks to peer-to-peer storage platforms like OurSpace.
Here's how it works, what you could take home, and how to get started safely.
Why garages make great storage space
Garages work well as storage space, for a few clear reasons.
Drive-up access
Easy loading and unloading for renters with larger or heavier items.
Weather protection
Beats outdoor storage for anything sensitive to moisture or temperature.
Size flexibility
Fits anything from a few boxes to a full vehicle, RV or seasonal gear.
Ready as-is
Shelving, concrete floors and secure doors are usually already in place.
How much passive income can a garage generate?
You set your own price: daily, weekly or monthly, with a $10 minimum per billing period. Here's a worked example of what you'd take home on a $200/month garage space in Alberta.
Your price (example)
$200 /mo
The monthly price you set for your space.
You receive each month
$180.05 /mo
After the 9.5% host service fee ($19.00) and 5% GST on that fee ($0.95).
First month of each booking
$175.85
Also less the one-time $4 Contract-Start Fee plus GST ($4.20), charged once on each new booking.
An example, not a typical result. What you earn depends on the price you set and whether your space is booked.
Storage needs change with the seasons (winter tires, holiday decor, RVs going into storage), so bookings can rise and dip through the year.
You don't need a new opportunity. You need a new way of seeing the one you already have.
Getting your garage ready to list
You don't need a renovation to start earning. A few simple steps make a big difference in how quickly your space gets booked.
Clear and clean the space
Remove anything you're not comfortable sharing space with and give the floor a basic sweep.
Measure accurately
Renters need to know exactly what they are getting: length, width and ceiling height if relevant.
Secure the space
A working garage door, working locks and ideally good lighting build renter confidence.
Take clear, honest photos
Bright, uncluttered photos of the actual usable space perform far better than flattering angles.
Decide on access
Will renters have their own access, or will you be there for drop-off and pickup? Settle it up front.
Setting a fair, competitive price
Checking what similar garage listings nearby charge is the easiest way to avoid underselling your space. A few factors drive what renters will pay:
- Square footage and ceiling height
- Location (urban centres usually support higher rates)
- Access (24/7 vs. scheduled)
- Security features like locks, cameras and lighting
- Seasonal demand (tire and RV storage often earn a premium in fall and spring)
Skip the guesswork
The OurSpace app's pricing calculator suggests a competitive rate from your space's size, location and features in seconds.
Is it safe to rent out your garage?
It's the most common hesitation, and a fair one. Renting through a purpose-built platform gives both sides tools that Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji listings typically don't.
- Verified renter and host profiles
- Secure in-app messaging, no personal numbers up front
- Clear rental agreements on terms and duration
- Structured payments, no chasing e-transfers or cash
Why storage income makes sense right now
You already have the space, and someone nearby may be looking for exactly that. Listing is free, and fees only apply when a booking is made.
Turning a garage into income doesn't take major investment, ongoing labour or special skills. Once it's listed, it can bring in income with very little day-to-day involvement, which is the whole appeal of passive income.
