Are you on the fence if you should rent or buy something? Think of an item, get a piece of paper and a pen, and take the quiz below! Write down your answers and, when complete, tally your score and check out our recommendation at the end. 

1. Is the item for a new hobby?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

2. Do new upgrades come out frequently?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

3. Can you afford to replace it?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

4. Do you move frequently?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

5. Is this item for a seasonal activity?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

6. Do you know where you will store it?

• Yes (+0)
• No (+1)

7. Does it store any type of personal information?

• Yes (+0)
• No (+1)

8. Do you know how often you will use it?

• Yes (+0)
• No (+1)

9. Does the item require regular maintenance?

• Yes (+0)
• No (+1)

10. Will you use it more than once or twice a year?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

11. Do you know how to recycle or sell the item when you don’t want it anymore?

• Yes (+1)
• No (+0)

12. Have you purchased one before?

• Yes (+0)
• No (+1)

Always Rent It!

(7-12 Pts.)

From drills and lawnmowers to snowboards and canoes, just about anything you can buy you can also rent.

It can be nice to know something belongs to just you, but does it always make sense practically or financially? Not really.

Renting equipment isn’t only a cost-effective and practical alternative — it is also a method to reduce waste and maximize utility.

Try Renting First

(3-6 Points)

You may still need to purchase your equipment, but before you make a choice, it’s worth renting one time first.

If you can see yourself maximizing use on your own, make a purchase!

Buy It! (Secondhand)

(0-3 Points)

Sometimes, you really do need to make a purchase rather than rent something, but it doesn’t have to be new.

Buying secondhand is a great way to acquire equipment or gear in an eco-friendly, cost-effective way.

When you’ve got a place to store your equipment and know it will get good use, sometimes ownership really is the only option.