With prices going up on just about everything, renting all kinds of stuff — from apartments to camping gear — can be more appealing (and cheaper) than buying. Renting makes a lot of sense for things that lose value quickly, like clothes, or items you only need occasionally, like a potted Christmas tree. For example, at Toronto-based clothing rental company The Fitzroy, customers can rent an in-season ~$1,020 dress for just $135. “There is definitely a strong and growing interest in our service as things get more expensive,” said Angela Pastor, CEO of The Fitzroy. She told Peak Money that sales jumped 20% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. As demand for these businesses increases, more Canadian businesses are offering rental services for everyday items, from art to baby gear to (even) caskets. But renting everything might not make sense in every scenario. The scales can tip more to buying something when that investment can increase in value over time, like a house.