Most of us own things we barely use. A drill that comes out twice a year. A camera gathering dust since the holiday. A pressure washer, a gazebo, a roof box, a sewing machine. All of it just sitting there — quietly losing value while it waits.
Renting it out changes that. The same item that costs you money to own can start paying you back, a booking at a time. And starting is far simpler than most people think — you can have your first listing live in about ten minutes.
This guide walks you through the whole thing, from your very first listing to your first booking.
Step 1: Pick something to list
You don't need a garage full of gear. Start with one item — ideally something that's worth a bit, easy to hand over, and that people actually search for.
Good first items to rent out in the UK tend to be:
- Power tools — drills, sanders, saws, pressure washers. Cheap to buy, constantly in demand for one-off jobs.
- Cameras and lenses — high value, popular with people who don't want to buy for a single trip.
- Party and event gear — projectors, PA speakers, gazebos, garden games.
- Outdoor and camping — tents, roof boxes, paddleboards, bikes.
- Vans and trailers — steady demand for house moves and tip runs.
Not sure what's worth listing? Have a look at things in your garage that could make you money — it's usually more than you'd guess.
Step 2: Take a few good photos
This is the single biggest thing that decides whether your item gets booked. You don't need a fancy camera — your phone is fine. You just need to make the item look cared-for and trustworthy.
The basics:
- Good light — near a window or outside in daylight, never a dark room.
- A clean, tidy background — clear the clutter around it.
- Several angles — the whole item, plus any accessories and any wear or marks (honesty builds trust).
A well-lit, honest set of photos beats a single blurry one every time. There's a full walkthrough in how to take photos that get your rental booked.
Step 3: Write a clear, honest description
Renters book what they understand. Keep it plain and specific:
- What it is — make, model, size, what's included.
- What it's good for — "ideal for a weekend decorating job" tells the renter it fits their need.
- The condition — be upfront about any wear. People trust a listing that doesn't oversell.
- Anything they need to know — accessories included, collection or delivery, anything they should bring.
A good description quietly answers the questions a renter would otherwise have to ask — and the fewer questions they have, the faster they book.
Step 4: Set a fair price
Pricing is what stops most people before they publish. The simple rule: charge roughly 5% of the item's current second-hand value per day, then check what similar items rent for near you and adjust.
- A drill worth £200 → about £10/day
- A pressure washer worth £300 → about £15/day
- A camera worth £800 → about £35–£40/day
When you're brand new with no reviews, price a little below the established hosts — those first few bookings earn you the reviews that let you raise prices later. There's a full breakdown in how to price your rental listing.
Step 5: Understand how you're protected
The number one worry for new hosts is "what if it comes back damaged?" — and it's a fair question. On Rentify, a few things are built in to protect you:
- Payment up front — the renter pays through the app before they collect, so you're never chasing money.
- Security deposits — set one on higher-value items, and it's there to cover damage or loss.
- Verified users and reviews — you can see who you're dealing with, and renters build a track record.
- Everything in the app — keeping chat and payment on-platform is what lets us step in if something goes wrong.
If you're still weighing it up, is it safe to rent from strangers? covers exactly how the protections work on both sides.
Step 6: Publish and get your first booking
Once your listing is live, a few small things help the first booking arrive faster:
- Reply quickly. Fast responses are the biggest factor in winning a booking — renters often message a few hosts and book the first to reply.
- Keep your calendar accurate so you're not turning people away or double-booking.
- Say yes to your first few requests even at a slight discount. Early reviews are worth far more than the few extra pounds.
That first booking is the hard one. After it, you've got a review, a bit of confidence, and a much easier path to the next.
A quick word on tax
For most casual hosts this is simple: the UK has a £1,000 tax-free trading allowance, so if you earn under that from renting in a tax year, there's usually nothing to declare. Earn more and you may need to report it. It's worth a two-minute read — see do you pay tax on rental income in the UK? — but for most people starting out, it's not something to worry about.
How much could you actually make?
It depends on the item and how often it goes out, but the maths adds up faster than people expect. A £15/day item booked eight days a month is £120 — month after month, from something that was sitting idle. Stack a few items and it becomes a genuine side income. See real numbers in how much can you earn renting out your stuff.
Common questions
How do I start renting out my stuff?
Pick one item worth renting, photograph it well in good light, write an honest description, set a fair price (around 5% of its second-hand value per day), and publish it. On Rentify the whole process takes about ten minutes, and listing is free.
Is it free to list an item?
Yes. Signing up and listing are completely free on Rentify. There's no monthly fee — the only cost is a small service fee added to a booking, paid by the renter, so hosts keep what they earn.
What's the best thing to rent out first?
Something worth a bit that people search for and that's easy to hand over — power tools, cameras, party gear, camping kit and vans are all popular. Start with one item, get comfortable, then add more.
What if my item gets damaged or isn't returned?
Renters pay up front through the app, and you can set a security deposit on higher-value items to cover damage or loss. Keeping all chat and payment on-platform is what lets us help if something goes wrong, so never take a booking off the app.
Do I have to pay tax on what I earn?
The UK's £1,000 trading allowance means many casual hosts earn tax-free. If you go over it in a tax year you may need to declare the income. Our UK rental income tax guide explains it in plain English.
How do I get my first booking?
Price competitively while you're new, reply to requests quickly, keep your calendar up to date, and accept your first few bookings to build reviews. Those early reviews are what make every booking after them easier.
The bottom line
Renting out your stuff isn't complicated, and it doesn't need a big investment — you already own the items. Pick one thing, take a few honest photos, set a fair price, and publish. The first booking turns a dusty cupboard item into something that earns, and everything gets easier from there.
Got something worth renting out? List your first item on Rentify in under 10 minutes →
Ionut-Cosmin Lixandru — Burton upon Trent, UK Founder of Rentify. Building a marketplace to help people rent items locally, earn from unused things, and connect with local service providers more easily.