5 Everyday Items People Are Renting in the UK (That Might Be in Your Cupboard Right Now)

Louis

19 Jun 2025 — 3 min read

Let’s be honest, most of us own more than we use.
A projector we’ve used once. A drill from that one DIY project. Party gear from a birthday three years ago.

Now, imagine if all of that could be quietly earning you money.

At Lental, we’re seeing people turn dusty stuff into passive income, sometimes within 24 hours of listing. And it’s not just cameras and bikes. It’s things you wouldn’t expect.

Here are 5 everyday items we’ve seen rented out on Lental, and how you can do the same.

1. 🧼 Pressure Washers

Average rental: £15–£25/day

That jet washer you impulse-bought in lockdown? It’s in demand - especially in spring and summer. Most people don’t want to buy one for a single driveway clean. But they’ll rent yours.

Pressure washers are the classic “used once, now gathering dust” purchase. They’re bulky, seasonal, and expensive to buy new, making them ideal rental candidates.

We’ve seen consistent demand for these on similar platforms, especially during spring cleaning season and before property viewings.

Tip: List it with a long hose and patio head, if available, and include extra attachments for a higher day rate.

2. 🎥 Projectors (Even the Budget Ones)

Average rental: £10–£18/day

This one surprised us, too. Even those basic mini projectors from Amazon? They rent out. Think: garden film nights, student events, weddings on a budget.

Most users just want it for a night. Yours could pay itself off within 2–3 rentals.

If you’ve got one tucked away, it could be listed for occasional weekend rentals. Just include good photos and the right cables (HDMI = essential).

3. 🧰 DIY Tools

Average rental: £8–£25/day

You know the drill. Literally.
Whether it’s a sander, angle grinder, tile cutter or spirit level, someone nearby is looking to borrow it for a weekend job.

Why it works:
People don’t want to buy tools they’ll use once. You’ve already bought it. Now let it earn you something back.

Tip: Bundle sets together (e.g. drill + bits + goggles) for a stronger listing.

4. 🎉 Party Extras You Forgot You Own

Average rental: £12–£30/day

Here’s where things get fun. People are renting:

Bubble machines
Disco balls
Fold-up tables and chairs
Cake stands
Popcorn makers
Smoke machines

One user even rented out a karaoke mic and got 3 bookings in 2 weeks.
You might think, “Who would rent that?” But for one-off birthdays, baby showers or student parties, it’s perfect.

Bonus: Show it in action. A quick photo from a real party adds social proof and trust.

5. 🐶 Pet Travel Gear

Average rental: £6–£15/day

Yes, even dog crates and pet strollers are renting out.

Think about it:

Puppy owners renting crates short-term
People travelling who don’t want to buy gear
Fosters who need things temporarily

If you’ve ever had a pet and now have gear lying around, someone out there needs it for a week.

Tip: Clean it up, add keywords like “foldable dog crate” or “airline-approved carrier,” and you’ll pop up in local search.

🔁 So… What Else Works?

We’ve noticed a pattern:
If it’s used less than 5× a year, costs over £50, and takes up space, there’s probably someone nearby who’d rather rent than buy.

Other unexpected winners:

Roof boxes
E-scooters
DSLR lenses
Festival tents
Garden fire pits
Airbeds
PA speakers
Dehumidifiers

It doesn’t need to be glamorous. It just needs to be useful for someone, somewhere, sometime soon.

💬 Final Thought: You’re Sitting on Value

Before you sell something for £30 or shove it in a cupboard for “someday,” ask yourself:

Would someone else pay to borrow this?

In 2025, access beats ownership, and more people are choosing to borrow the things they don’t want to store, maintain, or pay full price for.

Platforms like Lental make that exchange simple and safe.
You set the price, choose who to rent to, and stay in control. And in return, you get a little extra income for things you already own.