Borrow, Don't Buy: The Things Neighbours Lend Most

Most households own things they use once or twice a year. A drill is used for minutes in its whole life. Borrowing from a neighbour saves money, saves space and gives you a reason to say hello.

What do people borrow most?

On Local Now, the same things come up again and again: ladders, drills, hedge trimmers, lawnmowers, wallpaper steamers, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, gazebos, camping gear, folding tables and kitchen kit for one-off meals, such as a slow cooker or a large roasting tin. One neighbour asked if anyone had a slow cooker they could borrow for a week. Somebody did.

How much can borrowing save?

It depends what you need. A carpet cleaner or pressure washer can cost more to buy than you would ever spend hiring one, and borrowing from a neighbour costs nothing. Even small things add up when you only need them once.

How do you ask without feeling awkward?

Be specific about what, when and for how long. "Could I borrow a ladder on Saturday morning? I'll have it back by lunchtime" is easy to answer. Return it clean, on time and with anything you used up replaced, such as the bag in a carpet cleaner.

What if something gets broken?

Agree before you borrow. Most people say they'll repair or replace anything they damage. Take a photo of the item when you collect it so there is no argument later.

Lend as well as borrow

If you have a shed full of tools, offer them. Lending builds the trust that makes it easy to ask for help when you need it, and it is how a street of strangers becomes a street of neighbours.