How to Earn Extra Income Sharing Your Space

Most homeowners across the UK have at least one area of their property that sits unused for months at a time. Whether it is a garage bay you no longer need, a loft that has been cleared out, or a spare room in your flat, that dead space represents real earning potential. With the cost of living continuing to rise, turning an idle corner of your home into a revenue stream is a practical way to supplement your income without taking on a second job or learning a new skill.

Take an honest inventory

The first step is to take an honest inventory of what you have available. Measure the dimensions, note the access points, and think about what a storer would need. Is there a lock on the door? Is the floor clean and dry? Can someone park nearby to load and unload without hassle? Small details like these make a listing far more attractive and help you command a fair price.

Walk through the space as if you were seeing it for the first time. Check for damp patches, cobwebs, or clutter that could put someone off. A quick sweep and a coat of paint on the walls can transform a forgotten garage into a space that feels safe and well maintained. If the area has electricity, test the lights and make sure sockets work — climate-controlled or well-lit spaces command higher rates.

Set competitive pricing

Pricing can feel tricky at first. Start by browsing similar listings in your area to get a sense of the going rate. A single-car garage in a suburban neighbourhood typically commands a different price than a climate-controlled spare room in central London. Set a competitive opening price in pounds, then adjust after you have a few bookings and reviews under your belt.

Consider offering a small discount for longer bookings. A storer who commits to three months is worth more than three separate one-month tenants because you avoid gaps between bookings and reduce the time you spend coordinating handovers. Many hosts find that a five to ten percent discount for quarterly commitments strikes the right balance between value and revenue.

Photography and descriptions

Good photos make a huge difference. Natural lighting, a wide-angle shot from the doorway, and a close-up of the lock or access keypad help storers feel confident before they ever visit. Write a description that answers the questions you would ask: dimensions, access hours, climate control, and any restrictions.

Avoid vague language like "nice space" or "good size." Instead, be specific: "3.5 m x 5 m single garage with a roller door, concrete floor, and a Yale deadlock. Street parking directly outside." Specificity builds trust and saves you from answering the same questions repeatedly in messages.

Insurance considerations

Before your first booking, review your home insurance policy. Some standard policies exclude commercial activity, and hosting paid storage could be considered commercial use. Contact your insurer and explain what you plan to do — many providers will add a rider or endorsement for a modest additional premium. It is far better to spend a few extra pounds per month than to discover you are uninsured after an incident.

You should also consider what happens if a storer's belongings are damaged while in your care. StoreShare's platform includes guidance on liability, but encouraging storers to maintain their own contents insurance is a sensible extra step that protects both parties.

Managing bookings and communication

Once your listing is live, responsive communication sets you apart from other hosts. Reply to enquiries within a few hours, confirm booking details promptly, and send a quick message on the day before a drop-off to make sure everything is on track. Storers appreciate hosts who are easy to reach and proactive about logistics.

Keep a simple record of each booking: the storer's name, what they are storing, the agreed dates, and any special conditions. This does not need to be complicated — a note on your phone or a simple spreadsheet is enough. Having this information to hand means you can resolve any queries quickly and maintain a professional reputation that attracts repeat business.

Maximising your earnings

The most successful hosts treat their listing like a small business. They keep their space clean between bookings, update their photos seasonally, and respond to reviews with a thank-you message. Over time, a string of positive reviews builds social proof that lets you gradually increase your price.

Think about what extras you can offer without much effort. A set of shelves, a few storage bins, or a trolley for heavy items can justify a higher rate. Some hosts provide a combination padlock so the storer has independent access, which is a major selling point for people who need to retrieve items at short notice.

With a little effort upfront and consistent attention to your listing, that forgotten corner of your home can become a reliable source of extra income — often earning hundreds of pounds each month for space you were not using anyway.