Who has my drill? If you’ve ever stood in front of an empty shelf asking that question, you already know why a lending log helps. A lending log is just a list of what you’ve lent, to whom, and when you expect it back. It takes a minute to set up, and it replaces a fuzzy memory with something you can check.
Copy this template
Paste it into Notes, Google Sheets, Excel or a paper notebook.
| Item | Photo? | Lent to | Date lent | Due back | Returned? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cordless drill | Y | Includes case | ||||
| Hardcover novel | N | |||||
| Folding ladder | Y |
(The three rows are only examples of how to fill it in. Replace them with your own.)
How to fill it in
- Item. Name it the way you’d search for it. “Blue Bosch drill” beats “drill thing.”
- Photo. A quick picture of the item shows what condition it was in when it left, and it helps the borrower know exactly which one you mean.
- Lent to. Use the full name, or a note to tell two people with the same first name apart.
- Date lent and due back. Even “end of the month” is better than blank. A due date turns “whenever” into something you can politely mention.
- Returned? Tick it the moment the item is back, so your list shows only what’s still out.
Tips that keep the log useful
- Log it right when you hand the item over. The log only works if it’s done before you forget.
- Track what you borrowed, too. Add a second tab or section for things you’re holding for other people, so you can return them before anyone has to ask.
- Keep it short. If it’s a hassle, you’ll skip it. Item, person, date is enough to start.
- Review it monthly. A quick scan tells you what to ask about, and it’s easier to raise a month-old loan than a year-old one.
A lending log for money, too?
The same columns work for small sums. Swap “Item” for “Amount” and keep the date and due-back columns. This is just a personal record of money you lent.
Where this gets tedious
A spreadsheet is fine for a handful of items. It gets tedious when you want a photo of every item, a nudge when something is overdue, or a history of what’s come back. Borrowly is a free iPhone app for tracking borrowed and lent items first, and money you lend as well. Snap a photo, pick the borrower, and keep a history. The borrower doesn’t need the app, and follow-ups happen automatically. Download on the App Store.
FAQ
What should a lending log include?
At minimum: the item, who has it, the date you lent it, and when you expect it back. A photo, a “returned” checkbox and a notes column make it more useful.
Can I use Apple Notes or Google Sheets for a lending log?
Yes. The template above works in either one, or on paper. A simple list is a good way to start; it gets harder to manage as the list grows.
How do I track things I borrowed from other people?
Add a second section to your log with the same columns, but put the owner’s name where “Lent to” would be. Check it regularly so you can return things on time.
Is a lending log the same as a loan agreement?
No. A lending log is a personal record to help you remember. It isn’t a legal contract and doesn’t replace one for larger amounts.
Is Borrowly available yet?
Yes. Borrowly is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Android is coming later.
Android is coming later
Borrowly is free on the App Store for iPhone and iPad. Android is coming later. Leave your email and we’ll let you know when it is.
You’re on the list.
Thanks! We’ll email you when Borrowly is ready for Android. Until then, here are two things you can use right now:
Free for iPhone. The person who borrowed your stuff doesn’t need to install anything.