Updated 2018
If we had a dollar for every time someone asked, “Wait, you do all this DIY but don’t own a truck?” we’d probably be driving a very large truck by now. We prefer being a single-car household and for years drove a modest Nissan Altima (we now have a small SUV, a Toyota Highlander). That meant getting creative when it came to bringing home large items—furniture, lumber, appliances, tools, and more. If your vehicle can’t handle a big pickup, here are practical, tried-and-true ways we’ve used to transport oversized items.
Hauling Tip #1: Ask At The Store
Many big-box stores rent pickup trucks right at the store. Renting a truck from Home Depot or Lowe’s can be surprisingly affordable and convenient—often a low flat fee for a short rental period. We’ve used rental trucks from both stores multiple times to move large rented tools, long PVC pipes, drywall sheets, hardwood flooring, oversized bathroom renovation materials, and even a few breakfast bagels along the way. These rentals are usually intended for items purchased at that store, but the staff have been flexible in some cases, and it’s an easy, low-stress option when you need a truck for just a few hours.
One memorable time someone rented a truck to pick up a Craigslist mattress from our house. They swung by, loaded it up, and returned the truck with time to spare—simple and effective.
Hauling Tip #2: Find A “Man With A Van”
Local message boards like Facebook, Nextdoor, and Craigslist are great places to find neighbors or small-service providers who will pick up and deliver bulky items for a modest fee. Platforms such as TaskRabbit also list furniture pickup and moving services. Hiring someone locally often means you get help lifting and moving heavy objects. Use common sense when hiring a stranger—check reviews, communicate clearly about timing and cost, and be flexible with scheduling. A neighbor with a trailer can also be an inexpensive option for hauling junk or renovation debris, often cheaper than renting a dumpster.
Hauling Tip #3: Give It Away
If you’re trying to get rid of a large item, consider charitable donation centers that offer free pickup, like Habitat for Humanity ReStore and similar organizations. They’ll come to you at no cost, take the item away, and you may receive a tax deduction for the donation. We donated our old sink and faucet this way after a bathroom renovation; we scheduled a pickup and the team arrived right on time to collect everything. Another quick option is listing items as “free, pick up only” on local marketplaces—an easy way to clear space without driving anything yourself.
Hauling Tip #4: Phone A Friend
Borrowing a friend’s or family member’s larger vehicle is often the simplest solution. We often borrow John’s sister Emily’s Explorer, and we’re happy to trade gas money, a meal, or a favor in exchange. Swapping cars for a few hours or a full day makes IKEA runs and trips to the recycling center painless. On the flip side, occasionally we embrace a challenge—once we managed to fit two bifold doors into our ten-year-old Maxima. It’s doable with creativity and patience.
Hauling Tip #5: Rent A Moving Truck
Traditional moving truck rentals, like U-Haul, aren’t only for whole-house moves. They offer more flexibility than retail truck rentals—options range from small trailers to larger trucks with ramps. We rented a moving truck to transport a single vintage stove because we needed a ramp for safe loading. It cost more and took more planning, but it gave us exactly what we needed. If you have an awkward or heavy item that requires special equipment, a moving truck rental is worth checking out.
These are the ways we manage oversized pickups, recycling runs, and thrift-store donations without owning a large truck or SUV. Whether renting a truck for a few hours, hiring a local helper, donating an item for free pickup, borrowing from friends, or renting a moving truck for a specific need, there are plenty of solutions that keep life practical and budget-friendly. Have you discovered any other clever hauling hacks? We’d love to hear how you got something big home in a small car.