Updated 2018
If we had a dollar for every time someone asked, “Wait—you do all this DIY and don’t own a truck?” we’d probably own a truck by now. We enjoy being a single-car household and for years relied on a modest Nissan Altima (these days we drive a small Toyota Highlander). That hasn’t stopped us from tackling big projects. Over time we learned many practical ways to get oversized items—furniture, lumber, appliances, and renovation materials—home without owning a pickup. Below are the strategies that work best for us, with tips to make each option smooth, safe, and budget-friendly.
Hauling Tip #1: Rent a Pickup from the Store
Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s rent pickup trucks by the hour or day, and it can be a surprisingly affordable option. It’s commonly a low flat fee for the first hour or so, making it ideal for short runs to haul plywood, drywall, long PVC, or bulky renovation supplies. These rentals are designed for hauling purchases made at that store, but in practice many people use them for other one-off jobs as well. If you choose this route, come prepared: measure the items, bring moving blankets or straps, and have a plan for loading and securing the load so nothing shifts on the drive home.
Stores typically expect you to return the truck on time, so plan your route and loading to avoid extra fees. If you’re picking up an odd-shaped item, bring rope or ratchet straps and, if possible, a helper to hold things steady while you drive.
Hauling Tip #2: Hire a Local Helper or “Man With a Van”
Neighborhood boards and apps like Facebook, Nextdoor, and Craigslist are full of people offering pickup and delivery services. You can also hire task-based services to collect and deliver oversized items. This option often includes help lifting and moving heavy pieces into your home, which can be invaluable for fragile or awkward items. When using a local helper, communicate clearly about timeframe, cost, and whether they provide their own straps or blankets. Check reviews or ask for references when possible and be ready to be flexible about timing—popular helpers can book up fast.
Hauling Tip #3: Arrange Free Charity Pickup or Offer Items for Free
If you’re trying to get rid of large items, consider donation centers that offer free pickups. Organizations that accept furniture and building materials will often pick items up directly from your home, saving you the hassle of transport and giving the items a second life. This can also provide a tax-deductible donation receipt in many cases. Another quick option is listing items as “free, curbside pickup” on local marketplaces—this attracts people who can collect the item themselves and eliminates the need for you to drive anything anywhere.
Hauling Tip #4: Borrow a Bigger Vehicle from Friends or Family
Friends and family can be one of the best resources. Borrowing a larger car, SUV, or truck for a few hours often costs nothing more than a tank of gas or a meal in thanks. Offer to fill the tank, buy lunch, or swap favors to make it easy for them. When you borrow a vehicle, confirm insurance coverage and take time to load items carefully. We’ve squeezed home wide doors and long trim into a compact car when necessary, but larger borrowed vehicles make life a lot easier for big runs like IKEA hauls or trips to the recycling center.
Hauling Tip #5: Rent a Moving Truck or Trailer
When you need more capacity or a ramp for loading, consider renting a moving truck, trailer, or van. Rental companies offer a range of sizes and loading options, which can be useful for one-off large moves or heavy items like appliances. While this option can be pricier than a short-term pickup rental, it gives you flexibility and the right equipment for awkward or very heavy loads. If you go this route, reserve in advance and verify dimensions, weight limits, and any additional insurance you might need.
Practical tips for any hauling job: measure twice so you know the dimensions you must accommodate, wrap or blanket fragile items, tie everything down securely, and enlist at least one helper for heavy lifting. Plan your route to avoid tight turns or low-clearance obstacles and check local ordinances if you’ll be parking a rented vehicle on the street. With a little planning and creativity, you can transport large items safely and affordably—even without owning a pickup truck.
What are your favorite ways to haul oversized things without a big vehicle? Share your tips and creative solutions—we’re always collecting new ideas for how to get the job done efficiently and safely.