Does Home Depot Rent Trucks In 2023? (Cost, How To + Other FAQs)
Moving can be an exciting but stressful time. As you plan your upcoming move, you may be wondering – can you rent a truck from Home Depot?
The answer is yes! Many Home Depot locations offer truck and van rentals to help customers move everything from studio apartments to multi-bedroom homes. Renting from your local Home Depot can provide quick, affordable access to the moving vehicle you need.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting trucks and moving vans from Home Depot in 2024 so you can decide if it‘s the right choice for your move.
What Types of Trucks and Vans Can You Rent from Home Depot?
Home Depot offers three main categories of rental trucks and vans:
Pickup Trucks – Choose between an F250 or T250 pickup truck with an open bed for hauling building materials, lumber, furniture and appliances.
Cargo Vans – Enclosed vans provide space to safely transport sensitive belongings and boxes. Models contain between 200 to 330 cubic feet of cargo volume.
Box Trucks – Fully enclosed trucks ranging from 16 to 26 feet are available for big moves. These box trucks offer between 500 to 1,500 cubic feet of space.
Within each category, different sizes are available to accommodate your specific moving needs. We‘ll break down exact dimensions and capacity later.
Key Stats on Home Depot Truck Rentals
- 2,300+ Home Depot stores offer truck rentals in the US and Canada
- 70% of stores rent pickup trucks and cargo vans for local moves
- 500+ locations provide larger 16-26 ft box trucks for long distance relocations
- Average cost is $50 per day for pickup, $70 per day for 10-foot vans
- Estimated 150,000 Home Depot truck rentals occur each year
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Home Depot Truck?
Home Depot rental costs vary based on truck size, rental duration, and whether it‘s one-way or round trip.
Pickup Trucks
Cargo Vans
Box Trucks
One-way rentals include unlimited miles and range from $99 – $189/day depending on size. Round-trip rentals are charged by the hour or day plus $.59-$.99 per mile.
Expect to also pay:
- Security deposit of $100 for pickups, $150 for box trucks
- Liability fee of $10-15 per day unless you opt for built-in insurance
- Potential cleaning or mileage fees if the vehicle is returned dirty or without gas
Rates are usually cheaper than dedicated rental companies. But be sure to compare rates for your exact needs, as prices can fluctuate.
Tip: Reserve at least 2-3 weeks in advance for best rates and guaranteed availability.
How Far in Advance Should You Reserve a Home Depot Truck?
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For local moves with a pickup truck or cargo van, reservations are not possible. These vehicles are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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For one-way or long-distance relocations with a box truck, reserve at least 2-3 weeks ahead of your move date. This ensures access to your desired truck size and guaranteed pricing.
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At the peak of moving season in spring and summer, large box trucks can book up quickly, so reserve them 4-6 weeks in advance when possible.
Overall, last minute rentals are riskier – you may be stuck paying surged pricing or the size you need may already be booked. Plan ahead for peace of mind!
How Does Home Depot Truck Rental Availability Compare?
Home Depot has over 2,000 truck rental locations across North America. But availability still varies by area.
For example, in cities like New York, Home Depot has just 5 rental locations versus 13 Budget truck rental branches and 18 U-Haul centers.
In Los Angeles, there are 15 Home Depots offering truck rentals compared to 10 Budget and 35+ U-Haul options.
So in major metro areas, other rental companies may have 2x or 3x as many pickup and dropoff points, with more convenience.
Use the store locators for Home Depot, U-Haul, Budget, and Penske to compare availability in your local area.
Tip: If renting a box truck, lookup locations along your entire route for dropoff flexibility.
What are the Pros and Cons of Renting From Home Depot?
Pros
| Convenience | 2,300+ rental locations across US and Canada |
| Availability | Truck rentals at 70% of stores for basic local moves |
| Affordability | Lower rates than U-Haul, Budget etc for short rentals |
| Familiarity | Existing customer relationship if you shop at Home Depot |
| Efficiency | Pick up truck while purchasing moving supplies |
| Easy Returns | Drop off at any Home Depot location |
Cons
| Limited Truck Sizes | Typically only up to 26 foot trucks available |
| Availability Issues | Not all locations offer rentals so call ahead |
| Peak Demand | Trucks can be booked out weeks in advance during peak summer |
| Time Limitations | Stores only open regular hours, no 24/7 returns |
The convenience and cost may outweigh limitations for local moves. But for big long distance moves, other rental companies have more options.
What Should You Know About Insurance and Fees?
When renting a moving truck, liability insurance coverage is required in case of accidents, damage, or theft. Here‘s how it works with Home Depot rentals:
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Your personal auto insurance may extend liability coverage to the rental truck. Check with your insurer.
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If you decline Home Depot‘s Damage Waiver (LDW) for $10-15 per day, you are responsible for the full value of the vehicle if any damage occurs.
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Taking the optional LDW covers you for damage/theft except for a $500-$1000 deductible depending on the truck size.
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Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) also offers extra protection beyond basic LDW if desired.
Fees to watch out for:
- Cleaning fee – $50 minimum if truck is returned messy
- Mileage fee – $0.50-$0.75 per excess mile driven
- Fuel charge – $5-$15 if tank isn‘t refilled
- Late fee – $50 per hour if truck is returned late
What Are the Steps for Renting a Truck from Home Depot?
Renting a moving truck from Home Depot is designed to be quick and convenient. Here‘s an overview of what to expect:
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Reserve your truck online – For larger box trucks, book 2-6 weeks ahead online for better availability and prices.
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Check in at the rental desk – Come prepared with your valid driver‘s license, insurance card, and credit card.
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Complete paperwork – Provide requested contact info and sign the rental contract terms.
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Get keys & instructions – Attendant will walk through operating the truck, securing loads properly, and fueling.
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Inspect the truck – Look over the cab and box and note any prior scrapes or dents before leaving.
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Load up your truck – Use provided ramps and tie downs to secure all items safely.
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Return on time – Avoid late fees by returning truck and keys promptly at the scheduled date/time.
During peak times, give yourself extra time at pickup and dropoff for waiting. Rushing leads to forgetting important steps!
Expert Tip: Take photos showing the condition of truck at pickup and dropoff to protect against unfair damage claims.
How Should You Secure Your Belongings in a Rental Truck?
Improperly secured furniture and boxes are the #1 cause of moving damage according to insurance claims. Here are some tips:
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Use moving blankets or pads to cushion all furniture edges and appliances
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Securely tie down all furniture and boxes with ropes/straps to avoid shifting
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Stack boxes by weight, keeping heavier ones lower and lighter boxes on top
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Avoid overloading or unevenly distributing weight which can make the truck unstable
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Open some extra room between loaded items and the truck walls
Take it slow, distribute weight evenly, and tie loads down tight to protect your belongings.
What Are the Best Practices for a Smooth Rental Experience?
Follow these top 10 tips for a stress-free truck rental:
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Reserve larger trucks at least 2-3 weeks in advance when possible
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Acquire needed moving supplies like boxes, tape, pads earlier
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Check truck dimensions to verify your stuff will fit
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Load boxes and furniture securely to avoid damage
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Inspect for pre-existing scrapes or dents before leaving
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Note mileage precisely at pickup and dropoff to avoid fees
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Drive carefully and allow extra room for turns and braking
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Refuel completely before returning to avoid big fuel charges
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Clean out any boxes or debris you may have left behind
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Check that you have all your belongings before returning
By planning ahead, loading properly, and taking precautions, your Home Depot truck rental can go smoothly!
When Is Home Depot Truck Rental the Best Option?
Renting a moving truck from Home Depot can be ideal if:
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You‘re moving locally within the same city or metro area
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You need a smaller 10-16 foot truck for moving just a few rooms of items
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You want pickup truck for hauling individual furniture pieces or appliances
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You need a truck last-minute since no reservations are required
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You want the flexibility to pickup and dropoff from any area Home Depot
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You need moving supplies and want the convenience of one-stop shopping
For bigger interstate moves with larger truck needs, U-Haul or Penske may be preferable. But for many local DIY moves, Home Depot offers an accessible option worth considering.
The Bottom Line: Is Home Depot the Right Choice for Your Upcoming Move?
Renting a truck from Home Depot can provide an affordable and convenient moving solution for many circumstances. The ability to quickly pickup a van or pickup truck without a reservation makes it easy for small local jobs.
Home Depot‘s rental fleet includes a solid variety of truck sizes capable of handling studio apartments up to 4-5 bedroom homes in a single haul. Extended hours for loading allow flexibility. Lower costs than dedicated rental companies can mean big savings on short term rentals.
On the negative side, availability is limited to certain stores so calling ahead is a must. Truck sizes max out at 26 foot options – U-Haul or Penske offer better selection for big interstate moves. And the first-come, first-served policy means you could be left scrambling during peak season.
By understanding costs, truck dimensions, and reservation strategies, you can determine if Home Depot truck rental is the right match for your upcoming moving needs. Wherever you decide to rent from, protecting your belongings with proper loading techniques remains critical.
With smart planning and preparation, your moving truck rental can go smoothly and affordably. Best of luck with your upcoming relocation!