5 Useful Home Depot Shopping Tips

Home Depot is a go-to destination for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a vast array of products for home improvement projects. While many shoppers are familiar with basic savings strategies, there are several lesser-known tips that can further enhance your shopping experience and help you make the most of your budget. In this article, we’ll explore five unique and effective Home Depot shopping tips designed to save you money and time.

1. Check for Hidden Discounts on Overstocked Items

Home Depot often marks down overstocked items, but these discounts may not always be clearly labeled. If you notice a product with an unusually high inventory, it’s worth asking an associate if there’s an additional discount available.

Some items, especially seasonal products and slow-moving inventory, may have unadvertised price reductions to clear space for new stock. Being proactive can lead to unexpected savings on items you already planned to purchase.

20% off clearance appliance sign in Home Depot.
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

2. Buy Open-Box or Returned Items for Major Discounts

Returned or slightly damaged items are often available at a steep discount in Home Depot’s clearance section. These products are typically still in great condition but may have minor cosmetic flaws or missing packaging.

From power tools to appliances, open-box deals can save you significant money, especially if the item is still under warranty. Always inspect the item thoroughly and ask about return policies before purchasing.

Tool boxes in Home Depot.
Photo Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

3. Use the Rental Center Instead of Buying Expensive Tools

For one-time projects, renting tools from Home Depot’s rental center can save you hundreds of dollars compared to buying new equipment. From power washers to tile saws, Home Depot offers a wide range of rental tools at reasonable rates.

This is particularly useful for large-scale home improvement projects where a specialized tool is needed for a short time. Renting ensures you have access to professional-grade equipment without the long-term cost and storage issues.

Home depot rental center.
Photo Credit: Guilty-Item5357 via Reddit

4. Shop the “Oops” Paint Section for Big Savings

Home Depot sells mis-tinted or returned paint at a fraction of the original price in the “Oops” paint section. If you’re flexible with color choices, this can be a great way to save on paint for smaller projects.

These discounted cans often sell for as little as $5, making them ideal for accent walls, furniture makeovers, or touch-up jobs. Checking this section regularly can lead to incredible deals on quality paint.

Paint cans on a cart pushed by Home Depot.
Photo Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

5. Time Your Purchases Around Major Sales Events

Home Depot offers some of the best discounts during specific times of the year, such as Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day sales. Shopping during these events can lead to major savings on appliances, tools, and outdoor equipment.

Additionally, watching for clearance markdowns at the end of a season, such as patio furniture in the fall or holiday decorations in January, can help you score deep discounts on big-ticket items.

Christmas trees in a Home Depot.
Photo Credit: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Related Articles

Maximizing your savings at Home Depot involves more than just catching sales and using coupons. By looking for hidden discounts, considering open-box deals, utilizing the rental center, checking the “Oops” paint section, and timing your purchases around major sales, you can enhance your shopping experience and make the most of your budget. Implement these unique tips on your next visit to Home Depot to unlock potential savings and become a more informed shopper.