Updated 2018
Being a single-car household doesn’t mean you can’t tackle big DIY projects or bring home oversized purchases. For years we managed with a modest Nissan Altima and now a small Toyota Highlander, and we’ve learned a handful of reliable strategies for transporting large items—furniture, lumber, tools, and renovation materials—without owning a truck. Below are practical hauling tips that have saved us time, money, and stress.
Hauling Tip #1: Rent a Store Truck
Many big-box stores rent pickup trucks for short periods, often at very reasonable rates. This can be an affordable and convenient choice when you need to move bulky items like drywall, lumber, oversized bathroom supplies, or large rented tools. The trucks are intended primarily for items bought at the store, but they can also be a quick solution for other pickups in some cases. We’ve used this option several times and find it low-stress: reserve the truck, load your items, and return it the same day.
If you’re picking up a particularly long or awkward item, bring ties or rope and a helper to secure the load. Many stores also provide basic moving supplies if you ask at the customer service desk.
Hauling Tip #2: Hire a Local Hauler or “Man With a Van”
Neighborhood apps and classifieds like Facebook, Nextdoor, or Craigslist can connect you with local helpers who offer pickup and delivery services. Platforms that list on-demand labor can also arrange furniture pickup or moving help for a fee. The benefits are twofold: someone else does the driving, and you often get extra hands for lifting and maneuvering heavy objects. Always check reviews, agree on a clear price up front, and be flexible with timing based on the helper’s schedule.
Hauling Tip #3: Donate and Use Free Pickup
If you’re trying to get rid of a large item, check local charities and donation centers that offer free pickup. Many organizations will collect furniture, appliances, and other usable items at no charge—and donations can be tax-deductible. We’ve scheduled pickups for bathroom fixtures and other renovation leftovers, and the teams arrived on time and handled the loading. Alternatively, listing items as “free, pick-up only” on local marketplaces is an effective way to clear space without driving anything yourself.
Hauling Tip #4: Borrow from Friends or Family
Tap your network. Borrowing a larger vehicle from a friend or family member—an SUV, van, or truck—can be the easiest option for short errands. We often trade favors like gas money, a meal, or return help with another task when someone lends us a vehicle for an Ikea run or a trip to the recycling center. If borrowing a bigger car isn’t possible, challenge yourself to think creatively: we once successfully fit two bifold doors into a small sedan by removing hardware and packing carefully.
Hauling Tip #5: Rent a Moving Truck or Van
Traditional moving truck rentals offer more flexibility than store trucks: different sizes, ramps, and trailer options are available depending on your needs. This can be especially useful for heavy or awkward items that require a ramp or extra room. Renting a moving truck is sometimes pricier and requires more planning, but it guarantees the right equipment for unique tasks—like moving a single vintage stove that needed a ramp for safe loading.
With a bit of planning and creativity, you don’t need to own a truck to manage oversized purchases or renovation waste. Between store rentals, local helpers, donation pickups, borrowing from friends, and moving truck rentals, there’s a solution for nearly every hauling challenge. Have a unique trick for getting big things home in a small car? Share your tips—the best ideas are often simple and resourceful.