9 DIY Home Improvement Projects That Go Better With a Rental Truck

1. Kitchen Remodels

A kitchen update usually involves more than just a few boxes. Cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring materials are often large, heavy and awkward to transport.

A rental truck gives you the space to move everything at once and helps reduce the risk of damage that can happen when trying to squeeze big items into small vehicles. It also helps you avoid the sometimes-outrageous delivery fees.

How a rental truck helps:

-Fits large cabinetry and appliances
-Keeps materials flat and secure during transport
-Reduces the number of trips needed

Penske tip: A 16 ft. box truck is a strong fit for most kitchen remodels, offering enough space for cabinets, appliances and materials without being oversized.

2. Bathroom Renovations

Even smaller spaces like bathrooms can require hauling tile, vanities, tubs and fixtures.

These materials can add up quickly in both weight and volume, especially if you’re buying everything at once.

How a rental truck helps:

-Handles heavy tile and fixtures
-Keeps fragile items protected
-Makes it easier to transport bulk purchases

Penske tip: For tighter loads, a 12 ft. box truck gives you enough room for vanities and fixtures while staying easy to maneuver.

3. Flooring Projects

Installing new flooring — whether hardwood, laminate, tile or carpet — means transporting long, heavy boxes or rolls that don’t fit easily in a standard car. A rental truck allows you to lay materials flat, which is especially important for preventing warping or damage.

How a rental truck helps:

-Accommodates long planks and bulk materials
-Protects flooring during transport
-Simplifies loading and unloading

Penske tip: Planning to install new flooring? You'll need to clear the room first. But the real challenge comes when moving furniture back in. Follow these tips to keep your floors scratch-free.

4. Deck Builds and Outdoor Projects

Building a deck or tackling a backyard project could involve lumber, paving stones, concrete, tools and other heavy or oversized materials. Trying to haul these in a personal vehicle can be difficult and even unsafe.

How a rental truck helps:

-Transports long lumber and equipment
-Keeps materials organized
-Supports larger loads in fewer trips

Penske tip: A 16 ft. box truck offers the length and cargo space needed for lumber, bags of concrete and large tools, helping you move everything in fewer trips.

5. Landscaping Overhauls

From mulch and soil to gravel and plants, landscape and garden projects can quickly turn into heavy-duty hauling jobs. A rental truck makes it easier to transport everything in one go, especially when working with bulk materials.

How a rental truck helps:

-Carries large quantities of soil, mulch or stone
-Keeps your personal vehicle clean
-Reduces repeated trips to the garden center

Penske tip: A cargo van can be a practical choice for landscaping runs, especially when loading bagged materials, pallets of plants, yard features and more.

6. Garage Cleanouts and Organization Projects

Cleaning out your garage often means getting rid of old furniture, broken equipment or other accumulated junk. A rental truck gives you the space to clear everything out at once, making the process faster and more efficient.

How a rental truck helps:

-Handles bulky or oversized items
-Makes donation or disposal trips easier
-Speeds up the cleanout process

Penske tip: For heavier items, using the right moving tools can make a big difference. You can add equipment like hand trucks and moving blankets to your rental to help protect items and reduce back strain. And the best part? They’ll be waiting in your rental truck when you arrive to pick it up.

7. Appliance Upgrades

Upgrading appliances like refrigerators, washers, big-screen TVs or ovens requires careful handling and enough space to transport them upright. A rental truck helps protect these items during the move and gives you room to secure them properly.

How a rental truck helps:

-Fits large appliances safely
-Allows proper positioning and tie-downs
-Reduces risk of damage in transit

Penske tip: If you’re refurnishing a room on a budget with great deals from a thrift store, ReStore or Facebook Marketplace, coordinate pick up times then rent a truck and get everything at once to save time and gas money.

8. Whole-Home Decluttering or Pre-Move Prep

If you’re decluttering before a move or just simplifying your space, you may need to transport items to storage, donation centers AND disposal sites. A rental truck helps you tackle everything in fewer trips.

How a rental truck helps:

-Consolidates multiple loads into one trip
-Makes sorting and transporting easier
-Saves time during large cleanouts

Penske tip: A 22 ft. or 26 ft. box truck can move lots of things at once, especially helpful if you’re clearing out an entire home.

9. DIY Furniture Builds and Upgrades

Taking on furniture projects, like building shelves, a dining room table or other custom pieces, often involves hauling raw materials and rented tools. A rental truck gives you the flexibility to transport everything you need without worrying about space.

How a rental truck helps:

-Fits large materials and tools
-Keeps items secure during transport
-Supports larger DIY projects

Penske tip: Need help determining the perfect truck size for your project, but prefer to talk with an actual person? Call 844-847-9577 to get personalized help from our moving experts.