When Does It Make Sense to Rent, Not Buy?

When You Don’t Intend to Use the Item Often or for Long

Fixing things up around the house? Traveling? Hosting houseguests? Don’t buy something that will only gather dust after one use. And don’t schlep something that will cost you extra luggage fees.

Tools and Appliances

What's available: Power washers, generators, lawn aerators, carpet steam cleaners, electric saws and drills, washing machines and dryers, refrigerators, etc.

Where to find it: 

• appliancewhse.com and azuma.com (large appliances)
• homedepotrents.com and truevalue.com (specialty tools and hardware supplies)

Keep in mind: For information on how to use rental tools in various projects, go to the Know-How Center at homedepot.com. These instructional pages feature buying guides, how- to videos, and safety tips.

Cost Comparison:
Makita Chain Saw
To rent: $60 a day.
To buy: $980.

Kenmore Washer-Dryer
To rent: $35 a month.
To buy: $400 for each appliance.