Home Depot is a goldmine for DIY enthusiasts, offering a wide range of products from garden supplies to power tools. But if you really want to maximize savings, it pays to shop smart. Beyond everyday low prices, there are clearance hacks that can help you stretch your project budget further and save money the next time you shop.
Here are 12 insider tricks seasoned shoppers use to score the lowest prices at Home Depot.
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Learn to read clearance tag prices
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Regular sale items on the shelves have a white tag. Clearance items are priced using a yellow tag. The clearance price endings reveal just how steep the discount is:
- .06 = 25% off
- .04 = 50% off
- .03 = 75% off
- .02 = 90% off
Once you know this system, you'll never walk past a yellow tag the same way again.
Check clearance tag dates
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Each clearance tag includes a date that reveals when markdowns began. This matters because many items drop further in price every few weeks. Most clearance items will be marked down to a penny after 14 weeks.
Some stores may take longer than others, so it's important to observe this process at your location to see when the items are marked to their final discount.
Know where to look for clearance items
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Clearance deals aren't always front and center. In most stores, you'll find them tucked away at the back of aisles, on end caps, or up in the overhead bins.
The items in the upper bins are often overstocked, which means they might not be in their original section. When in doubt, ask an associate to point you to clearance areas so you don't miss hidden markdowns.
Use scanners to find even deeper discounts
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You can check an item to see if it has received a further markdown by scanning the bar code at the self-checkout. Select locations may also have price scanners installed throughout the store for easy price checking.
Be sure to scan the barcode on the product's packaging, not the one on the sticker. Sometimes the price differs between the two.
Take advantage of the Home Depot app
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The Home Depot app is a valuable tool when you're shopping in-store or from home. You can use it to check prices, confirm whether an item is in stock, and even see which aisle it is located in.
The app is a huge time-saver, helping you track down the best deals without wandering aimlessly through every section of the store.
Shop multiple locations
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Clearance deals aren't uniform across all Home Depot stores. Layouts may look the same, but product availability and markdowns vary by location. If you've spotted a good deal in one location, be sure to check other stores for similar deals.
The product locator on the app can also help you find which stores carry certain products.
Consider open-box items
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Don't overlook the value of open-box merchandise. These items include products returned by customers that are slightly damaged in transit or missing packaging. Many still function perfectly and are sold at steep discounts.
Ask a store associate if there are open-box items for sale, or check the mobile app or online for what's available.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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September marks the start of a new season and a new shopping mindset. As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to take advantage of transitional savings and post-summer sales. Look for deals on:
- Light layers and early fall fashion
- Outdoor clearance items
- Back-to-school essentials
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like apples, squash, grapes, and sweet potatoes
As retailers begin to roll out fall promotions, September is the sweet spot for scoring deals on both end-of-summer clearances and early autumn items. Shop now to get the best of both seasons.
Ask about purchasing floor models
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If the only version of a product left is the display model, don't hesitate to ask about buying it. Associates can sometimes offer significant discounts on floor models, especially when the product is being discontinued. It's a smart way to score savings on large-ticket items, such as grills or furniture.
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Buy paint from the "oops shelf"
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The paint aisle often hides one of Home Depot's best clearance secrets: the "oops shelf." Here, you'll find paint that was mismixed, ordered but never picked up, or slightly off-color from what a customer wanted.
The selection will vary greatly, but sometimes you can find paint up to 95% off.
Shop discounted seasonal plants
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If you're looking to add greenery to your landscape, shop Home Depot at the end of the season for discounted plants. As the seasons change, the retailer marks down certain plants to make room for the next season's greenery.
Look for perennial and biennial plants that last longer. Annuals die off each year and must be replanted. By shopping smart at the end of the season, you'll save big while beautifying your garden.
Shop after a big sale
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Check your Home Depot after big sale periods, such as Black Friday. The store receives extra inventory to sell, and what doesn't sell is often marked down by up to 70% or up to 50% off after other major holidays.
In most cases, the markdowns are display models that might have a scuff or scratch. Like open-box items and returns, these products are fully functional and can save you big money.
Quick tips: How to cut costs on your utility bills
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Many people overlook their monthly utility expenses as fixed costs. But with small changes, you can see immediate drop in your bills. Here are some tips:
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures
- Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than incandescent
- Wash clothes in cold water and hang items to dry
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degree Fahrenheit
Don't waste money. Remember that every dollar saved on a monthly bill turns into $12 annually.
Request a price match
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Home Depot's price-match guarantee is another overlooked hack. If you spot the same in-stock item for less at a competitor, Home Depot will match it. The product must be identical and available, and holiday promotions don't qualify, but regular sale prices do.
Price matching applies to both in-store and online purchases, so always compare prices before making a purchase. With just a quick check, you can save money instantly and ensure you're truly getting the lowest price possible.
Bottom line
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Home Depot clearance hacks aren't just about spotting yellow tags — they're about knowing where to look, when to shop, and how to ask the right questions. From penny pricing and "oops" paint to open-box appliances and price matches, these tricks can help you cut costs and avoid wasting money on almost any project. Whether you're tackling a full renovation or just grabbing supplies, these insider strategies let you save money without sacrificing quality.
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