11 Genius Home Depot Clearance Hacks Every DIYer Should Know

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 11 insider tricks seasoned shoppers use to score the lowest prices at Home Depot.

Regular sale items on the shelves have a white tag. Clearance items are priced using a yellow tag. The clearance price endings reveal the discount schedule. 

• .00 = Initial clearance. This is the first markdown with more discounts on the horizon. 
• .06 = This is the second markdown, and prices will be lowered in approximately six weeks. 
• .03 = This is the last markdown and the lowest price. 
• .01 = This item is being discontinued, and you will want to purchase it immediately. 

Once you know this system, you'll never walk past a yellow tag the same way again.

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.

You can check an item to see if it has received a further markdown by scanning the barcode 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.