This $200 Menards haul might be the smartest money you spend all month

Walking into Menards with $200 in hand can feel like stepping into possibility overload. The trick is knowing what to grab so that money actually stretches into upgrades, savings, and tools you’ll use week after week.

Instead of walking out with random odds and ends, you can build a cart that makes your home run smoother, saves you money down the road, and feels like money well spent. Here’s how to turn a Menards haul into something that keeps paying you back.

Stock Up on Cleaning Supplies

Menards often runs rebates and multipack deals on household cleaning products. Grabbing a stockpile for under $50 means you won’t have to run out and pay full price later. Think laundry detergent, dish soap, and all-purpose cleaners that you use constantly. With $200, setting aside a chunk here gives you months of savings.

Grab LED Bulbs in Bulk

Switching over to LED bulbs might not be flashy, but it’s one of the smartest upgrades for your electric bill. Menards regularly has bulk packs for $10–$20, which is far cheaper than buying one or two at a time elsewhere. A single $20 pack can light up half your house and lower your utility costs for years.

Invest in Basic Hand Tools

If you don’t already have a hammer, screwdriver set, and pliers that actually hold up, this is the time to buy them. Menards’ tool aisle has plenty of solid starter options without hitting pro-level prices. Spending $40 here means you’re not scrambling to borrow or rebuy cheap tools that break after one project.

Upgrade Your Extension Cords

You probably underestimate how many times you actually need a reliable extension cord. Menards sells heavy-duty outdoor versions that can handle lawn tools, power equipment, or holiday lights. For under $25, you can grab one that saves you from constant replacements and sketchy old cords that aren’t safe anymore.

Pick Up Storage Bins

Organization pays off when you stop rebuying things you already own. Menards has large totes and smaller organizers in multipacks, often for under $40. Tossing in a few sturdy bins during your haul keeps seasonal items, tools, and garage gear in order so you’re not wasting money replacing things you can’t find.

Refill on Furnace Filters

Clean filters keep your HVAC system running efficiently, which means lower energy bills and fewer repair calls. Menards carries multi-packs that usually run $15–$25 depending on size. Adding these to your cart means you’ll actually stay on top of changing them, instead of running to grab an overpriced single filter in a pinch.

Buy Salt or Softener Pellets in Bulk

If you’re on a water softener system or need driveway salt for winter, Menards is one of the most affordable places to stock up. A few bags tossed in the cart can run $25–$40, but they’ll save you from emergency runs at higher prices. It’s a bulk buy that actually makes sense because you’ll use it.

Add Some Paint Supplies

Even if you’re not tackling a major project, having brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape on hand makes touch-ups easier. Menards often has value packs under $20 that include everything you need for quick fixes. This means you won’t spend more money later when you’re tempted to buy pricier supplies last minute.

Toss in Seasonal Deals

Menards is known for rotating seasonal discounts, from garden soil and fertilizer in spring to ice melt and space heaters in winter. Setting aside $30–$40 for whatever’s on sale when you shop means you’ll score items at their cheapest instead of waiting until prices jump.

Don’t Skip the Rebate Items

One of the smartest parts of a Menards haul is checking out their rebate program. Many everyday items come with mail-in rebates that cut your real cost by 10–15%. Spending part of your $200 on rebate-eligible products stretches that budget further and keeps money coming back your way after the fact.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.