Is overhead garage storage safe?

There are often tools and other stuff lying around the garage floor, which can make it look like a mess. Sometimes this can lead to broken things. Find the best overhead garage storage rack that can handle more weight and maintain a wide range of objects to ensure the security of your garage’s tools and equipment when they’re not in use. You can find a variety of storage racks on the market, but not all of them are ideal. Key aspects include maximum weight capacity, durability, size, and ease of installation, among others, which you should evaluate.

There are always those extra containers and cartons. No doubt you have them as well. They wait patiently in the depths of your storage sheds and basements for the right time of year to make a comeback. The box is overflowing with tinsel and ornaments, while the trash is stuffed with fake pumpkins and autumn foliage. The outgrown item of clothing that the following child won’t quite fill out. Maybe it’s the paints and brushes, the lawnmower and camping gear, the paints and grass seed, or the yard games and the tent. Every detail that will one day shine brightly in its intended context. However, the question becomes where do you store them when the season is over? We chose to investigate overhead storage options because my closet is small and our garage is spacious.

Some things to think about while picking the best overhead garage storage solution for your needs. In order to get the most of the available space, you should carefully plan the installation process, including the size and location of the system. The system’s brand and design are also crucial considerations for establishing the system’s level of security and longevity. Consider the size and weight of the items you intend to keep, and whether or not they will fit safely in the unit. Think about how much weight your ceiling can support and whether or not you want to tackle the installation yourself.

What Is Overhead Garage Storage?

Overhead storage can be any rack, shelf, pulley, or hooks that dangle the item over the roof-line of your automobile, although it is most commonly thought of as racks that hang from the ceiling of a garage.

There is a wide range of sizes and materials available for overhead cabinets. You can put just about anything in them, from kayaks to old clothes to gardening equipment.

They can support up to 600 pounds each and are typically installed along ceiling joists.

How Is Safe Overhead Garage Storage?

My main concern when it comes to putting anything in the garage ceiling is car safety.

If it is positioned correctly and your garage ceiling can support the weight, overhead storage is fairly secure.

Storage device manufacturers often rate their products up to a maximum capacity. Usually, the limit is less than what the product can handle, but businesses nonetheless set it to be safe and minimise their liability.

Knowing how much weight a storage rack can support before the metal flexes or the bolts come out of the ceiling joists is crucial.

Additionally, confirm that the weight you plan to hang from the garage ceiling can support it. The load bearing capability of your ceiling is probably much less than the weight capacity of your overhead rack.

I invested a lot of time understanding how much weight certain ceiling joists and trusses could support when I was researching overhead storage solutions. Read the article before making a shelf or rack purchase. If you try to hang more from your ceiling than it can support, expect everything to collapse.

Tips for Garage Overhead Storage to Make the Most of Your Space

Utilizing the vacant space above your garage’s ceiling is a great way to decrease clutter. The vertical space in garages frequently goes underutilised.

But which garage overhead storage options are the finest, and how should you arrange all that extra space? Use these seven garage overhead storage suggestions to make the most of the additional space in your home.

Choose the right garage overhead storage system

Choosing the best garage overhead storage system is the first and most critical of our garage storage ideas. Think about what you’ll need to store in the overhead area. This will help you select the best storage option. From that point on, stowing items in the garage’s rafters is a breeze.

Overhead garage storage is ideal for larger, heavier things. For this reason, you need sturdy storage racks that can withstand the rigours of a busy garage for many years. Garage Living sells tyre racks that may be put on the wall. Our overhead racks include features that make them suitable for storing tyres and other heavy items:

For further storage versatility, racks can be adjusted up to 45 inches in height.
In foot sizes 2’8, 3’6, 3’8, 4’4, 4’6, and 4’8
Increasing the racking’s durability is the powder-coated paint finish.
The heavy-gauge steel design of the racking ensures that up to 600 lbs can be safely supported.

Put The Appropriate Things In Your Garage’s Overhead Storage.

Tyres are just one example of a variety of items that are better kept in your garage’s ceiling rather than taking up valuable parking space on the floor. For storing seasonal commodities that aren’t needed for a significant portion of the year, overhead racking is excellent.

Tools and equipment used for property maintenance include mowers, snow blowers, grass shears, hedge shears, shovels, and rakes.

When not in use, you can store seasonal items like patio furniture, bike racks, camping supplies, and holiday decorations in the area above the ceiling of your garage. You can store storage containers on the overhead racks as well, but you shouldn’t put sensitive items like clothing or linens there.

Put Similar Objects Together.

The last piece of advise we have for making use of the space above your garage is a general one: group like items together.

If you keep anything carefully, the likelihood that you’ll lose it drastically decreases, and you’ll find it much easier to locate what you need. This easy rule of thumb will be very beneficial while looking for tiny items.

Stored Goods With Labels

Using names for each box or bin is one of the garage overhead storage techniques that will help you save time. It’s imperative to label storage containers, especially if you’re using containers that are visually similar to one another.

If they are labelled, smaller, harder-to-find items kept in containers can be taken off the shelf much faster. If you use labels, make sure they are readable and won’t come off in the freezer or microwave.

Prepare Your Belongings For Overhead Garage Storage Properly.

Motorcycles, lawnmowers, and snowblowers should all be cleaned and dried before being stored in an overhead garage rack to avoid rusting. The manufacturer’s recommendations for any motorised equipment should be followed when doing storage maintenance, such as oil changes.

The lifespan of seasonal objects can be increased by making the effort to store them properly.

Avoid Filling The Ceiling Storage In Your Garage With Unnecessary Clutter.

Determine each item’s potential utility before storing it. Is there a chance the beloved tent will last through another camping trip? Really, do you believe you can rely on those rake tines that are bent?

This general rule of thumb is lax during the summer and winter. A periodic practise of getting rid of things that are no longer needed can help keep garage clutter to a minimum. If you do that, you can store additional items in the higher cabinets in the garage.

Give The Installation Of Garage Overhead Storage Racks To A Dependable Expert.

Garage overhead storage racks made to support heavy loads must be installed with professional assistance. The rafters or ceiling joists must be used to firmly fasten above racks, and a reliable anchoring mechanism must be used for tyre racks that are hanging from the wall.

One of the garage overhead storage ideas worth thinking about is speciality racking, which should be installed by a professional to prevent any accidents.

Your specialised storage racking may be installed by Garage Living in a way that makes sure it is totally safe and can support the weight you wish to store on it. We can also give you recommendations on the best sizes and materials for specialised racking at your storage facility.

What Are the Benefits of Overhead Garage Storage?

SafeRacks’ overhead garage storage has a number of advantages.

safer than avoiding potential injuries caused by tripping over garage floor clutter, freeing up room for additional applications such as parking, hobby work, home business, pet area (thousands of garage accidents happen every year in the U.S.)
Costs for outside storage are eliminated.
putting in order the clutter that has accumulated in your garage over time (and possible fire hazard)
storage that keeps things out of the reach of kids and animals
giving a lot more storage capacity than other shelving solutions; for instance, one SafeRacks 8′ x 4′ rack adjusted to 46″ from the ceiling gives over 128 cubic feet of storage space (more than the average coat-closet)
Installing the sturdy and secure 14-gauge industrial-grade steel shelves with redundant connections is a breeze and takes an authorised SafeRacks installer only approximately an hour per rack. Store your stuff up high

Safeguarding Overhead Garage Storage Systems

Okay, the nightmare is starting to become a reality: you finally get around to making some shelves, putting all the decorations and yard tools in neat rows, and then in the middle of the night Mayhem’s younger brother stops by to inspect your shoddy work. The majority of individuals just purchase floor shelving in order to avoid potential catastrophes that could lead to broken windows and chaos where there was previously order. But if you examine more closely, you might discover that these are a fantastic complement to your garage. With careful planning, a sturdy system build, well-considered storage alternatives, and professional installation, garage overhead storage systems can be a useful answer.

How to Make Overhead Storage Plans

It’s crucial to carefully plan out where your above-garage storage units will be placed first. Here are some questions you’ll need to respond to when making your decision while holding the measuring tape.

Analyze the goods you intend to keep. What are their dimensions and total weight?
What height do you want the garage shelves to hang at?
Will they cause any other garage-related issues? (Washing machine? standing bookcases? Vehicles?)
Will they restrict or impede access to the attic garage door?
When you instal the system, which way are the trusses facing?

Even while this isn’t a complete list, it will at least provide you a place to start as you start considering your buying possibilities.

What factors should I take into account while selecting an overhead garage storage system?

The next stage is selecting the storage racks themselves once you have a good understanding of the logistics of your area and items. What to look for includes the following:

Size

To the best of my knowledge, 4 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 4 feet are the most typical sizes for overhead storage. Smaller versions (3 ft × 3 ft) were offered by some of the other manufacturers I researched, but they frequently had much lower weight capacities. I’m now leaning towards this package (Amazon link). Additional sizing versatility is offered by hanging several “shelf-like” options from the ceiling. These other elements frequently came in sizes ranging from 2 feet by 8 feet to 2 feet by 4 feet to 4 feet by 8 feet, or 4 feet by 4 feet if you want to see if that’s a better fit for your requirements (Amazon Link).

Placement

You want to make sure you acquire the best storage unit you can when purchasing one for your garage. My garage contains an entrance door, a side access door, the main garage door, a tankless water heater, and an attic entrance, all of which are close to the ceiling. If I want to make the most of my available space in the ceiling compartments while maintaining everything in functioning shape, I have to do a lot of preparation. My use of a hybrid of bolt-to-the-wall and suspended overhead storage systems is necessary for this most recent Tetris iteration. A hybrid solution may be the best option if you need to take into account a number of fixed components (like doors) while determining the proportions of your garage.

Exactly How Is The Unit Fastened To The Ceiling?

When looking for overhead possibilities, pay particular attention to the feet and the manner the storage containers fasten to the ceiling. The majority of alternatives will have a foot that can be attached to the ceiling truss with lags. It could be preferable to drill and use a grade 8 bolt with a washer instead if you’re concerned about the lag stripping the wood. Nevertheless, I advise adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.

A 24-inch piece of angle iron is included at the foot on some of the brands that are offered, which is a good addition. Having the overhead storage system span across two trusses per foot will help spread the weight of the unit and the items you’re keeping more evenly across the ceiling.

What Type of Material Should Be Used for the Shelving?

In our article on garage storage cabinets, we have more information regarding floor shelving and how to choose the best kind for your garage. Wooden or plastic cabinets are acceptable, but if you want to hang shelves from the ceiling, you should purchase a prefabricated steel unit rather than building your own. You and your belongings will feel more secure thanks to the tried-and-true methods of ceiling attachment and general sturdiness.

Is There A Safety Lip On It?

It is advised that you use an overhead shelf with a lip to stop objects from falling off the front or back of the unit where they are stored. If you already know how you want your shelves to be organised, you can add a piece of slotted angle iron to make a lip. This will keep the floor beneath the unit secure as you move it, protecting anybody or whatever is being relocated.

What Can Overhead Garage Storage Accommodate?

The maximum weight capacity appeared to be 600 lbs. while considering the many options for overhead garage storage, so it’s a good idea to reevaluate your needs after choosing the solution that would work best for your space. The maximum weight that a specific overhead storage system is capable of supporting depends on a number of variables, including the system’s build quality, the size of the goods you purchased, and the manufacturer. Consult the product’s owner’s handbook to determine the safe weight limit.

Finally, don’t be afraid to estimate the bulk of the objects you intend to stack in the ceiling by a significant amount. It doesn’t cost much more to upgrade from a base model to one with a higher capacity, and getting one with a higher duty rating is safer than overloading the device and risking damage.

If you require greater access to your stored items but are unable to utilise a ladder or hoist big boxes and other objects onto the overhead racks, there is still hope. Although more expensive, it’s also a really cool option. Consider installing a motorised overhead storage system to maximise your garage’s ceiling capacity while maintaining simple ground access.

In these systems, the system is pulled while one or more hoist motors lift and lower the rack. Typically, a wall-mounted controller or a smartphone app is used to control this type of shelf unit. These containers not only make using your ceiling as a storage space quick, easy, and safe, but they also make accessing the items kept there simple. We have chosen Racor as our top choice for this kind of equipment after examining the many options.

There is no better time than the present to organise your seasonal trash cans and sweep your floors! If you take the time to plan it out, shop for great discounts, and have some faith in your own organisational abilities, your garage can look entirely different after just one weekend of labour.

Conclusion

Find the best overhead garage storage rack that can handle more weight and maintain a wide range of objects. Overhead storage can be any rack, shelf, pulley, or hooks that dangle the item over the roof-line of your automobile. It is most commonly thought of as racks that hang from the ceiling of a garage. Overhead cabinets can support up to 600 pounds each and are typically installed along ceiling joists. Use these tips to make the most of the extra space above your garage’s rafters.

Read the article before making a shelf or rack purchase. Overhead garage storage is ideal for larger, heavier things. Tyres are one example of items that are better kept in your garage’s ceiling rather than taking up valuable parking space on the floor. Tools and equipment used for property maintenance include mowers, snow blowers and grass shears. Motorcycles, lawnmowers, and snowblowers should all be cleaned and dried before being stored in an overhead garage rack.

Garage overhead storage racks made to support heavy loads must be installed with professional assistance. Specialised overhead storage racking is worth thinking about, which should be installed by a professional. Garage overhead storage systems are a fantastic complement to your garage. SafeRacks 8′ x 4′ rack adjusted to 46 from the ceiling gives over 128 cubic feet of storage space (more than the average coat-closet). Installing the sturdy and secure 14-gauge industrial-grade steel shelves with redundant connections is a breeze.

4 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 4 feet are the most typical sizes for overhead storage racks. Additional sizing versatility is offered by hanging several “shelf-like” options from the ceiling. A hybrid solution may be the best option if you need to take into account a number of fixed components. A 24-inch piece of angle iron is included at the foot on some of the brands that are offered. Having the overhead storage system span across two trusses per foot will help spread the weight of the unit and the items you’re keeping more evenly across the ceiling.

The maximum weight that a specific overhead storage system is capable of supporting depends on a number of variables, including the size of the goods you purchased, and the manufacturer. Don’t be afraid to estimate the bulk of the objects you intend to stack in the ceiling by a significant amount.

Content Summary

Find the best overhead garage storage rack that can handle more weight and maintain a wide range of objects to ensure the security of your garage’s tools and equipment when they’re not in use.
Some things to think about while picking the best overhead garage storage solution for your needs.
In order to get the most of the available space, you should carefully plan the installation process, including the size and location of the system.
The system’s brand and design are also crucial considerations for establishing the system’s level of security and longevity.
Consider the size and weight of the items you intend to keep, and whether or not they will fit safely in the unit.
Think about how much weight your ceiling can support and whether or not you want to tackle the installation yourself.
There is a wide range of sizes and materials available for overhead cabinets.
If it is positioned correctly and your garage ceiling can support the weight, overhead storage is fairly secure.
Storage device manufacturers often rate their products up to a maximum capacity.
Additionally, confirm that the weight you plan to hang from the garage ceiling can support it.
The load bearing capability of your ceiling is probably much less than the weight capacity of your overhead rack.
Tips for Garage Overhead Storage to Make the Most of Your SpaceUtilizing the vacant space above your garage’s ceiling is a great way to decrease clutter.
Use these seven garage overhead storage suggestions to make the most of the additional space in your home.
Choose the right garage overhead storage systemChoosing the best garage overhead storage system is the first and most critical of our garage storage ideas.
Think about what you’ll need to store in the overhead area.
Overhead garage storage is ideal for larger, heavier things.
For this reason, you need sturdy storage racks that can withstand the rigours of a busy garage for many years.
Our overhead racks include features that make them suitable for storing tyres and other heavy items:For further storage versatility, racks can be adjusted up to 45 inches in height.
Put The Appropriate Things In Your Garage’s Overhead Storage.
For storing seasonal commodities that aren’t needed for a significant portion of the year, overhead racking is excellent.
When not in use, you can store seasonal items like patio furniture, bike racks, camping supplies, and holiday decorations in the area above the ceiling of your garage.
You can store storage containers on the overhead racks as well, but you shouldn’t put sensitive items like clothing or linens there.
Put Similar Objects Together.
The last piece of advise we have for making use of the space above your garage is a general one: group like items together.
Stored Goods With LabelsUsing names for each box or bin is one of the garage overhead storage techniques that will help you save time.
Motorcycles, lawnmowers, and snowblowers should all be cleaned and dried before being stored in an overhead garage rack to avoid rusting.
The manufacturer’s recommendations for any motorised equipment should be followed when doing storage maintenance, such as oil changes.
The lifespan of seasonal objects can be increased by making the effort to store them properly.
Avoid Filling The Ceiling Storage In Your Garage With Unnecessary Clutter.
Determine each item’s potential utility before storing it.
A periodic practise of getting rid of things that are no longer needed can help keep garage clutter to a minimum.
If you do that, you can store additional items in the higher cabinets in the garage.
Give The Installation Of Garage Overhead Storage Racks To A Dependable Expert.
Garage overhead storage racks made to support heavy loads must be installed with professional assistance.
One of the garage overhead storage ideas worth thinking about is speciality racking, which should be installed by a professional to prevent any accidents.
Your specialised storage racking may be installed by Garage Living in a way that makes sure it is totally safe and can support the weight you wish to store on it.
We can also give you recommendations on the best sizes and materials for specialised racking at your storage facility.
What Are the Benefits of Overhead Garage Storage?SafeRacks’ overhead garage storage has a number of advantages.
putting in order the clutter that has accumulated in your garage over time (and possible fire hazard) storage that keeps things out of the reach of kids and animals giving a lot more storage capacity than other shelving solutions; for instance, one SafeRacks 8′ x 4′ rack adjusted to 46″ from the ceiling gives over 128 cubic feet of storage space (more than the average coat-closet) Installing the sturdy and secure 14-gauge industrial-grade steel shelves with redundant connections is a breeze and takes an authorised SafeRacks installer only approximately an hour per rack.
But if you examine more closely, you might discover that these are a fantastic complement to your garage.
With careful planning, a sturdy system build, well-considered storage alternatives, and professional installation, garage overhead storage systems can be a useful answer.
How to Make Overhead Storage PlansIt’s crucial to carefully plan out where your above-garage storage units will be placed first.
Analyze the goods you intend to keep.
What height do you want the garage shelves to hang at?
The next stage is selecting the storage racks themselves once you have a good understanding of the logistics of your area and items.
What to look for includes the following:SizeTo the best of my knowledge, 4 feet by 8 feet or 4 feet by 4 feet are the most typical sizes for overhead storage.
My use of a hybrid of bolt-to-the-wall and suspended overhead storage systems is necessary for this most recent Tetris iteration.
Exactly How Is The Unit Fastened To The Ceiling?When looking for overhead possibilities, pay particular attention to the feet and the manner the storage containers fasten to the ceiling.
Nevertheless, I advise adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A 24-inch piece of angle iron is included at the foot on some of the brands that are offered, which is a good addition.
Having the overhead storage system span across two trusses per foot will help spread the weight of the unit and the items you’re keeping more evenly across the ceiling.
What Type of Material Should Be Used for the Shelving?In our article on garage storage cabinets, we have more information regarding floor shelving and how to choose the best kind for your garage.
Wooden or plastic cabinets are acceptable, but if you want to hang shelves from the ceiling, you should purchase a prefabricated steel unit rather than building your own.
Is There A Safety Lip On It?It is advised that you use an overhead shelf with a lip to stop objects from falling off the front or back of the unit where they are stored.
If you already know how you want your shelves to be organised, you can add a piece of slotted angle iron to make a lip.
while considering the many options for overhead garage storage, so it’s a good idea to reevaluate your needs after choosing the solution that would work best for your space.
The maximum weight that a specific overhead storage system is capable of supporting depends on a number of variables, including the system’s build quality, the size of the goods you purchased, and the manufacturer.
Consult the product’s owner’s handbook to determine the safe weight limit.
Finally, don’t be afraid to estimate the bulk of the objects you intend to stack in the ceiling by a significant amount.
If you require greater access to your stored items but are unable to utilise a ladder or hoist big boxes and other objects onto the overhead racks, there is still hope.
Consider installing a motorised overhead storage system to maximise your garage’s ceiling capacity while maintaining simple ground access.
There is no better time than the present to organise your seasonal trash cans and sweep your floors!

FAQs About Garage Storage

At what temperature should one keep furniture?

Long-term warehousing of furniture entails what? Both the temperature and the humidity must be managed. The ideal temperature ranges from approximately 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal humidity is from around 30 to 60%. Wrapping the furniture with plastic will also keep it clean and dust-free.

What width do garage shelves need to be?

Each shelf needs to be at least 24 inches (60.96 centimetres) wide and 16 inches (40.64 centimetres) deep. However, the width can be increased if more totes will be stored on a single shelf. Just what is this, exactly? On the other hand, for most things, a distance of at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) is recommended for the shelves.

Garage storage cabinets – how much do they cost?

There is a broad variety of garage cabinets available, ranging in price from $100 to $2,000. Tools, gardening supplies, clothing, and toys are just some of the numerous things that might find a home in one of these cabinets.

What do you keep in the many drawers in your garage?

If you’re looking for garage storage solutions, shallow drawers and bins are preferable to huge lidded containers for storing little goods. In this garage, small tools, paintbrushes, extension cords, and spare lightbulbs are stored in hanging drawers. Utilizing compartmentalised drawers is a great way to avoid misplacing little items.

When it comes to a garage, where do you put cardboard boxes?

Don’t keep any cardboard items in the garage. Move your belongings out of cardboard boxes and into plastic containers and cartons. The investment in sturdy containers is well worth it if you value order and organisation in your storage spaces.

Is Overhead Garage Storage Safe?