Is an Overhead Storage Worth It?

Is an Overhead Storage Worth It?

Getting rid of excess items is typically the first thing that comes to mind when considering organising.

However, storage options that allow you to make the most of the available space are often the most effective means of organising your stuff. 

If you're considering adding an overhead storage system to your home, here's what you need to know.

Garage Overhead Storage

As the name implies, overhead garage storage consists of shelves that dangle from the canopy of a garage and are supported by beams.

People who want to optimise their living area but still need a place to store their cars often turn to these garages since they provide a decent storage solution.

Both the supports and shelves themselves can be made of metal or wood.

It's possible to save money by building your overhead garage storage system, but it may not be cheaper than buying one already manufactured. The benefits of a bespoke system include the freedom to specify both clearance and capacity.

However, some other systems might operate differently. It's an example, it's possible that there could be several possibilities for clearance, but none of them will be customisable.

Given the potential importance of headroom in a garage, these dimensions deserve close attention.

Some people may find out the hard way that the overhead garage racks are a severe obstacle to overcome due to their low clearance.

However, depending on your garage's ceiling height, you may require more or less headroom.

Prefabricated overhead garage storage systems of varying heights may be an option in specific circumstances.

For instance, those shelves might be slightly lowered if a washer and dryer are kept in the garage.

There will be less chance for someone to get hurt and more space to store things because there won't be a straight route under the garage's overhead racks.

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Storage solutions for your garage's ceiling can come in various heights, which may be available in some circumstances.

For instance, those shelves might be slightly lowered if a washing machine and dryer are kept in the garage. There will be less chance for someone to get hurt and more space to store things because there won't be a straight route under the garage's overhead racks.

Metal shelving solutions for the ceiling of a garage can be both affordable and straightforward to set up.

These are available in predetermined sizes and may be joined end to end to cover a complete wall of a garage. Because of this, we can make better use of the available area.

Knowing the load capacities of the shelves and beams in overhead garage storage is crucial before attempting to install it.

Basic instructions can be found in the manuals provided by the systems' creators.

Any items housed on or under the shelving and the shelves themselves may be severely damaged if these precautions were disregarded.

These systems can be installed not just over the garage's walkable areas but also over the garage doors.

Because of the location of the garage door, this is a fantastic method to make use of otherwise useless space. Shelving is installed above the garage door tracks in such cases.

Benefits of Using the Space Above Your Garage as Storage

If you park your car in the driveway instead of the garage because of the mess, or if you rarely use the garage, you're about to discover the advantages of installing overhead garage storage.

Check out all the spare rooms you have in your garage. It's up there, in the sky. Unfortunately, the space above your car (or cars, if you have a multi-car garage) is the most underutilised part of your home.

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While there are many advantages to installing above garage storage, two of the most prominent are increased efficiency and safety. To list the advantages of overhead garage storage:

  • You can store several hundred pounds in a garage's overhead cabinets.
  • Most are made with powder coating to prevent rust and scratches on the industrial-grade steel they are made from.
  • You can attach different objects, such as lights, to the bottom of some racks. J-style hooks are also available if not included with the racks you select.
  • Additional lighting is recommended for a workshop or home gym established in the second parking space of a two-car garage.
  • To make life easier, you may raise and reduce the height of some garage storage racks by pressing a button. Some aren't going anywhere, but a ladder will get you everything you need without the risk.
  • When you move things up high, you'll be astounded by how much room you'll get on the ground. There is no longer any need to have everything in your garage on display to the neighbours whenever the garage door is opened.
  • If you store valuables and household items in the ceiling of your garage, you may rest easy knowing that your family and guests are protected.

Ways for Efficiently Making Use of Your Overhead Storage

Invest in a Suitable Garage Ceiling Organiser

The first and foremost advice for overhead garage storage is also the easiest to implement: select a suitable garage overhead storage solution.

Think about what you intend to store in the overhead area, and then pick a storage method that fits that need.

If you do that, you'll have a considerably easier time with all garage overhead storage needs.

Use Garage Ceiling Storage for the Proper Things

Storage racks in the ceiling of your garage aren't just for tyres; they're also great for keeping all sorts of things that would otherwise take up valuable parking space on the floor.

For most of the year, you won't need the products you're storing, so overhead racking is perfect for storing them.

Equipment and instruments used for keeping a property in good shape are included here.

You may also use the space above your garage door to store seasonal items like roof racks for your car, outdoor gear, patio furniture, and holiday decorations.

You can keep storage boxes in the racks over your head, but you shouldn't keep any delicates or apparel up there.

Sort Things by Category

The following advice for maximising the space in your garage's overhead cabinets is universal: store similar things together.

If you put things away methodically, you'll have much less chance of losing them and can locate them quickly and easily.

In addition, sticking to this rule will help you easily locate smaller items.

Make Sure to Label Any Objects You're Putting Away Clearly

One time-saving garage overhead storage strategy is labelling your boxes and bins so you can quickly find what you need.

Labels are a must for storage containers, especially when employing identical containers.

Smaller, more difficult-to-find goods housed in containers can be located much more quickly with the aid of labels. Check that your labels are legible and won't peel off in the microwave or freezer.

Make Sure Everything Is Ready to Be Stored in an Overhead Garage Rack

Garage overhead storage is a great place to keep bikes, lawn equipment, and snow blowers, but before you put them up there, you should give them a good wash and dry.

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In addition, it is recommended that you perform routine storage maintenance on your motorised equipment, such as oil changes, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Taking the effort to do this before putting away seasonal items will ensure they last as long as possible.

Don't Take up Valuable Garage Ceiling Space With Unnecessary Knickknacks

Think about how valuable each item will be in the future and store it accordingly. Will that battered old tent survives another camping trip?

How useful is it to keep using that rake if the tines are all busted up?

In the summer and winter, deviate from this rule of thumb. Instead, reduce the amount of junk that accumulates in your garage by going through it every other year and getting rid of anything that is no longer needed.

That improves the usefulness of the space above your garage door.

Need Help in Choosing The Best Garage Storage For You?

GarageSmart has the perfect storage solution for you, and we can tailor it specifically to fit your needs. We have years of experience in the storage industry and know how to make the most out of every space.

You’ll be able to finally declutter your garage and get everything neatly organised and out of sight. Plus, our adjustable storage means that you can change your mind about what you want to store whenever you want – no need for expensive renovations!

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Conclusion

Beams hold up shelves suspended from a garage's ceiling as part of the overhead storage system.

These garages are popular among homeowners trying to maximise their living space but need a place to keep their vehicles.

Building your own overhead garage storage system could save you money, but it could also end up costing you more than buying one already made. Metal shelf options for a garage's ceiling can be reasonably priced and easy to instal.

Above-garage storage has many positives, including improved productivity and security.

Before installing overhead garage storage, you must be aware of the weight limits of the shelves and beams.

Powder coating protects the industrial-grade steel used in its construction against rust and scratches.

You can ensure the safety of your family and guests by storing valuables and other goods in the garage's ceiling.

You'll be shocked at how much space you get on the ground once you start moving items above.

No longer must garage contents be on full display to curious onlookers every time the garage door is opened.

Clean and thoroughly dry motorcycles, lawnmowers, and snow throwers before storing them in the garage's overhead cabinets. Storage containers require labels, especially when multiples of the same container.

Every other year, go through your garage and get rid of the things you don't need. This will keep the clutter at a minimum.

Content Summary

  • The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about organising is usually getting rid of extra stuff.
  • However, the most efficient method of arranging your belongings is to use storage choices that maximise the area at your disposal.
  • Here's some information to keep in mind if you're thinking about installing an overhead storage system at home.
  • Shelves are suspended from the ceiling of a garage and supported by beams, as the name suggests.
  • These garages are a good option for people who want to make the most out of their living space but still need a place to keep their cars.
  • Shelves and their supporting structures might be made of metal or wood.
  • Building your own overhead garage storage system could save you money, but it could also end up costing you more than buying one already made.
  • With a custom-built system, you may design it to your exact specifications, improving both clearance and capacity.
  • However, the rules of operation may be different in other systems.
  • As an illustration, it's feasible that there are multiple clearance options, but none of them is modifiable.
  • Due to the significance of ceiling height in a garage, it is important to pay special attention to these measurements.
  • Those with poor clearance may learn the hard way that the overhead garage racks are a major hindrance.
  • To be sure, the amount of vertical space needed can vary widely from garage to garage.
  • In some cases, you could consider using a prefabricated, overhead garage storage system.
  • For instance, if the washing machine and dryer are kept in the garage, you might want to lower those shelves a little.
  • Since there won't be a direct path under the garage's overhead racks, there will be less of a possibility of someone getting wounded and more room for storage.
  • Many garage ceiling storage options are available, including those of varying heights.
  • For instance, if the washer and dryer are housed in the garage, you might want to lower those shelves a little.
  • Since there won't be a direct path under the garage's overhead racks, there will be less of a possibility of someone getting wounded and more room for storage.
  • Metal shelf options for a garage's ceiling can be reasonably priced and easy to instal.
  • These can be purchased in standard sizes and pieced together to cover a whole garage wall.
  • As a result, we can maximise the use of the space at our disposal.
  • Before installing overhead garage storage, you must be aware of the weight limits of the shelves and beams.
  • The manuals that come with the systems should have the fundamentals covered.
  • They are not limited to the ceiling of the garage, but can be placed above the doors as well.
  • Given the garage door's position, this is an excellent strategy for making productive use of dead space.
  • For this reason, shelves are set up above the garage door tracks.
  • Overhead garage storage is a great investment if you park your car in the driveway rather than the garage because of clutter or if you rarely use the garage.
  • Examine all the storage space you have available in your basement and attic.
  • What you're looking for is above you, in the clouds.
  • The area above your vehicle (or vehicles, if your garage holds more than one) is probably the most underutilised in your house.
  • Above-garage storage has several benefits, but greater efficiency and security stand out as particularly notable options.
  • Among the many benefits of above garage storage are:
  • The weight limit for garage overhead cabinets is several hundred pounds.
  • Some racks have attachment points on the base that allow for the use of additional accessories, such as lights.
  • A home gym or workshop set up in the second parking spot of a two-car garage will require additional lighting.
  • Some automatic garage storage racks allow you to adjust the shelf height with the push of a button.
  • A ladder will safely get you where you need to go, even though some of them aren't going anywhere.
  • You'll be shocked at how much space you get on the ground once you start moving items above.
  • No longer must garage contents be on full display to curious onlookers every time the garage door is opened.
  • You can ensure the safety of your family and guests by storing valuables and other goods in the garage's ceiling.
  • The first piece of advice for garage overhead storage is also the simplest to put into action: choose a good garage overhead storage option.
  • Before deciding on a manner of storage for the overhead space, give some thought to what you plan to keep there.
  • Doing so will make your life much simpler in terms of garage overhead storage.
  • Garage ceiling racks aren't just for tyres; they're also useful for storing a wide variety of items that would otherwise need to be stored on the ground.
  • Overhead racking is ideal for keeping items you won't use for the majority of the year.
  • All the tools and machinery necessary for maintaining a building are mentioned here.
  • Seasonal items such as car roof racks, outdoor gear, patio furniture, and Christmas decorations can be stored in the area above your garage door.
  • Boxes are fine to store in the racks above your head, but you shouldn't put anything too delicate or clothing up there.
  • Classify the items.
  • The following piece of advice for making the most of the space in your garage's overhead cabinets is applicable anywhere: group items of the same kind together.
  • You'll have far less trouble looking for items and finding them if you put them away in a methodical fashion.
  • Additionally, if you stick to this rule, you'll have an easier time tracking down smaller goods.
  • Clearly label any items you are putting away.
  • Labelling your containers and boxes can help you quickly find what you need from your garage's upper shelves.
  • Storage containers require labels, especially when multiples of the same container.
  • Labels greatly facilitate the speed with which one may locate smaller, more elusive items stored in containers.
  • Make sure the labels can still be read after being heated or frozen.
  • Ensure that everything is prepared to be stored in a garage's overhead rack.
  • Bicycles, lawn mowers, and snow throwers can all benefit from being stored in the garage's overhead racks, but only if they are clean and dry.
  • In addition, the manufacturer may advise that you change the oil in your motorised equipment before putting it away for the winter.
  • Putting in the time and effort to do this before storing seasonal things can maximise their lifespan.
  • Don't clutter the garage's ceiling with unnecessary decorations.
  • Determine the future worth of each object and store it properly.
  • Will that weathered tent hold up to another camping trip?
  • If the tines of your rake are broken, what good is it to you?
  • This general rule should be broken in the summer and winter.
  • Instead, it's recommended that you go through your garage every other year and get rid of any unnecessary items.
  • That makes the area above your garage door more functional.

FAQs About Overhead Garage Storage

Is Overhead Storage Safe?

As long as they're installed properly and your garage ceiling can support the weight, overhead storage is extremely safe. Storage manufacturers put their products through rigorous testing and rate them up to a specific weight limit.

Is It Safe to Hang Shelves From the Garage Ceiling?

Overhead garage storage may seem a little scary because you're suspending your stuff above your car. But it's actually a very safe way to store your extra stuff. Overhead storage, when installed correctly, is just as safe as traditional storage.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Organize a Garage?

Plastic bins are a quick and inexpensive way to optimize your garage organization. Once you've grouped your things into categories, put them into a bin and add a label. Not sure what you need? Use these tips for choosing storage boxes before throwing things into the first available bin.

Are There Studs in the Ceiling?

Hidden away behind a layer of drywall or plaster, these vertical boards are placed in regular intervals inside the wall, and are typically 16 inches apart. Ceiling joists are kind of like studs for your ceiling.

Is Melamine Good for Garage Cabinets?

White melamine cabinets are always popular and are great for basements and utility rooms, as well as the garage. Their clean white melamine finish is attractive and easy to clean and maintain.