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Due to the large amount of stuff we have nowadays, taking advantage of every available storage space has become a necessity. Garages are usually are our go-to's for storage space, but they quickly run out of floor space especially when cars are parked there. Fortunately, many solutions are "looking up." Literally.
How do they work?
Overhead garage storage racks attach to the garage ceiling with sturdy brackets creating a simple large shelf (or in some cases, another practical storage appendage) for your stuff. Then all you need is a step stool or ladder (unless you're a tall person) and your very own arms to put all your gear up there.
Of course, the laws of physics still apply to these racks so proper installation (i.e., brackets drilled into studs) and a balanced weight load are essential. If one of your many talents is not handyman work, you may want to get a professional to do the installation for you, or a general handyman with experience installing similar products.
The benefits
The most obvious benefit of overhead storage racks is that they take up no floor space whatsoever - leaving room for additional storage or what garages were made for - cars! Secondly, they can be adjusted lower or higher depending on the height of your garage and the amount of room needed below. They can also hold a surprisingly large amount of weight. SafeRacks, a manufacturer of overhead garage storage racks, designs their racks to hold up 600 pounds - much more than your average shelving.
A fourth benefit is its grid-style base. It doesn't collect much dust and allows for ventilation - preventing mold and mildew growth. The see-through grid also makes it easy to see what you have stored.
Lastly, overhead garage storage racks work great for homeowners who are looking for a little more storage space but don't want to rent or build additional storage, or who want to have their items on hand. The racks work nicely for seasonal items that don't need to be regularly accessed but are still used on an annual or semi annual basis.
Cost effectiveness
The largest and most popular size, 4 ft. x 8 ft., runs between $239-$299 plus shipping (around $50) if there are no local dealers nearby. Manufacturer websites can direct you to one if there is one in your locale. In comparison, according to CostHelper.com, a simple 5 ft. x 5 ft. self storage unit costs at minimum $40 a month (not including padlocks or security deposits). Multiply that by 12 months of storage, that's $480 a year spent on storage. This means an investment in an overhead garage storage rack is a little over half of what you would be spend in a year on self storage, and most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their racks. Logically, if you plan on spending at least a few years in your home, it's worth the investment.
Testing
The Housekeeping Channel has used SafeRacks and Onrax brand overhead racks with much success. It's great when a three car garage can actually hold three cars when overhead garage racks are used. They've worked well for storing camping supplies as well as extra household supplies.
Overall
In all, we felt the overhead storage racks we tried work very satisfactorily. They are sturdy, practical, and, minus requiring a ladder, are easy to access. Best of all, they leave floor space for other items that do need to be accessed regularly. So next time you despair about the lack of storage space in your garage, don't hang your head in frustration. Instead, consider looking up at that ready-to-be-used storage space above your head. All you need is an overhead rack to utilize it.
Disclaimer: Both companies supplied sample racks at no cost for our review.
(Note: The views expressed in this blog post are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of The Housekeeping Channel, LLC.)
