If that second scenario sounds like the current state of your own garage, then a garage storage system is key to organizing it all. After all, you wouldn’t want any of those piles to tip over and dent your car—provided there’s any room left to park it, of course. While there are plenty of garage storage solutions on the market, Jessica Litman, an organizing expert who is the founder and CEO of The Organized Mama, says the best garage storage system for you depends on your own needs. “Not all items are going to fit or work with every storage system,” she says. “Before you even purchase a storage system, look at the items you want to store. If you have more yard equipment like chainsaws, blowers, and trimmers, you will probably need more hooks with secure attachments so the items don’t come off the wall.” Removing things and putting them back should also be easy and convenient, she says, if you want to keep things organized. We like the Rubbermaid FastTrack, which is easy to install even for the novice DIYer and even easier to quickly organize tools, garden supplies, sports equipment, and more. You can customize the storage system by adding more utility hooks or other accessories like shelves or baskets. If you’re looking for something that provides covered storage to keep dust at bay, we like storage solutions like the Gladiator GearBox or, if you’ve got more room in your budget, the Husky 10-Piece Heavy Duty Welded Steel system. Here are the best garage storage systems to add some order to your household overflow. Keep in Mind: There are no cabinets or covered storage accessories. To install, simply mount the rails horizontally to the wall and attach the hooks at whatever intervals and heights you want. This storage system also includes plenty of storage accessories like shelves and double hooks that make it easy to hang heavier items. If you have a house full of athletes, you can use the vertical ball rack so that no more errant soccer or basketballs are bouncing around the garage. This is one of many handy accessories that you can attach to the Fast Track on the wall—just use the push/pull lever to adjust it to the rack and location you need. The best part of this system is that you can start off with the basics, then add on or customize it to exactly what you want. However, unlike a few other options on this list, this garage storage system isn’t covered and you can’t lock up any of your tools. But because it offers a variety of storage solutions for a multitude of items, it’s our pick for the best garage storage system. Price at time of publish: $142 Product Details: Dimensions: Rails are 48 inches, but the system size varies depending on your configuration | Mounting type: Wall | Material: Steel Keep in Mind: Secure it to a wall or put heaviest items on the bottom to avoid tipping. If you have a long wall, you can purchase a few of these shelves and slide them next to each other for a wall full of storage opportunities. They also work great in the basement, closet, and pantry—or anywhere else that you want to create quick and easy storage. These shelves are sturdy enough on their own, but you can always add shelf liners to create a flatter surface to prevent smaller or odd-shaped items from falling in between the wiring. You might be looking to organize your tools and other equipment in your garage, but you won’t need any of them to assemble this shelving unit. These shelves are made from a durable alloy steel and feature adjustable feet to ensure that your garage storage system stays firmly in place. Each shelf—which you can adjust the height of in 1-inch increments— holds 350 pounds, so you can store plenty, including heavy equipment and tools. For extra support, you can attach the shelf to studs in your wall. Price at time of publish: $63 Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 54 x 36 inches | Mounting type: Floor | Material: Alloy steel Keep in Mind: Because it is the longest storage system on our list, make sure to accurately measure your space to make sure you have room for it. This storage system arrives pre-assembled, so you don’t have to budget half your day to put it together. It features adjustable shelves, cabinets, and drawers for all your organizational needs. It even comes with a wooden surface to turn it into a workspace—there are even grommets for tool power cords—but you might not need or even want it if all you’re looking for is storage. The system is also lockable, so you don’t have to worry about your kids or pets getting into dangerous tools or toxic materials. With a weight capacity of 4,870 pounds, you can store lightweight items like half-empty paint cans to heavier equipment like a pressure washer. If you’re still working on your organizational skills, you’ll love being able to throw things onto shelves and close the door (no judgment here!). Price at time of publish: $3,000 Product Details: Dimensions: 163 x 75 x 19 inches | Mounting type: Freestanding and wall mount, depending on configuration | Material: Steel Keep in Mind: It’s too small to be used for anything besides handheld tools. It can hold up to 300 pounds of tools and can still easily roll and swivel on its heavy-duty casters—the wheels also lock in place when you need it to stay put. There are five drawers that fully extend thanks to ball-bearing slides, and they hold up to 30 pounds of tools and other items. This garage storage system offers over 10,000 cubic inches of storage and has an internal locking system (keys included) as an added layer of protection for your tools. A non-slip mat covers the surface of the cabinet so you can safely put down a tool without damaging the top of the cabinet. Price at time of publish: $219 Product Details: Dimensions: 14 x 26.5 x 44.25 inches | Mounting type: Freestanding | Material: Steel Keep in Mind: Go with another system if you need shelving. The StoreYourBoard BLAT makes our list for long-handled tool storage needs because it can store a shed’s worth of tools in just 3 feet of space on your garage wall. There’s no assembly required—to mount, all you need is the included hardware, a bare wall, and a stud finder. It attaches easily to the wall, and it fits standard 16-inch stud spacing for a secure hold. This storage system is made from powder-coated steel that stands up to scrapes and scuffs as you add or remove tools. There are four sets of hooks that are 9.5 inches deep, so depending on the size of the tool, you can add several to each hook rather than just one as with other hook storage systems. It holds up to 200 pounds, so while the StoreYourBoard is a great way to store lightweight brooms and rakes, go ahead and hang those heavier outdoor tools, like snow shovels, weed whackers, and more, too. Even if you don’t have, say, three different types of shovels, this is still an excellent storage solution because you can keep the long-handled tools you do have neat and separate from each other. The rack only juts out a little over a foot from the wall, so it will take up a small footprint in your garage. Price at time of publish: $55 Product Details: Dimensions: 37 x 10 x 3.25 inches | Mounting type: Wall | Material: Powder-coated steel Keep in Mind: You’ll need additional storage for larger items that don’t fit easily onto the hooks or compatible accessories. Just insert the standard 1/4-inch hooks and start hanging tools to keep everything you need within arm’s reach in your garage. Slotted hooks also make it easy to hang Wall Control’s storage accessories, like baskets, small shelves, and even a paper towel holder, so you can further customize the space beyond the individual hooks. Pegboards of old might have been a bit dull and boring, but that’s not the case with this new version, which comes in a rainbow of colors to liven up your space. This storage system is available in multiple colors, including red, yellow, or blue. To install, simply mount the pegboard into studs on your wall using the included hanging hardware, which is designed to not get in the way of any of the pegboard’s holes. Price at time of publish: $137 Product Details: Dimensions: 9 x 48 x 32 inches | Mounting type: Wall | Material: Alloy steel, metal Keep in Mind: It’s a bit pricey for shelves that only hold about 45 pounds each. Open up the two doors—which you can lock for added protection—and you’ll find three shelves: one at a fixed height and two adjustable so you can customize the inside storage space. Each shelf holds up to 45 pounds each, and the cabinet as a whole can handle a load of up to 225 pounds. The Gladiator GearBox can be used on its own, or you can purchase additional Gladiator storage systems to make a wall of organization. This garage storage unit comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $400 Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 36 x 72 inches | Mounting type: Freestanding | Material: Steel Keep in Mind: You’ll want to store heavier items on the bottom to prevent tipping. This garage shelving unit consists of six commercial-grade shelves measuring 48 x 18 inches, which is a generous size for storing all sorts of tools and items in your garage. If you keep them on the wheels, each shelf holds up to 133 pounds for a total of 798 pounds. However, when placed on its foot levelers, the Trinity EcoStorage can hold up to 800 pounds per shelf and 4,800 pounds total. The feature we love the most about these shelves is the handy backstands that prevent items from falling off the back of the shelves, so you can feel secure as you slide bins and other items toward the back of each shelf. The shelves are adjustable in 1-inch increments, so you can arrange them at the right spacing you need. Despite its strength, this storage system is easy to assemble, with no tools needed. Price at time of publish: $260 Product Details: Dimensions: 18 x 48 x 77 inches | Mounting Type: Freestanding | Material: Not listed Keep in Mind: It’s pricey if you have no intention of doing any DIY work in the garage. With a loading capacity of around 300 pounds, this rolling workbench garage storage system is sturdy yet compact enough to earn a spot in your garage. The storage solution has four drawers to store tools and small items, as well as a stainless steel door that locks. Inside, you can adjust the shelf so that you have the storage height you need. On the outside, the ¾-inch thick hardwood surface is the perfect spot to work or rest tools while you’re working on a project in your garage—or you can roll it out into the driveway whenever you need more space. Price at time of publish: $356 Product Details: Dimensions: 20 x 28 x 34.5 inches | Mounting type: Freestanding | Material: Alloy steel and wood Keep in Mind: You’ll need assistance with installation. This sturdy option from Fleximounts stores your belongings close to your garage ceiling, leaving you plenty of room on the floor for your car and other storage. The 4 x 8-foot size holds up to 600 pounds and can be adjusted in height to accommodate bulkier items or to allow for taller vehicles to share the space. While other brands of overhead storage have separate wire and frame grids, the Fleximounts system features an integrated wire grid that makes for safer, more stable storage. Overhead garage storage is a smart way to keep items off the ground to avoid water damage from flooding or infiltration by rodents and other ground-dwelling pests. It’s also a great option for storing seasonal items that you don’t need often but don’t want to relegate to the space in your closets or basement. Everything you need to install this overhead garage storage system is included in the box, but you’ll likely want some help so that you can attach it safely to your ceiling. Price at time of publish: $230 Product Details: Dimensions: 96 x 48 x 40 inches | Mounting Type: Ceiling | Material: Powder-coated metal Keep in Mind: There isn’t an option to mount the rack to the wall for extra support. This rack can hold two bicycles and up to 80 pounds—there’s also a four-bike version. It’s durably made from powder-coated steel, and you only need a screwdriver to assemble it. If you only have one bike, you can use the spare hooks to store your helmet or other gear. Price at time of publish: $68 Product Details: Dimensions: 16 x 20 x 84 inches | Mounting type: Freestanding (non-permanent wall strap included) | Material: Steel Keep in Mind: Put heavy equipment on the bottom so you can roll it easily and safely. It’s constructed of a sturdy coated steel frame with elastic straps, so you’ll be able to keep it neat and tidy season after season. Plus, the storage system has wheels, so you can move your storage wherever you need it to be. The Mythinglogic Garage Storage System is useful for the garage, but it can also be used as indoor storage for basements, play rooms, home gyms, and any other active spaces that need to be kept orderly. Because of its ease of installation and versatility, this is the best garage storage system for sports equipment. Price at time of publish: $105 Product Details: Dimensions: 36.05 x 16.54 x 42.71 inches | Mounting type: Floor (with wheels) | Material: Steel Our top pick for best overall garage system is the Rubbermaid FastTrack. We love it because it’s highly configurable—just attach the sturdy rails to the wall and add hooks and shelving to store tools, yard and garden gadgets, sports equipment, and more. It’s easy to install and versatile enough so that you can add or subtract from the garage storage system as your space dictates.
What to Know About Garage Storage Systems Before Shopping
Size
The size of the best garage storage system for you depends on how much space you have in your garage and the types of items you plan to store there—not to mention whether you plan to attempt to squeeze a vehicle in your garage as well. If you’ve got a large double-car garage, you could store one car inside and use the whole second half for storage. If you want to park your car inside and also have room for storage, opt for streamlined cabinets that take up less room, wall shelving and storage that keeps items off the floor, or overhead storage that can leave the space free for your car—just make sure you have the ceiling clearance if you have a truck or SUV. It’s important to optimize storage space from top to bottom and side to side in a garage, but remember to include some breathing room so that you can actually walk around and access your storage items. “We ask so much of [a] garage,” says Kirsten Fisher, certified professional organizer and founder and CEO of Imagine Home Organization. “It is car housing, workspace, utility central, and storage. However, we often neglect the systems that could make the garage efficient for these things.” No wonder cars eventually get kicked to the curb to make room for household overflow. “To maximize storage, you want to consider using all of your walls and the full height of the garage,” Fisher recommends. This is good advice when planning the layout of any storage space, including closets. Tall shelving can make the most of vertical space, for example.
Material
You’ll need to choose a material that can stand up to the wild fluctuations in both temperature and humidity in a garage. Many of the systems that made our list are made from steel, which is not only durable but can stand up to extreme temperature fluctuations. Plastic bins are a good choice for storing small things, but you should avoid keeping things in cardboard boxes, as moisture can turn them into smelly, mushy messes.
Weight Capacity
“The weight of the equipment should be measured before it is stored and compared to [the storage unit’s] recommended weight,” says Mike Baldicana of Kostex Garage Repair in Chicago, Illinois. “If the weight exceeds its recommended limit, then it should be stored in a different location or in a way that will not cause damage if it falls over.” He also says it’s important to build in some wiggle room for your future storage needs, as well as to avoid causing any damage by overloading the storage space. Check the weight-bearing capacity of all shelves before you add any items to the shelves. Keep in mind that in general, heavier items should go at the bottom of shelves and cabinets both for stability and safety. You don’t want heavy items toppling over on your car—or your head—in the garage.
Installation
While you might be able to hang some lightweight home decor anywhere on a wall inside your home, when it comes to hanging shelving or other storage in your garage, break out that stud finder, Litman says. “There is nothing worse than a piece of yard equipment falling on your car because the weight of that item couldn’t be supported with where you installed the system,” she says. “Make sure you check the actual weight of what can be stored on that system as well.”
Your Questions, Answered
How do I store heavy items in my garage?
First, consider how much weight your garage storage system can bear before adding anything heavy to it. Many of the systems on our list are built to withstand heavy loads, but the pounds can add up quickly when it comes to storing heavy equipment. Make sure hanging shelves are secured firmly into studs and consider mounting freestanding shelves to the wall so they don’t tip over. With multi-tiered shelving, you’ll want to put heavy things on the bottom, both in terms of safety and convenience. By placing heavier objects on the bottom, you’re creating a more secure and stable foundation. And if the shelf falls over, the heftier objects will be closer to the ground, making them less likely to harm anything or anyone else.
What is safe to store in a garage?
It’s easy to turn your garage into a catch-all, but there are certain things you shouldn’t store there, such as combustible materials like paint, oil, chemicals, and propane tanks. Alexa Justine Callada, also of Kostex Garage Repair, says to avoid storing gas-powered equipment, like lawn mowers, in the garage as well. They could cause an explosion if they leak, which is something to be concerned about if you plan to park your car and its combustible engine in there, too. Cleaning products should also be stored elsewhere, as they will either dry out or lose their efficacy over time, especially if your garage is prone to extreme temperature fluctuations. It’s also important to keep any products away from hot pipes or combustion areas, like your car. Kevin Huang, home improvement expert and CEO of Ambient Home, also says to find another place to store fresh food, paper products (they could get moldy), or anything that might lure rodents or other pests.
How can I store more in my garage?
“To maximize storage, create zones within your garage,” Litman says. “Give a shelf or cabinet a specific purpose.” As an example, she recommends storing car parts or tools together to make the most of the space.
Who We Are
Barbara Bellesi Zito covers home improvement topics for various lifestyle publications. To write this article, she researched dozens of the best garage storage systems on the market to find those that were easy and affordable for DIYers to assemble and customize garage storage space. Barbara also consulted several garage and home organization experts, including: Jessica Litman, Founder and CEO of The Organized Mama; Kevin Huang, home improvement expert and CEO of Ambient Home; Kirsten Fisher, certified professional organizer and founder and CEO of Imagine Home Organization; and Mike Baldicana and Alexa Justine Callada, both of Kostex Garage Repair.
