By Bob Beacham | Published Dec 4, 2023 12:28 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more. Stainless Steel Mesh Screen
A garage can be an invaluable space for everything from tools and cleaning equipment to leisure and hobby gear, but without a garage storage system, it can quickly turn into a disorganized dumping ground. Whether a garage is used simply for storage or as a home workshop, a wide variety of solutions to suit all needs and budgets are available.
This guide explores a host of different options—from simple wall racks to integrated cabinets—and explains their features and benefits in detail. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best garage storage systems on the market right now.
Since no two households use a garage in the same way, we wanted to offer as wide a range of solutions as possible. In addition to general-purpose garage storage systems, this guide covers options that could be ideal for home hobbyists, auto enthusiasts, or even just someone with a large inventory of tools that they want to store safely.
First, we looked at the structural strength and types of materials used to construct the best garage storage systems to ensure appropriate durability. We also considered the versatility of each product, with value for money being another key element. However, we didn’t necessarily choose the cheapest garage storage systems on the market but rather those that offered the best combination of performance and price.
We also consulted with several experts to get their take on garage storage systems. Monica Friel, founder and president of Chaos to Order, a professional organizing company in Park Ridge, Illinois, advised a key first step. “Begin with a thorough assessment of your belongings and tailor storage solutions to your specific needs. Don’t just fill up the space haphazardly with cabinets and drawers, but declutter first so you know what will be going into the space.” Sarah Jameson of Green Building Elements in Manchester, Connecticut, says, “If you have plenty of seasonal items in the garage, having an overhead garage storage would be perfect.” Tom Nolan, founder of All Star Home, a home improvement company in Raleigh, North Carolina, also made an important point. “Make sure your system is properly anchored in place. Shelving units and cabinets can be tall and top-heavy, meaning they’re a tipping risk. Make sure they’re adequately anchored to your garage walls to prevent any accidents or damage to your car.”
For shoppers who’d prefer not to take on this DIY project and would rather have a professional install a garage storage system, the best garage organization companies are up to the task.
The following list is the result of extensive research and is broken down by category to help shoppers focus on finding a storage solution for their particular needs and price point. Read on to discover more about some of the best garage storage systems available today.
Choosing the single best garage storage system is no easy task when considering the large number of solutions intended to meet a wide variety of situations. The StoreYourBoard storage rack takes the top spot because it is the type of versatile combination system that can be useful in nearly any garage.
Wall-mounted garage storage systems can offer great flexibility, and this option is a prime example. The shelf is 46 inches wide and 15.5 inches deep, offering ample space for power tools, DIY tool boxes, storage bins, and more. The rack underneath the shelf features an adjustable mounting bar that includes 45 mounting points to hang items such as brooms, rakes, electric garden tools, extension cords, and hoses.
The entire system is made of steel that has been powder-coated for a durable, rust-resistant finish. It will hold a total of 300 pounds: 100 pounds on the shelf and 200 pounds on the rack.
Get the StoreYourBoard garage storage system at Amazon.
Those who have brooms, mops, garden rakes, and other long-handled tools cluttering up the garage will want to check out the Imillet wall-mounted mop and broom holder. It offers a simple but effective solution at a very budget-friendly two-for-one price.
The holder is made of ABS, which is a super-tough plastic also used to construct motorcycle helmets and Lego bricks. Where rivals often rely on gravity clamps that can allow the handles to slip through the individual openings, the holder features positive spring closures that can secure tools weighing up to 6 pounds each. The six hanging hooks on this low-cost garage storage system make it even more useful. Wall plugs and screws are included for installation, although expanding anchors are recommended if mounting on drywall.
Get the Imillet garage storage system at Amazon.
Metal shelving has long been one of the staples of garage storage. It’s relatively affordable, adaptable, and strong. This Amazon Basics five-shelf unit embodies that strength with a load capacity of 350 pounds per shelf for 1,750 pounds in total. Each shelf is 14 inches deep by 36 inches wide, and the complete unit is 72 inches tall.
The shelves are adjustable in 1-inch increments, though some thought is required before making changes since readjustment would mean disassembling the unit. Luckily, no tools are required for assembly, and handy leveling feet are included. Even though this is a floor-standing unit, it could be affixed to a wall via brackets (not included) for extra safety if the contents of each shelf are on the heavier side.
In addition to this five-shelf version, there are several other sizes and configurations, so this value-for-money shelving unit can suit a variety of purposes.
Get the Amazon Basics garage storage system at Amazon.
For those prepared to invest in a high-quality garage cabinet storage system, these pro-endorsed units from NewAge Products are worth a closer look. This seven-piece set features two wall cabinets, two lockers, a base cabinet, a rolling tool chest, and a work top. However, the system is modular, so matching units can be added if needs grow.
Each piece is constructed of heavy-duty welded steel with the option of a gray or red powder-coat paint finish. The weight capacities are impressive, with each locker holding 800 pounds, each wall cabinet holding 100 pounds, and both the base cabinet and rolling tool chest holding 600 pounds. All units in the set lock for security, and the stationary units all have adjustable feet. A steel splashback and a 56-inch work top in either bamboo or stainless steel combine versatility with an attractive design. Details like soft-close hinges, full-extension drawer slides, and LED lighting are further examples of the attention to detail.
Get the NewAge Products garage storage system at NewAge or The Home Depot.
The major advantage of garage ceiling storage systems is that they consolidate items in places that could otherwise be wasted space. The Fleximounts garage storage rack is one of the most popular models on the market today. In addition to the massive surface area of 48 inches deep by 96 inches wide, it offers a weight capacity of 600 pounds and versatile height adjustments between 22 inches and 40 inches.
Construction is heavy-duty steel with extended brackets to provide secure fixing to roof joists spaced up to 24 inches apart or 48 inches apart. The steel grid is integrated into the structure rather than bolted on, giving the structure greater stability and helping to prevent flex. Substantial M8 screws are also included to ensure a strong hold. This overhead garage rack is available in black, white, or gray.
Get the Fleximounts garage storage system at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Pegboards are perhaps the most versatile of garage storage systems as they offer quick and easy access to frequently used tools and accessories. Although often made of Masonite (a blend of wood pulp and resin), this model from Wall Control is described as powder-coated steel, which the manufacturer claims is 10 times stronger than conventional pegboards.
This versatile set features three easy-to-mount panels that measure 48 inches wide by 32 inches tall when fixed together. Screws and drywall anchors are included for installation. The pegboard comes with an assortment of 20 hooks and brackets, 6-inch and 9-inch shelf assemblies, three plastic bins, a hammer holder, and a screwdriver holder. Any standard ¼-inch pegboard accessories should fit. While this is a decent starter set, shoppers may want to add to it at some point.
Get the Wall Control garage storage system at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Rolling tool chests are probably best known as the kind of garage tool storage systems popular with auto mechanics, but their strength and versatility mean they can be equally useful to woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and crafters. Few brands have a better reputation in this category than Craftsman, and this five-drawer tool center provides toughness and flexibility.
Two separate units are both constructed of strong 24-gauge steel. The top unit features three drawers of varying depths and a lift-up lid. The wheeled tool box at the bottom has two drawers and a lift-up panel at the base that provides access to a large space for power tools, paint cans, or other sizable devices and containers. The drawers have smooth, full-extension ball-bearing slides, each rated for 30 pounds. A useful roll of drawer liner to help prevent tools from sliding around is included.
There are four heavy-duty casters, and two of them lock. The entire unit has a combined area of 1,227 cubic inches, with a total weight rating of 300 pounds.
Get the Craftsman garage storage system at Amazon or Lowe’s (without drawer liner).
Wall-mounted tool storage racks are popular because they provide good flexibility and are usually very affordable. This Ultrawall 13-piece set offers several features that elevate it above the ordinary while still maintaining a budget-friendly price.
This set comes as four 16-inch strips of steel with a rust-resistant, powder-coated finish, for a total length of 64 inches. A total of nine single and double hooks of differing lengths allow for the hanging of all manner of garden and yard tools, hoses, extension cords, and more—up to 660 pounds. The hooks click securely into place, and the rubber-coated ends ensure they won’t mar any items that are hung from them.
The Ultrawall tool storage rack can be installed on any type of wall, but several buyers noted that the included drywall anchors are low quality. Replacements are easy to find, but doing so requires extra time and money to complete installation.
Get the Ultrawall garage storage system at Amazon.
A steel storage cabinet is one of those “every garage should have one” products, and this model from Yizosh has all the elements that make this type of garage storage system so useful.
The durable steel shell is powder-coated to resist rust. The doors feature a strong frame and a central support beam so they don’t flex like some cheap rivals. The five adjustable shelves are almost ¾-inch thick, giving each one an impressive load capacity of 180 pounds. The entire unit locks for added security.
The manufacturer points out that the multilayer packaging reduces the likelihood of damage during delivery and notes that assembly should take one person about 40 minutes to complete.
Get the Yizosh garage storage system at Amazon.
Shoppers may be understandably concerned that a plastic rack isn’t as strong as steel and won’t be adequate for garage storage. However, this is certainly not the case for the CX Black & Yellow storage system. Once assembled, the structure is sturdy, and each of the four shelves supports up to 200 pounds.
At 48 inches wide and 20 inches deep, this model offers plenty of space. It is only 55 inches tall, so the top shelf isn’t hard to reach, and the rack comes with wall brackets to prevent tipping. Thanks to lightweight components, one person can tackle the quick and easy assembly. For shoppers who require more than one rack, the racks can be interlocked and include adjustable feet for stability. The manufacturer’s 27-gallon lidded totes fit in the shelves for added versatility.
Get the CX garage storage system at Amazon or The Home Depot.
One of the big advantages of DIY garage storage systems is that—with the necessary tools and skills—it’s possible to create a custom layout that precisely fits how one wants to use the space. Lumber and sheet materials like plywood are readily available in a variety of sizes to create shelving that can house larger items or simply serve as storage for low-cost plastic bins. Plain pegboards in composite materials or sheet metal can be combined with plank walls for added versatility. Online plans and videos are helpful to design and build the ideal solution.
One note of caution: It’s important to plan and price out the job carefully or both time and budget can quickly get out of hand. Building a garage storage system is a very satisfying project, but it’s probably an option best suited for those who need a substantial and customized system. Those with modest requirements might find store-bought garage storage systems more affordable.
Each of our top picks profiles a garage storage system for a distinct purpose. Some shoppers may find that a single model is adequate for their needs, while others will want to combine different options for a more personalized layout. The following elements are worth considering when building an optimal garage storage solution.
Although many variations exist, storage systems for garage use can generally be divided into three main types.
The simplest floor-standing storage systems feature open shelving. They provide versatile space and are usually very affordable. Cabinets and chests have long been popular in garages, offering storage for items of all sizes. Many are also lockable for security. Wheeled carts and tool boxes also fall under this category. Floor-standing units are especially useful when shoppers need to move tools, cleaning products, or other items around the space or take them into a house or yard.
The most obvious advantage of wall-mounted garage storage systems is that they don’t take up valuable floor space. These options range from basic ball-and-hook holders to shelving, pegboards, and various wall boards. It’s important to use the correct fixings for secure support with wall-mounted models. For example, the correct fixings for drywall are different from those used for cinder block.
A garage lift storage system works with pulleys, allowing users to load it at floor level and then raise it above vehicles or other items. Some of the most popular of these models are used to store bicycles, although platforms and cages are also available.
There are also fixed overhead garage storage systems available. These options can provide plenty of space but are best for storing seasonal items, as accessing them usually requires a step ladder.
In either case, it is imperative that storage is mounted securely to prevent several hundred pounds of equipment from crashing down on vehicles or people.
It is difficult to define the storage capacity of garage storage systems because of the wide variety of options, from products that hold brooms, mops, shovels, and other garden tools to tool cabinets or ceiling racks. It’s not so much about bottom-line capacity as how the storage is arranged. For some shoppers, versatility is more important than actual physical space. For others, actual dimensions are key. Those who like a neat, coordinated look will want to think about how modular systems can expand if needs change.
It’s also important for shoppers to check weight limits, as they can vary dramatically across products. Overloading any kind of shelf or racking is dangerous, so it’s crucial to know how much weight a particular garage storage system can hold. Additionally, before buying a ceiling rack that can hold several hundred pounds of gear, it’s important to make sure that the garage ceiling itself can safely handle that much weight.
Steel is probably the most popular material for garage storage systems because of its strength and durability. It is often powder-coated to resist rust. Steel is also relatively affordable and can be formed into all manner of shelving, cabinets, and tool boxes.
Plastic (often polypropylene) is also popular for cabinets, boxes, and a variety of racks. It may not always have the structural strength of steel, but it is light, will never rust, and often has good impact resistance.
Store-bought wood is primarily for shelving or racks in DIY garage storage systems. Plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) can also be used. Pegboards are often Masonite, which is a combination of wood fibers and resin, but steel versions are stronger.
Ease of use is vital for a garage storage system because it is human nature to just leave a tool on the counter or a broom leaning against the wall rather than putting it away. Assessing how easy and convenient it will be to use a particular storage system is partly about the construction of the storage and partly about the items being stored.
It might seem obvious, but—figuratively speaking—it’s important not to try to put square pegs in round holes. Some systems are very versatile, while some are more specific. Potential buyers will want to take the time to consider how they will take items out of storage and then put them away when finished. For example, frequently used items benefit from reasonably open access such as a wall rack, cabinet, or drawer, whereas seldom-used items can go on a top shelf in a closed bin or a ceiling rack.
Installation is another area that varies considerably. Wheeled tool boxes and floor-standing cabinets often come ready to use and just need a location. Metal racking generally needs to be assembled but may be push-fit or only require a wrench.
Shelving, wall boards, and pegboards are also relatively straightforward as long as the correct fixing for the type of wall is used. Lift systems and ceiling racks can be a little more time-consuming to assemble but nothing that should defeat the average DIY enthusiast.
When possible, it’s usually a good idea to have a partner to assist with assembly. Having a helper is a good idea, as they can spot potential problems before they happen, and they could even prevent an accident.
As pointed out earlier by our garage storage systems expert Monica Friel, decluttering is a good way to prepare to make the most of a garage storage system. Many people have items they keep for years because “they could come in handy one day,” but if they’ve already sat in the garage for a few months or years without use, they can probably go in a yard sale or be donated to a charity.
These tips should prove useful for storing items in a garage storage system:
While this guide has provided a lot of valuable information to help potential shoppers decide on the best garage storage system for their needs, we discovered during our research that a few questions came up frequently enough to deserve separate attention. We have provided answers for those here.
Garage storage systems are most definitely worth it. Without them, a garage can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, and items are hard to find. Good garage storage systems organize all that “stuff” so it’s easy to locate.
Many people favor a steel cabinet as the best type for a garage because of its strength and durability. A steel cabinet can be a stand-alone unit or part of a modular system that can expand as needs grow. A plastic cabinet (often intended for outdoor storage) is another option.
How much garage systems cost depends on individual needs. Simple wall-mounted organizers can be under $20. At the other end of the scale, large modular systems can cost a few thousand dollars, while custom garage storage systems can cost even more.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service.
Spring Steel Wire Mesh © 2024 Recurrent. All rights reserved.