If you’re looking for storage solutions for a small space, then these slender tracks offer an updated, space-saving solution to pegboard storage. The Gladiator GearTrack Channels are compatible with other Gladiator garage storage systems, and they’re only 4 feet long, so they’ll fit just about anywhere. Shopping editor, Mary Henn, tried them in her own garage, and they were easy to install with a stud finder and power drill.

“Each channel holds an impressive 75 pounds, and I was shocked to find that I could hang anything from lightweight yard rakes to heavier power tools, like handheld blowers,” shares Henn. “The channels can be mounted on bare wood studs or drywall, and stacked side by side or on top of each other, depending on your storage needs. I was a little surprised to find that hooks are sold separately, so I found myself making another trip to The Home Depot to grab Gladiator storage hooks.”

Pros

• Compact storage solution
• Two GearTrack channels included
• 75-pound capacity per channel
• Affordable
• Can be mounted on bare wood studs or drywall

Cons

• Storage hooks not included

No need to climb a ladder when you can bring stored items down to you with this garage ceiling storage hoist. It uses heavy-duty straps and a pulley mechanism to raise and let down larger items, such as boxes, roof carriers and paddle boards. Simply lower them using the hoist to access your items when adventure calls.

Content director, Nicole Doster, says, “This pulley-style kayak ceiling hoist gives you the flexibility to rig your kayak high above cars and walkways, but also easily lower it down using gravity and a set of ropes. What’s great about it is the brake plate that locks the rope into place, keeping your water sport equipment (up to 150 pounds) secure.”

The kit includes two pulley plates, rope, straps and mounting hardware. “I was initially worried that the rope rigging would prove difficult to install, but the included instructions were simple to follow, and the company provided video tutorials with clear step-by-step instructions,” Doster says.

During testing of this product, Doster noted that the pulley rope needs to be installed to an adjacent wall cleat, so this might not be the best solution for kayaks that need to be installed in the center of a garage.

Pros

• Patented square brackets securely hold straps in place
• Strong enough to store items up to 150 pounds
• Auto-locking rope break
• One-person operation

Cons

• Pulley rope needs to be installed to adjacent wall cleat

File this product under the top must-have bike accessories. If you have a heavy bike or lack the strength to lift it over your head, try this Delta Cycle bike hoist. “It changed my life, or at least how much stuff I can pack into my tiny one-car garage,” says associate shopping editor, Sheri Kaz. “I now have room to store my lawn mower under the bike. It’s easy to use and stays secure with the auto-lock, cord cleat and sturdy hooks.”

If you need a space saving solution to stash your toys, don’t hesitate to grab this budget-friendly item. It’s an outstanding garage bike storage option for clearing up floor space.

Pros

• Saves floor space
• Secure locking mechanism
• Easy to use and install
• Sturdy construction
• Smooth rope with extra length for high ceilings

Cons

• Requires a particular angle to release

What to Look for When Buying Garage Ceiling Storage

The first step to streamlining your garage is to assess the mess and exactly how much space you have to work with. If you’re working with limited floor space or want to keep garage floor space open for cars, then high-ceiling garage storage solutions are the way to go.

You’ll also want to consider how much weight your garage ceiling can support and choose a durable material that’ll keep your stuff suspended without tearing, warping or breaking. Additionally, you should consider how easy it will be to access your things once you’ve hoisted them into storage. A pulley system or storage system at eye level are often the best way to go if you have to remove items from storage frequently.

Types of Garage Ceiling Storage

• Shelves and racks: These are flat, horizontal surfaces to keep items off the floor. They come in various sizes and are made of a slab of wood, metal or plastic. Racks use bars, wires or pegs.
• Lifts and hoists: They use pulley systems to raise objects off the ground in an elevated position.
• Utility hooks: They provide a simple, inexpensive way to hang anything from water hoses to sporting equipment to garden tools from the garage ceiling or wall.
• Slings and cargo nets: A sling is a series of straps to support long, slim objects, such as kayaks and skis. Nets act like a stretchy hammock to hold lightweight items, like sports balls, outdoor cushions and pool floats.
• Waterproof storage containers: Best for storing treasured items or important documents, the right storage containers block moisture, dirt, bugs and other pests from getting inside.

Why You Should Trust Us

Family Handyman editors tested all the garage ceiling storage products listed above. That’s right—we put them in our own garages to deliver the most honest and in-depth product reviews. In fact, we installed each storage system ourselves to tell you how easy or difficult the process was.

Plus, each of our editors tested every product for over a month to store real tools and equipment to determine how they perform. In the end, we didn’t recommend any garage ceiling storage solution that we didn’t test and love in our own homes.

How We Found the Best Garage Ceiling Storage

Beyond rigorous product testing by our team of Family Handyman editors, we also researched the best garage ceiling storage solutions on the market right now. We sifted through countless product reviews and features to determine which products were worth testing. We looked at ease of installation, price point, overall quality and value to find the best garage ceiling storage solutions for a variety of needs.

FAQ

Is overhead garage storage safe?

Overhead garage storage is safe if done correctly. Unless you’re a contractor or a very experienced DIYer, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help with the installation.

How much weight can I hang from my garage trusses?

That depends on various factors, including whether your garage has a floor above it or not and the size and type of lumber used for the joists or trusses. Most experts say that unless your garage ceiling is specifically engineered for holding extra weight, how much your garage trusses can support should be determined by a structural engineer.