There is as an age-old saying – “From Acorns Grow Big Oak Trees”. Well we also have a saying at Man Cave Kings “From garages grow big man caves and games rooms”. There are many man caves that have been created in garages. In fact, garages make for great man caves because of the space they can provide. However, for many people the garage becomes a storage place to store boxes of useful and not so useful items that are rarely used.
Here at Man Cave Kings, we say be bold, be ruthless and clear out those boxes, make space, make room and transform your dull garage into something more…I know, I know, there are things you will need to keep, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a significant amount of space, with a bit of organising and garage storage solutions. This is where our best garage storage system solutions reviews can help you claim back your garage space…
Ceiling Mounted Garage Storage
The first option is ceiling mounted storage. This type of storage system provides space by storing items on a frame hung from the ceiling. It’s the perfect option if you have a small garage and don’t want to reduce the available space by using free-standing or wall storage units. It’s all an excellent storage method if your garage has a high ceiling.
FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
- Customizable and adjustable height options
- Can be installed to wood joists or concrete ceilings
- Weight capacity – 600 lbs
- Colors: White, Black
- Must ensure that the top brackets are properly mounted
The first option is the Fleximounts 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack. As the name may suggest this one is mounted to the ceiling of your garage. This model can provide up to 105 cubic feet of storage space, and is 96 inches long, 48 inches wide and can change from 22 to 40 inches high. This allows you to adjust the hight to fit your storage requirements – a great option if you have higher or lower than average ceilings.
Fleximounts have other models on the market, such as their 4×6 rack and the 3×6 rack, so you can pick the one that best fits your garage space. To ensure that this rack set up stays on the ceiling this model comes with brackets so that each attachment point will be connected to 2 studs. The Fleximount 4×8 can store up to 600 pounds between what you put on the rack and what you hang underneath it. As you can see from the image, you can store a lot of boxes, cases and equipment, freeing up the garage floor.
HyLoft 00625 45-Inch by 45-Inch Overhead Storage System
- Designed for easy install
- Lower price than other options
- Only attached to one joist at each attachment point
- Weight capacity – 250 lbs
- Color: Hammertone or white
An alternative option is the HyLoft 45 inch by 45 Inch Overhead Storage System. The unit can be adjusted from 17 inches deep all the way to 28 inches deep, to allow it to flex to your particular garage height storage needs. It can offer up to 30 cubic inches of storage space. So long as the weight is evenly distributed this model can hold up to 250 pounds. The company states that this set up is designed to be installed by a single person in under 30 minutes.
You can install the HyLoft on flat and vaulted ceilings and because the fixing arms are adjustable;e, you shouldn’t have a problem fixing it to most joists spacing. Not as big as the Fleximounts, but it does have a number of different size options available – such as the 27 x 36, 48 x 48 and the 60 x 45, all measured in inches. If you’re looking for a smaller, cheaper option than the Fleximounts, the HyLoft could be the answer. Additionally, it comes in 2 color options, hammertone or white.
Monsterrax – 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack Heavy Duty
- Heavy Duty set up provides very sturdy rack
- Straight Forward Installation makes for easy hanging
- Colors: Hammertone or white
- Weight capacity – 600 lbs
Another contender for the best garage storage system is the Monsterrax 4 x 8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack. This is a heavy-duty set up and when properly installed it can handle up to 600 pounds of weight. The company mentions that the rack itself can stand up to 1,500 pounds, but the 600 pound limit is the most that your garage ceiling can handle. The overall height for this model can range from just 24 inches up to 45 inches. If you need storage but your space is a little bit tighter, Monsterrax also makes a 2 x 8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack.
SafeRacks SR-4×4-W-24 Overhead Garage Storage Rack
- Cost saving option
- Very sturdy when properly installed
- The instructions on how to install this rack could be clearer
- Weight capacity – 250 lbs or 300 lbs options
- Color: White
The final overhead storage option that made our list was the SafeRacks SR-4×4-W-24 Overhead Garage Storage Rack. This industrial strength rack is covered with a powder coat finish to ensure that anything put on the rack won’t get scratched up. The model sports an adjustable drop height to allow you to set just the right height for your particular space. The medium duty rack can hold up to 250 pounds and the heavy-duty model can take you all the way up to 300 pounds. The company has a few other size options available on Amazon as well.
Best Garage Shelving Units
If you are just looking for some shelves to store larger items and don’t care as much about bins or shelves for smaller pieces, the a garage shelving unit is the way to go. There are some options that are metal and others are plastic, I am going to start off with the heavy-duty racks that take large heavy boxes and suitcases and then move on to the lighter racks for small objects. Some of these options will include wheels for easy manoeuverability. We will start by looking at the heavy-duty shelving options, then move onto medium duty units and shelving units on wheels. So let’s take a look at some of the best garage shelving units to provide space and keep things neat and tidy.
SafeRacks Freestanding Shelf Steel Shelving Unit
- Heavy duty industrial strength steel shelf storage
- Large enough to store large boxes and travel cases
- Size: 84″ high x 96″ wide x 24″ deep. Other sizes available
- weight capacity – 2,000 lbs total, 500 lbs per shelf
- Simple one person construction
- Instructions could be better
If you require a large heavy-duty free-standing shelf unit at a reasonable price then the saferacks free-standing steel shelving unit will fit that spec. This unit is a 100% steel which is powder coated for protection. It can store up to 300lbs per wire grid shelf with a max load of 1,200lbs. This unit is 8ft wide, 7 ft high and 2 ft deep, providing a lot of storage space.
The Saferacks Freestanding Shelf comes in a choice of two colors, powder coated white or hammertone. It also comes in a number of different sizes, therefore you should be able to find a size to fit your freestanding storage needs. To view the complete range – click on the link below.
SafeRacks Freestanding Storage
MuscleRack Storage
- Capacity – up to 4,000 lbs depending oon the unit
- Comes in multiple size options
- Quick and Easy Assembly
- Adjustable shelving heights
An alternative to the SafeRacks is the MuscleRack range. Similar to saferacks, they come with a number of size options including the units depth. You can have a 12″ deep, 18″ deep or 24″ deep model. The Muscle Rack Silver Vein Steel Storage Rack is crafted from beams and braces made of steel. With this style of the shelving leg you can change the height of each shelf to fit the height of your storage items.
The shelves for this set up have pressboard shelves sitting on braces. Overall, this set up can hold up to 4,000lbs, depending on the model you choose. The shelf set up is designed to be set up in just minutes. If you aren’t happy with the look of the pressboard shelf there is also an option for wood grain shelves, but it nearly doubles the price.
LANGRIA 5 Tier Garage Shelving Unit
- Includes 5 hook side rail for additional storage
- Waterproof finish keeps shelf from rusting even if wet
- Better storage when weight spread evenly across shelves
- Size: 66.9 ” high x 47.2″ width x 17.7″ deep x
- weight capacity – 441 lbs
- Color: Black
If you are looking for a fairly sturdy shelving unit for you garage, but don’t require something as strong as the SafeRacks range then you’ll want to consider the LANGRIA 5 Tier Garage Shelving Unit. This one is crafted of metal tubes and wire mesh and once it has been assembled can hold up to 441 pounds. For it to take this weight without the shelve bowing you will need to spread the weight evenly as some customers mentioned a slight bow in the shelves if all the weight is in the middle. You can change the height of each shelf which will allow you to store things as you see fit. Each of the feet can be used to level out areas of un-even flooring so that the shelf d
Gracious Living 4-Shelf Medium Duty Shelf Unit
- Lower cost for shelving
- 100 lb pound per shelf loading ability
- Fixed shelving height
- Color: Black
A lower cost option for garage shelving is the Gracious Living 4-Shelf Medium Duty Shelf Unit. This one is crafted from plastic, but it assembles easily with no tools required to put the shelving together. This set up is 14 inches deep, 54.5 inches high and 32 inches wide. The company claims that this set up can handle up to 100 lbs per shelf, for a total of 400 lbs. However, due to the way that these shelves are crafted you can’t change the height of each shelf. These are perfect for storing tools and smaller boxes.
Garage Shelving Units on Wheels
SafeRacks NSF 4-Tier Wire Shelving Rack on Wheels
- Change the height of the shelves as you see fit
- Weight capacity – Holds up to 350 lbs per shelf
- Shelf is nearly 100 pounds on its own
- Color: Zinc Plated
If you are looking for an easily moved shelf you should check out the SafeRacks 4-Tier Wire Shelving Rack. This one stands 60 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 72 inches high (or 76 inches high with the wheels). The space is divided into 4 shelves and you can adjust the shelving height to fit your storage needs. With two support trusses per shelf you can place up to 350 lbs onto each of the shelves so this unit can handle a lot of weight. You have the option of using either leveling feet if you don’t think you want to move your shelf or add-on the four wheels, two of which lock to keep the shelf in place.
Seville Classics 5-Tier NSF Steel Wire Shelving with Wheels
- 5 shelves that allow you change their height
- Wheels allow easy movement
- Weight capacity: 500lbs per shelf
- Holders for the shelves don’t always snap together
- Color: Zinc Plated
Another wheeled option is the Seville Classics Steel Wire Shelving. This one sports locking caster wheels, which will allow you to easily move the shelf, even when it is loaded. The metal shelfs with their wire build can work well even if you put items on the shelf that are damp when they are put away. It has been approved by the National Sanitary Foundation as a food equipment storage location. Each of the five shelves can hold up to 500 lbs of equipment. And these shelves can be positioned at various heights to give you choices in how large you would like your storage.
Best Garage Cabinets
Sometimes you want a storage solution that you can close the doors and have everything tucked away and out of sight. If that sounds what you are looking for then garage cabinet storage is the solution for you. And with garage cabinets you have options to choose from. Some models sit on wheels to allow you to move them easily, while other options are mounted on walls to keep your floor space open while giving you the storage that you need. Let’s take a look at our reviews of some of the best garage cabinets for the money.
Seville Classics Ultra HD Heavy Duty Storage Cabinet
- Locking doors keeps your items safe
- 3 adjustable shelves let you choose the height you require.
- 4.5″ heavy duty wheels allowing easy manoeuverability
- Size – 72″ high, 36″ wide and 18″ deep
- weight capacity: 600lbs
- Stainless steel doors
- Color: Gray
If you are looking for a rolling cabinet for garage storage, you’ll want to consider the Ultra HD Heavy Duty Storage Cabinet. This one is 72 inches high, 18 inches deep and 36 inches wide. It features stainless steel doors that even sport a key lock so that after you put everything away you can lock it all and keep it secure. Inside you’ll find 3 adjustable shelves that can be placed at the points that you desire. The bottom sports 4.5 inch heavy-duty wheels to make sure that you can easily move the cabinet to whichever position you’d like. Ultra HD also provide small stainless versions and wall hanging cabinets.
Gladiator GAWG28FDYG Full Door Wall Box
- Magnetic catch pulls the door closed and keeps it closed
- 3 shelves offer lots of storage space
- Size – 28″ high x 28″ wide x 12″ deep
- weigh capacity: 150 lbs
- Doors do no lock
- Color: Black (Cabinet), Steel (door)
Another storage solution is to mount a cabinet on the wall. The Gladiator Full Door Wall Box fits this box (excuse the pun). The doors feature magnetic catches to make sure that they stay closed even when they are lightly pushed closed. Overall this cabinet is 28 inches high x 12 inches deep x 28 inches wide. Additionally, the company is willing to stand behind their cabinet with a 10 year warranty. Inside this cabinet you’ll find that there are three shelves that allow you to store a number of different items easily. The one downside is that there is no way to lock this cabinet.
FLEXIMOUNTS Wall Shelf Garage Storage Rack Floating Shelves
- 2 pack gives you lots of storage space
- Heavy duty material
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Don’t overlap well for coverage of a long stretch
- Colors: White, Black
If you are looking for a wall mounted option that is more of a shelf than a traditional cabinet, you’ll want to consider the FLEXIMOUNTS Wall Shelf Garage Storage Rack Floating Shelves. This set up is a two pack of shelves, with each shelf being 24 inches deep and 72 inches long. They are crafted of a wire set up that will allow even damp material to dry off as needed if you put it away without fully drying it. This set includes high quality hardware and when properly installed the shelves will hold up to 300 pounds of total gear.
Best Garage Storage Bins
If you don’t want to mount things onto your garage ceiling, there are still plenty of other options. We will take a look at some of the best garage storage bins. These are a great option since you can pick them up and place them where you like and to rearrange them all you will have to do is empty the shelf and then put it into a new location. Let’s take a look at a few of the top contenders.
Seville Classics Commercial 7-Tier Platinum/Gray NSF 16-Bin Rack Storage System
- Wheels allow for easy movement
- Bins help to keep smaller objects organized
- The first shelf can be a little hard to get set in
- Size – 26″ width x 56″ height x 12″ deep
- Color: Platinum (shelf) Gray (bins)
The Seville Classics Commercial 7-Tier Rack Storage System is a sharp-looking metal shelf that is 36 inches wide, 56 inches high and 14 inches deep. This rack also comes with 16 gray storage bins. Of these, 12 of them are the large size and 4 of them are extra-large. Additionally, there are 4 bin dividers to help keep items divided up as needed. These can be great if you have a lot of smaller objects that you need to store.
If you are looking to store larger objects you can easily remove these bins and place whatever you would like on the shelves. And those shelves can be moved up and down to size them as you need. This one has castors on the bottom to let you easily move it, even while fully loaded. Finally, if this one doesn’t have quite enough they also offer an 8 Tier option.
Akro-Mils 10124 24 Drawer Plastic Parts Storage Hardware and Craft Cabinet
- Drawers won’t tip or spill
- Single contained unit
- Will need to be placed on top of something for easy use
- Size – 20″ width x 16″ height x 6.5″ deep
- Color: Black (Cabinet), Clear (Drawers)
If you are looking for a simple storage solution for things like screws, bolts, fasteners, beads, tape measures and other small items that can fit on a bench or table, take a look at the Akro-Mils 24 Drawer Plastic Parts Storage Hardware and Craft Cabinet. This one is 20 inches by 16 inches by 6.5 inches. The company states that the drawers are virtually indestructible. At the moment I keep all my small items in one large drawer, which starts out tidy, but soon becomes a mess. This will be perfect.
Best Garage Tool Storage – The Slatwall System
The last method of storage is the slat wall. This style of storage provides various hooks and other solutions to hang your items on the wall. It’s especially good for various garden and power tools. To use this you’ll need to mount the slat walls on your walls and then attach the hooks that will work with your particular system. Let’s take a look at our top pick.
Proslat 33013 Basic Bundle with Slatwall Panels and Hook Kit
- Kit gives you everything that you need to get started
- Comes in a number of different color options
- lifetime warranty
- Size – 8ft x 4ft (multiple options)
- Weight capacity: 75 lbs per linear foot
- Colors: Light Grey, Charcoal, White
If you are looking to get into a slat wall set up you’ll want to consider the Proslat Basic Bundle. This one gives you 10 panels of a slat wall. With this you can either cover an 8 foot by 4 foot section of wall or 32 total square feet of wall. This set up also comes with a 20 multi piece hook set, so that you are able to hang your items directly on your wall without having to purchase anything else. These slats are made from recycled materials and can hold up to 75 pounds per linear foot. This lets you decide how you want your storage set up.
Conclusion
Now you should have all the information that you need on the different storage options available for your garage. As you have seen, there are a number of different styles and each one will have a number of size and color options. All of this choice means that you will end up being able to pick the best garage storage that will work for your space. Finally, we’d love to hear from you. Which storage options will you be going with? Let us know in the comments below.
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