Residential garages are frequently used for more than just parking vehicles; they often serve as storage spaces for personal belongings and seasonal items. Many of us have experienced the frustration of opening our garage doors to find boxes and loose items cluttering the floor. Like most homes, it can feel like there’s never enough storage space. However, you can address your storage and clutter issues by utilizing the garage ceiling to create additional storage space.
There are numerous methods to create storage on your garage ceiling, ranging from simple DIY projects like using cargo nets or J-hooks to purchasing specially designed storage units intended for overhead use. Before choosing your garage’s ceiling storage system, there are a few factors to consider.
1. Garage Door Types and Opener Options
The most important factor to consider when creating a garage ceiling storage space is the type of garage door you have. If you have a swing or side-sliding garage door, you can generally install your ceiling storage system anywhere. However, if you have a sectional overhead garage door, it’s essential to ensure that there is sufficient space not only for the door’s sections to roll up inside the garage but also for a garage door repair professional to perform maintenance and necessary repair tasks as needed.
Additionally, you want to ensure that you have enough clearance for the automatic garage door opener. In some cases, you may want to consider using a side-mount garage door opener to maximize the use of your ceiling space. Unlike a ceiling-mounted garage door opener, a side-mount opener is attached to the wall, allowing you to utilize more space above the garage door when it’s in the open position.
2. Amount of Storage Space You Need
Another consideration is the necessary storage space. Whether you’re building or purchasing a garage ceiling storage system, it’s essential to ensure it can handle your current storage needs. You may want to choose a storage system with a larger capacity to accommodate potential future items.
3. Garage Headroom
Measure the clearance between the ceiling to the garage door when it’s in open position to ensure your planned storage unit will fit. If you require more space, consider retrofitting a low-clearance garage door tracks system to lower the door.
4. Cost and Value
Cost is a significant consideration when selecting a garage ceiling storage system, much like in many other aspects of life. Your goal should be to find a storage system that fits your requirements without exceeding your budget. If you need to store heavy items, it’s recommended to choose heavy-duty ceiling racks capable of supporting the weight. Additionally, some racks offer the convenience of being lowered and raised, eliminating the need for climbing a ladder and carrying heavy items at a height.
5. Garage Infrastructure
Before installing a storage system in your garage, it’s important to perform a basic inspection to ensure that the garage’s rafters or studs are in good condition and capable of bearing the weight. If you find termite damage or any cracks in the rafters or studs, replace them prior to the installation of the storage system.
You can easily explore various modern garage ceiling storage options with a quick online search and choose a storage unit that suits your requirements. If you prefer a DIY approach, we’ve gathered some of the best video guides available on the web to provide you with straightforward ideas on building your own storage solutions.
