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The 10 Best Garage Storage Systems of 2024

You'll finally be able to free up much needed space

A garage storage system we recommend on a green background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Far too many garages are used as haphazard catchalls for storing just about anything that doesn't have a regular spot inside the house. The solution for garage clutter is an efficient garage storage system, which can be as simple as a standalone shelving unit or as comprehensive as a full set of lockers, rolling cabinets, and worktable.

"When selecting a garage storage system, I always consider three key factors: available space, accessibility, and overall appearance," explains Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of Valley Organizing. He recommends storage shelves hung high in garages with little floor space, so you'll still have room to swing car doors open—without bumping into a storage rack.

Keep in mind that any system you choose should support the combined weight of everything you'll store, and if you plan on doing the installation yourself, we suggest finding one that is relatively easy to assemble.

We researched top garage storage systems from a wide range of manufacturers, evaluating each for its versatility, durability, ease of assembly, and overall value.

What We Like
  • Quality construction

  • Lots of storage options

  • Worktop

  • Openings for power cords

What We Don't Like
  • Requires plenty of floor space

  • Heavy to install

For those with sizable garages, we love this comprehensive storage system from NewAge. It has plenty of room for holding all sorts of items commonly found in garages, including hand tools, power tools, automotive supplies, cleaning supplies, garden equipment, holiday decor, or pool supplies. Made of 24-gauge steel, the system includes two lockers measuring 30 x 18 x 72 inches, each with four interior shelves, three of which are adjustable. There are also two upper wall cabinets measuring 24 x 12 x 19.5 inches—these do not have an interior shelf, but are sized to hold tall or bulky items; one 2-door base cabinet measuring 24 x 16 x 34.8 inches and with one adjustable interior shelf; and one rolling tool cabinet measuring 16 x 21 x 33.1 inches, and equipped with four lined, easy-pull-out drawers. Plus, you get a 48-inch worktop, which is available in either bamboo or stainless steel.

Although the cabinets are pre-assembled, this is a heavy and large storage system which must be anchored to the studs in your garage wall, so be prepared with at least one assistant. Or preferably you might want two to help you move the pieces into position as you secure them. But once everything is installed, you'll love the quality construction of this set.

You can lock all of the cabinets for security, and you'll find openings in the back of all cabinets for power cords. Plus, the rolling cabinet has anti-tip casters. The weight capacity of the lockers is 800 pounds each, the wall cabinets can hold up to 100 pounds each, and the two base cabinets have 600 pound weight capacities.

The system is available in charcoal, platinum, red, or black finishes. NewAge sells a variety of optional accessories for the storage system, including built-in work lights, a backsplash for behind the worktop, and wall-mounted shelves. Bottom line: We feel that the quality and versatility of this set makes it well worth the cost.

Dimensions: 18 x 108 x 77 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 3,000 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

What We Like
  • Several color options

  • Locking doors

  • Equipped with double doors

What We Don't Like
  • Small handles

  • Assembly required

Not everyone needs a large, expensive storage system to hold a big collection of supplies. If you just want a cabinet to help keep your garage organized and maximize your space, then we think this metal freestanding cabinet from Yizosh is an ideal choice.

You'll need to assemble it yourself, which might require an assistant. But once you have it in place, it's a perfect spot to stash cleaning supplies, paint, pool supplies, tools, gardening tools, and lawn fertilizers, or even sporting equipment.

The cabinet has five adjustable shelves, and each can hold up to 180 pounds. The double doors have a lock, but we do wish the handles were a little bit larger. Still, this is a very useful cabinet that can also be used in your home office to hold files and books, in a kitchen to serve as an extra pantry, or even as an extra linen closet. It's available in several colors, including all black, all blue, gray and black, gray and blue, and red and black.

Dimensions: 15.7 x 31.5 x 70.87 inches | Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 900 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

What We Like
  • All steel construction

  • Strong wheels

  • Magnetic lock

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat industrial appearance

This heavy-duty steel storage cabinet perches atop four 5-inch wheels attached to the cabinet with sturdy metal hardware for extra strength. Two of the wheels lock, so you don't have to worry about your cabinet rolling out of position unexpectedly. If you need to move it out of the way or closer to where you'll be using its contents, you'll definitely appreciate the convenience of its strong wheels. Four small corner bumpers help prevent scuffs or damage to nearby walls or to the cabinet itself.

The freestanding cabinet has double doors that can be locked for extra security. Inside, you'll find four shelves: three are height-adjustable and the fourth is the floor of the cabinet. Each shelf has a weight capacity of 150 pounds, for a total weight capacity of 600 pounds.

This is a great way to store cleaning supplies, tools, or other supplies in the garage. It also works well as an extra pantry in the kitchen. We like that it's available in stainless, black, red, or white finishes, all with stainless steel doors that are coated to prevent fingerprints or other smudges.

Dimensions: 18 x 36 x 72 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

What We Like
  • Clears out floor space

  • 800-pound capacity

  • Made from heavy-duty steel

What We Don't Like
  • Best installed with an assistant

  • Not ideal for items requiring frequent access

If you have a typical garage that already holds one or two cars, then your available storage space is probably limited. That's why going overhead is such a great idea. This extremely strong overhead rack from Fleximounts makes it easy, so you can hold all sorts of gear without taking up any precious foot space.

Measuring 4 x 8 feet, this heavy-duty steel rack can hold up to 800 pounds securely, and you can adjust its drop-down height from 22 inches to 40 inches. It can even handle a sloped ceiling as long as the incline is no more than 15 degrees.

You'll definitely need a sturdy ladder to install this rack. Just be aware that it can only attach to a concrete ceiling or to wooden studs—this is not suitable for installing on a metal ceiling. Before purchasing, be sure your studs are no more than 24 inches apart.

You can install the rack so it's flush against a wall or center it in your garage, whichever works best for your needs and your space. Once installed, this is the perfect place to store holiday decorations, camping gear, seasonal sporting equipment, or seasonal outdoor supplies, such as snow shovels or other items, that you don't need to regularly access.

Dimensions: 48 x 96 x 22-40 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Not applicable

What We Like
  • Sturdy construction

  • Four slots to hold many tools

  • Ideal for long-handled tools

What We Don't Like
  • No shelf

If you enjoy time spent gardening, but aren't as thrilled about the amount of space required to store your collection of gardening tools, then you'll love this handy storage rack from StoreYourBoard. Besides rakes, shovels, hoes, and cultivators, it's also ideal for holding snow shovels, push brooms, and other long-handled outdoor equipment. Made of solid steel with a rust-resistant black powder coating, the rack can hold up to 250 pounds of tools and other supplies.

Installation is easy: Just use your power drill to drive the three heavy-duty lag screws into studs in your garage wall. The rack is designed to attach to studs that are a standard 16 inches apart. The four storage slots on the rack are each 9.5 inches deep and 2 inches wide, so you should be able to fit just about any long-handled garden shovel or other gardening tool.

We think it's an easy way to tidy up your garage while freeing up floor space, and storing gardening tools upright and off the ground also helps protect them from damage.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 36 x 2.5 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Not applicable

What We Like
  • Lots of storage options

  • All pieces are lockable

  • Sturdy construction

What We Don't Like
  • Requires a lot of floor space, making it unsuited to small or cramped garages

If you're looking for a comprehensive garage storage system, then this 6-piece set from Husky is worth a look. It consists of two 30.6 x 19.6 x 75 inch lockers, each with three adjustable shelves inside and two upper wall cabinets measuring 24 x 12 x 18.1 inches. Plus, each has an adjustable shelf and two base cabinets that measure 24 x 16 x 33.3 inches. Each two-door base cabinet has an interior adjustable shelf and one drawer.

While individual pieces are already assembled, you'll need to attach the pieces together, as well as secure the storage system to your garage wall. The cabinets have an opening for power tool cords and are fully lockable. Imagine all of the storage possibilities with such a comprehensive system. Whether you need to store power tools, hand tools, cleaning supplies, gardening equipment, sports equipment, or automotive supplies, you can find a spot for them with this efficient system. This is a hefty organizer: Each locker can hold up to 822 pounds, the upper cabinets have 100-pound capacities, and the two lower cabinets can hold up to 650 pounds each.

Dimensions: 19.6 x 109 x 75 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 3,284 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

What We Like
  • Very sturdy construction

  • Keeps items off the garage floor

  • Ideal for small tools

What We Don't Like
  • Full assembly required

  • Industrial appearance

While you won't store a big collection of large tools in this wall-mounted cabinet, we think it's perfect for holding small tools, painting or cleaning supplies, small hand gardening tools, or automotive supplies. Made of strong steel, this storage cabinet has two adjustable shelves and can hold a total of 150 pounds when the weight is evenly distributed. You'll need to assemble it prior to hanging it, but the job is fairly simple and only requires common tools. You'll also need an assistant or two to hold the cabinet in place against the wall while you secure it to the studs.

The cabinet doors have a magnetic catch to keep the doors securely shut, but there is no lock. The handle is somewhat small, but easy to grip. The front panels have a silver "tread" pattern that might be a little more mechanic's work-bay in appearance than you'd like, but this rugged cabinet will hold up well year after year, making it a reliable addition to your garage's storage capabilities. And you can easily add another if you find that you want more storage space.

Dimensions: 28 x 12 x 28 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 150 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

Husky Steel Garage Cabinet Set, 6-Piece
PHOTO:

Home Depot

What We Like
  • Versatile storage options

  • Sturdy construction

  • Wooden workbench

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn't include the hooks for the pegboard

While garage storage systems with lots of cabinets and drawers are great for power tools and other bulky items, a pegboard is an ideal solution for neatly organizing smaller hand tools, such as hammers, screwdriver sets, wrenches, and anything else you want to grab-and-go when you need them. If that's your situation, then this steel workstation from Husky is the answer. It's perfect for anyone who likes to putter with tools, repair small appliances, or carry out other tasks in the garage or workshop. The total weight capacity is 810 pounds.

The workstation consists of a base cabinet with an adjustable shelf, two open shelves, a solid wood workbench, and a backboard that has two more open shelves, a pegboard, and two upper lidded shelves with soft-close hardware to prevent accidental slams.

While we do wish the pegboard included hanging hooks, they are easily purchased separately. Once assembled, this versatile workstation offers a great deal of storage options without taking up an excessive amount of floor space.

Dimensions: 53 x 19.5 x 69.5 inches | Material: Steel, wood | Weight Capacity: 810 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

What We Like
  • Shelf for helmets and other bike gear

  • Keeps bicycles off the ground

  • Anti-rust

What We Don't Like
  • Won't hold five large bikes

A bike ride is a very enjoyable way to spend a day off, but storing multiple bicycles can be a problem in a garage that's already full. Plus, there's always a danger of running over your bike should it fall onto the ground. If you have a bicycle—or more than one—and you'd like a better way to store it than leaning it against the garage wall, then you'll love this bike rack from StoreYourBoard as much as we do. Made of industrial steel with a black powder coating to ward off rust and corrosion, this bike rack can hold up to 300 pounds.

The rack is easily installed and can conform to just about any stud spacing, but be sure it's securely screwed into studs, not into drywall. Once the rack is attached to the wall, you can position the five included support hooks as needed to best fit your bikes.

Each support hook is 4.75 inches long with a 2-inch bend to hold even hefty mountain bikes securely. Plus, the rack comes with a handy 15.5 x 46 inch shelf that perches above the rack to hold your bike helmet and bicycle maintenance supplies. Note that while theoretically you can store five bikes on this rack, it's difficult to do so with five large mountain bikes. But if you have a mix of children's bikes, teen bikes, and adult bikes, we think it's quite doable.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 47 x 8 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: No

What We Like
  • Pieces can be installed as you like

  • Very durable construction

  • Versatile

What We Don't Like
  • Complex installation

You'll definitely want to put aside an afternoon or two and have a couple of assistants when it's time to assemble and install this very comprehensive garage storage system from Gladiator. Once it's finished, you'll love all of its storage options.

This ready-to-assemble 17-piece set is made of heavy-duty steel and includes several pieces. Here's what you'll get: two 36 x 72 x 18 inch freestanding cabinets, each with two interior adjustable shelves; two 28 x 28 x 12 inch wall cabinets that also have two interior adjustable shelves; two 28 x 31 x 18 inch freestanding cabinets, each with one fixed and one adjustable shelf; two 28 x 18 inch hardwood worktops; and eight 4-foot GearTrack channels that attach to the garage wall studs and hold the system components securely in place. It also includes an accessory kit complete with an assortment of hooks, six small item bins, one 24-inch mesh basket, color-matched screws, and GearTrack end caps.

We love that you can mount the various components as you see fit, making this an extremely versatile system that can be adjusted to your needs. Gladiator sells numerous other accessories to make it even easier to customize this large garage storage system, but chances are, you'll have more than enough room to hold everything you want organized. The freestanding cabinets have locks for security, as well as leveler legs to stabilize the system on slightly uneven floors.

Dimensions: 186 x 18 x 83 inches | Material: Steel | Weight Capacity: 1,350 pounds | Adjustable Shelves: Yes

Final Verdict

Our best overall recommendation is the NewAge Products Bold 6-Cabinet Garage Storage System, which includes two lockers, two wall cabinets, a rolling tool cabinet, and a base cabinet for the utmost in storage versatility. But if space is at a premium, and you don’t have a major tool collection to store, then the Gladiator Wall-Mounted Garage Cabinet (our best wall-mounted pick), which has two adjustable interior shelves and can hold up to 150 pounds in a fairly small space, is also a great option.

What to Look for in a Garage Storage System

Space Availability

A good garage storage system maximizes the space in your garage by organizing items neatly, rather than leaving various possessions scattered around the floor. Of course, the system itself can take up quite a bit of room, particularly floor-standing storage units like our best overall pick, the NewAge Products Bold 6-Cabinet Garage Storage System. That’s why your first step should always be to measure the available space in your garage, allowing for the size of your cars or any other vehicles that park inside the structure.

Keep in mind, however, that your storage system needs to remain within the boundaries of your garage’s usable space. Jon Russell, director of systems at Precision Garage Door Service, warns that you should think about your garage door. “It’s important that homeowners choose a setup that doesn't get in the way of their garage door or the mechanism that opens and closes it. Also, think about what happens if you need to repair or replace your garage door in the future," he says. You don't want to end up having to tear down your storage just to get to the door, so picking a storage solution that's going to work with your garage is key, he says.

Try options that let you use vertical space without crowding the floor. This keeps your garage looking neat and still leaves plenty of room for your car to park and for moving around. "Accessibility is essential," adds Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of Valley Organizing. "I consider which items need easy access and how to organize them accordingly. While some clients may prefer overhead storage for less frequently used items, I often recommend a combination of overhead and wall-mounted storage for optimal accessibility." The Seville Classics UltraHD Steel Heavy-Duty Storage Cabinet (our best rolling choice) is one such option, and its wheels let you easily move it to right where you need it.

Storage Capacity

Whether you need to store a great deal of items, or just want a good spot to stash holiday decor or your gardening supplies, your storage system should be sized not only to meet your current needs, but also to allow for an increase in stored possessions. Systems with drawers, shelves, or pegboard backing offer a lot of storage capacity for smaller items, while systems with cabinets are good for holding boxes or other large items. 

“The most important aspect to think about is how effectively the system utilizes the space in your garage," says Pfeiffer. "I consider the available space on the walls, floor, and overhead." For instance, an overhead storage system, like the Fleximounts PRO Overhead Garage Storage Rack (our best overhead pick), might be a solid choice to maximize vertical space. Alternatively, if there's wall space available, there are various options such as heavy-duty racks, cabinets, or adjustable utility storage tracks which allow for adding shelves or hooks.

Along with the storage capacity by size, you should also consider the maximum weight capacity of the storage system, particularly if you’ll be storing heavy items. Depending on the size and style of the storage unit, it might be able to bear the weight of several hundred to a few thousand pounds. For example, the Husky 6-Piece Regular Duty Welded Steel Garage Storage System, our best lockable choice, is a comprehensive storage system that can support a whopping total of 3,284 pounds.

Durability

We think it's important to choose a garage storage system that is built to last and can withstand heavy use. Remember that most garages are not heated or cooled, so your storage system—along with everything stashed on and in it—needs to be able to withstand temperature swings and extremes, humidity, dust, and fallen leaves or other debris that tends to blow in under the garage door or come through whenever you open the garage.

Most storage systems are made of very durable steel, but the best also have a powder coating that helps ward off rust and corrosion. We love the versatile Gladiator 17-Piece Steel Garage Storage System, our best wall-mounted pick. A strong and sturdy system like this one can give you decades of service without buckling, cracking, or rusting.

Versatility

Many people ask a lot of their garage: It’s not uncommon for this space to hold a wide range of items, including bikes, holiday decor, tools, painting or cleaning supplies, pool equipment, and sporting equipment. Plus, you likely also park your car and stash a lawn mower and other bulky equipment inside the confined space of your garage. That’s why it’s so important to stop and consider not just the amount, but also the type of items you’ll be storing. You can then choose the storage options that work best for those things. 

“For organizing tools, I like to use pegboards or slatwall systems with hooks. They let me customize the storage and keep everything visible and within reach," Pfeiffer says. If it’s bicycles you need to keep safely out of the way of your auto, we suggest wall-mounted racks, ceiling hooks, or fast-track wall systems. Our favorite storage rack for bicycles is the StoreYourBoard 5 Bike Rack + Shelf (our best for bikes pick).

Of course, boxes of holiday decorations are a very common garage inhabitant. Go with large, weathertight storage bins for these types of items, as they can be easily labeled for contents, and then stacked on an overhead rack or in cabinets. As for odds and ends, we like wall-mounted cabinets, such as the Gladiator Wall-Mounted Garage Cabinet (our best wall-mounted choice). Standalone shelves are great for storing miscellaneous items, like gardening gear or household tools, keeping them tidy and easy to find.

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, you'll want to consider these products that might help improve your garage space.

  1. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater: An organized garage can give you space for tackling DIY projects on your to-do list. Make it warm enough to hang out in year-round with this tested garage heater. It's quiet, effective, lightweight, and portable.
  2. Dewalt TSTAK Deep Toolbox: If you choose a shelving rack from the list above, you'll need a toolbox to keep your tools organized. This durable option can fit on a shelf (just check the dimensions first) and can fit a variety of tool sizes.
  3. Lehigh Group Pegboard Tool and Parts Tray: This tray keeps tools and small parts accessible if your storage solution has a pegboard. It has four different compartments and can hold 12 tools and fits pegboard holes of 1/4 inch in size.
  4. Genie Smart Garage Door Opener: Improve the accessibility of your garage with a garage door opener. We love this option because it has smart features, a powerful motor, and a battery backup in case of any power outages.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden topics. She has been a commerce writer for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best garage storage systems for this article, she evaluated dozens of different types of organizers from various top brands, evaluating each for versatility, durability, ease of assembly, storage capacity, and overall value. She also relied on feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as information from various organization and home improvement websites. 

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