I moved to a house where the previous owner installed overhead garage storage racks. Inspired by pictures from the internet, I bought several 27-gal tote bins to organize my stuff. However, I found it was not easy to move those boxes onto the racks because they were too heavy to lift on the ladder.

I was a bit disappointed if overhead garage racks are only suited for small or light boxes. How do you use the racks? Or some tools that help lift large boxes?

Just wanted to share a recent garage organization win that made a huge difference for me. I’ve always struggled with keeping the garage tidy, especially with seasonal gear and tools piling up. Then I found a overhead storage racks — and honestly, they’ve been a game-changer.

I installed two types of ceiling-mounted racks :

Fixed rack ：This one doesn’t move up or down, but the height is adjustable during installation, so you can choose how far it hangs from the ceiling. I use it for items I don’t need to access often — camping gear, holiday decorations, etc. The steel is thick and sturdy, and once installed, it feels rock solid. I never worry about safety.

Garage lift ：This one’s the real MVP for frequently used stuff. You can raise or lower it without having to get on a ladder, which saves so much hassle. I use it for seasonal sports gear and bins of everyday tools. Accessing things is super easy, and it really makes storage feel effortless.

After setting both up, my garage finally looks clean and organized. I can park my car without dodging random boxes, and there’s actual floor space again! Plus, using the ceiling — which was just wasted space before — feels like unlocking a hidden level of storage.

If you’re part of a household with a lot of stuff (like mine — kids’ toys, tools, decor, you name it), ceiling storage is 100% worth it. It helps separate things you don’t need all the time from the stuff you use daily, and keeps everything off the floor. Honestly, I wish I had done this sooner.

Highly recommend this setup to anyone who's short on space and tired of the clutter.

I am trying to plan out some overhead storage that provides clearance for the garage door and its track. I have been drawing some ideas and these two are the most recent. My biggest problems are 1) the narrow space to work with(about 13 inches) and 2) the rigidity of the shelf over such a span. The narrow space is not a problem in itself as long as I can get about 11 inches vertical. This storage will have a very niche use but it works for us. That small vertical does make solving the rigidity problem harder because I don't want to eat into that already narrow space.

My overall plan has settled on using the front and side wall of the garage to tie into and then the side of this shelf that is floating would cut through the drywall ceiling to use the rafters overhead. Essentially ignore the free floating aspect of the upper plan; look at the top right corner instead.

I am leaving toward the slat or dowel shelf for ease of construction and it wouldn't make a dark abyss where needlessly stored things will go to die.

Does anyone have any good ideas or feedback for my situation?