When looking for the right storage solution, consider what you want to store, as well as your garage layout, to determine the best type and functionality you need. “The process that I work through with my clients is sorting, purging, organizing, and laying out the space,” said Jessica Terenyi, professional organizer and coach at JK Organizing, LLC. “Also, consider vertical space so that you can clear that floor space.” We spent hours researching the best garage storage systems on the market, evaluating ease of assembly and use, storage capacity, versatility, and value. Our top pick, Husky 6-Piece Steel Garage Cabinet Set, is made of powder-coated steel and can keep small and large items organized. Here are the best garage storage systems. The metal cabinet, pegboard, and shelves are made of powder-coated steel, so it is great for garage spaces that see all temperatures throughout the year. The flat workspace is made of hardwood that is sealed to prevent staining. It does require assembly, but it includes helpful instructions and diagrams as well as all of the tools you may need. The cabinet set is a bit pricey for its size, and you will need to purchase accessories to use on the pegboard separately. But for a versatile option that will last for years, even in hot or cold climates, the cost is worth the durability. Price at time of publish: $650 When hanging things from the organizer, they will still be in view. While it’s not the best option if you want to keep everything concealed, it’s great if you want to keep everything easily accessible. This organizer is ideal for items like rakes and shovels that are flat—weed-whackers and other odd-shaped tools may reduce the overall storage capacity if they keep other things from hanging safely. We think this organizer would also be great for storing items inside, like brooms, mops, and other household cleaning tools. Price at time of publish: $20 The 20-piece system is great to start. It includes five rails for the wall and 15 hooks. You can also add to it with additional rails and storage solutions. It is affordable, but extra components do add to the overall cost. It also exclusively uses the wall for storage: There aren’t any freestanding shelves, cabinets, or drawers, so all of your items are in sight, which can create a cluttered look, even if things are organized and put away. Price at time of publish: $160 You may want to label the drawers since they are not see-through. While this keeps the clutter out of sight, it makes it harder to remember exactly which drawer you need. Since this is a smaller tool cabinet, there aren’t any places to keep long-handled tools or items like rakes and shovels. You may want to combine it with additional wall storage for other needs, which will add to your overall cost. Price at time of publish: $489 The garage storage system is large at 108 inches wide. It is also quite expensive and best for a garage setup that you plan to use for a long time. Fortunately, it is made of heavy-gauge steel and will last without damage, rust, or warping. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, making the high price tag easier to handle. Price at time of publish: $2,100 Installation may be difficult and require multiple ladders, depending on your garage, so it is best to have two people available. You also need to make sure that you install the rack directly into two wooden studs, which have to be spaced apart at the interval of the two supports. You can’t use it with a metal wall, because it will not stay secure and could cause damage or injury if it falls. “Overhang in your garage can be for your bulkier items that you are packing away, such as tents and camping chairs,” said Jessica Terenyi, a professional organizer and coach at JK Organizing, LLC. “But if you’re a regular camper, you may not want to tuck those up high.” Price at time of publish: $230 Assembly is required and best done with two people because of the cabinet’s height. There are other cabinets in the collection, including some that hang on the wall, some with open shelving built in, and some with drawers and workbenches. You can create a custom workspace for your garage, although the overall cost may be pricey when you consider how many things come separately. Price at time of publish: $300 Although some assembly is required, Seville Classics includes helpful instructions and maintain an assembly support and customer service phone line. However, this system is not very large and doesn’t have any tall cabinets, which means that you can’t easily store large, bulky items or tools, but it also makes assembly a bit easier for one person to accomplish. Price at time of publish: $280 The 50-quart size is good for lightweight items that are large. Keep in mind that filling the entire thing with heavy decor could make it harder to move. Sterilite also makes a 25-quart option that has the same footprint but is not as high, which allows you stack both sizes together while organizing items of different sizes. Price at time of publish: $18 These steel shelves are affordable and easy to put together, and they can hold up to 250 pounds per shelf. They come in chrome or black and in five different sizes. The wire shelving has 1-inch spaces between each wire, so depending on your storage needs, you may need to lay down plywood to keep small objects and items from slipping through. The set comes with an Allen wrench to assemble the shelves, and it can be helpful to have two people to make sure that they are even. Price at time of publish: $38 This shelving unit does require assembly but it is relatively easy, especially for the three-shelf option. If you opt for something larger, such as the four-shelf or five-shelf model, it may be helpful to have two people for assembly. One of the best things about the wheeled shelf is its budget-friendly price. You can use it with or without the wheels and adjust the shelves, getting multiple options with one affordable purchase. Price at time of publish: $54 To keep the drawers accessible, it is best to use them on a workbench or other raised surface. You will need to purchase that separately if you do not already have a good setup. The drawers themselves are very affordable, but adding the need for a place to keep them could hike up the overall cost considerably. Price at time of publish: $42 You will need to install it directly into the studs of your home. It comes with the required hardware, but you will need a power drill to effectively hang it up. It does not have any drawers or shelving for smaller items. Instead, it is made to use the wall space available to hang things. That makes them easy to grab but does keep them out in the open. Price at time of publish: $55 It does require assembly but comes with all of the hardware that you need. You can pay for expert assembly if you don’t want to worry about putting it together, although that adds considerably to the price. It is not cheap, although the powder-coated steel construction and super-high weight capacity make it one of the most versatile and durable storage options. Price at time of publish: $250
Storage Capacity
Size and capacity are the hardest to find when you want to store large or bulky items. Look for a storage system that provides enough height and depth. Adjustable systems with shelving are a great way to store large items, because you can simply remove or reposition a shelf as needed. Especially small items should be stored in drawers, but look for ones that suit your needs. If you have a lot of similar small items but want to separate them, you may want multiple drawers that can be labeled, such as the Akro-Mils Drawer Plastic Parts Storage.
Durability
Garages are not typically heated or cooled like the rest of your home, making durable materials that can withstand some changes in temperature key when you are selecting storage systems that will last. Jessica Terenyi with JK Organizing, LLC also recommends evaluating individual items that you plan to keep in your garage. “Consider weather elements. Oftentimes, our garages are going to take all the heat and cold, so consider if you get a lot of seasons, and if you have delicate items, store them inside.”
Functionality
Adjustability is helpful, especially if you think that your garage storage needs will change over time. If you have young children, you might need to organize a lot of bikes, scooters, and bulky items. As they grow, it can change into sports equipment that needs to be stored differently. You should also consider weight capacity of shelving, especially if you have small items that are very heavy.
Ease of Installation
A lot of garage storage systems require assembly, but some also need to be installed. Wall-mounted systems require specific mounting hardware that can support their weight and keep your walls and home from being damaged. You might need to get help from a pro or someone with experience locating studs in your walls to make sure that you install them in the right place.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered the best options for different garage setups as well as storage needs. She also talked to Jessica Terenyi with JK Organizing, LLC who is a Maryland-based professional organizer and coach who works with clients nationwide to organize their spaces. “Take pictures and measurements,” said Terenyi. “Always make sure you’re measuring before you buy. And use before and after pictures to celebrate your win of a newly organized garage.”
