20 Must-Have Storage Systems to Upgrade Your Garage

What to Look for in a Garage Storage System

Your Available Space

If you’re searching for a good garage storage system to maximize the space in your garage, that’s a given. Maybe as it stands, your garage is bogged down by bins, tools, and clutter—it happens to us all. 

Check out the available space in your garage and take measurements before purchasing any storage unit. 

"When selecting a garage storage system, I always consider three key factors: available space, accessibility, and overall appearance," Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of Valley Organizing, tells us.

If you're looking for more open floor space inside your garage, consider options that let you use vertical space without crowding the floor—some of our ceiling-mounted options, like the Ultrawall Overhead Garage Storage Racks and the Fleximounts 4x8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack, are great for this.

How Much a System Holds

Whether you want a good spot to stash holiday decor or gardening supplies, your storage system should be sized not only to accommodate your current needs, but whatever items may come into your garage in the future.

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, like the Keter Premium One Freestanding Plastic Garage Cabinet. 

"The most important aspect to think about is how effectively the system utilizes the space in your garage," Pfeiffer says. "I would consider the available space on the walls, floor, and overhead."

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, like the Reibii 2500LBS Garage Shelving.

Durability and Versatility

We think it's important to choose a garage storage system that is built to last and can withstand heavy use. Remember, 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 when you open the garage.

Most storage systems are made of durable steel, like the Husky 5-Shelf Steel Heavy-Duty Garage Storage Shelving Unit, but the best also have a powder coating that helps ward off rust and corrosion. A strong and sturdy system can provide you with decades of service without buckling, cracking, or rusting.

One More Thing

Check out the assembly required for any make and model of garage storage system you choose. If you don’t have a good tool kit on hand or live by yourself, consider hiring a pro to offer assistance in building your storage system.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Mia Ingui is an editor at The Spruce who is well-versed in researching and testing home improvement products, like garage storage systems. She recently purchased a similar tool chest to the Yukon 9 Drawer Mobile Storage Cabinet for her finacé to store his tools in their new house (and get them all off the garage floor). 

For this piece, she considered the weight capacity and size of each cabinet to ensure they realistically fit in most garages, regardless of space. She hopes that your floors will no longer be cluttered with any of these storage systems.

Our Experts: 

• Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer and owner of Valley Organizing