Overhead Storage / Garage Storage Buying Guide

There are several garage storage products on the market these days, and for the most part they all promise the same thing - that you'll get organized by using the product.  All overhead storage products are not the same though - here are some important items to consider:

What Kind of Storage System do I need?

The average homeowner's garage often doesn't get used to park cars, it main function is storage.  When organizing your garage, take an inventory to determine which items you access most frequently, and which others may only be accessed seasonally (like holiday decorations, clothing, sporting equipment).

• Cabinets are ideal for storing smaller items like cleaning supplies, small appliances, tools, etc. 
• Wall shelves are more appropriate for medium sized items like medium sized appliances & tools, smaller sized boxes, and other not-so-bulky items that are accessed regularly.
• Overhead Storage (also referred to as Ceiling Mounted Shelves or Ceiling Storage Units) are perfect for storing those large, bulky items that usually end up crowding the garage floor because they don't fit well in cabinets or wall shelves.  Overhead storage offers a large storage area that is "Up, and out of the way" while still being very accessible.
  

What are the qualities I should look for when purchasing Overhead Storage?

Versatility: Garages are different.  They are constructed differently, and they have different layouts.  So its important to choose an overhead storage product that will conform to your needs.  Overhead storage is hung from the joists (studs, rafters) in the ceiling structure.  Typically, the joist spacing is either 16" on center (16" from the center of one joist to the center of the next) or 24" on center (24" from the center of one joist to the center of the next).  So you need to make sure that the product you purchase can be installed in the configuration that you desire, and that works for your space.  HyLoft has designed their product to adjust to any joist configuration.

Height versatility is also an option to consider.  How high is your ceiling?  How low do you want your overhead storage unit to hang?  The best option is to choose a product that is adjustable in height.  HyLoft’s Overhead Storage unit adjusts in height from 16” to 28”.  This offers you freedom to install the unit above the open garage door if you have space there.  You should also choose a product that lets you expand as your needs change.  You might purchase one or two units to start, and later on decide that you need two more.  Choose a product that will connect to other units to allow you to maximize storage space.

Strength:  Many products boast very high weight capacity – be wary of this.  The major determining factor is not always how much the product can support – but how much your structure can support.  HyLoft products claim a 250 lb. capacity, although the unit itself can support much more weight, the product is warranted at 250 pounds with the statement that not more than two units should be installed on any set of ceiling joists.  This is the result of engineered testing that concluded that the average set of ceiling trusses can support about 1500 lbs.  So, HyLoft concluded that 250 pounds is a bullet-proof number (500 if you are installing two units on a set of joists) to sustain. 

Another factor is whether or not the product is designed to sustain any type of movement or impact.  Many overhead storage products are rigid, and unmoving – which the manufacturer will claim makes their product stronger.  However, the engineers at HyLoft designed their overhead storage product to allow for some movement (or sway).  This prohibits any un-necessary stress on the connection at the ceiling joist in the event of movement due to weather conditions, construction, or even tremors associated with earthquakes, etc.  This is actually a built-in feature of the product, rather than a flaw as some competitors would say.

Capacity:  Make sure to choose a unit that is going to offer you the capacity that you need for your space.  HyLoft offers a 36” unit that is more practical for the closet, pantry, office, and other small spaces.  At its full height extension, it provides over 20 cubic feet of storage space.  The most popular HyLoft 45” x 45” unit provides over 30 cubic feet of storage space, more conducive to garages, basements, attics, etc.

To browse quality storage systems on Ebay, visit the Garage and Home Storage Store