You would like additional space for storage in the garage, so you've made a decision to install an overhead storage rack. The next thing is to plan and measure your available space to determine where you can install the shelving and what sized rack is suitable for your garage. This plan will save you from buying a rack that will not fit and it may highlight other areas you could potentially add overhead shelves.
Round up tools to create your plan. Get a paper and pen to write down dimensions and draw various configurations you are considering. Use a stable step ladder and good tape measure. Measuring tapes measure how long you are able to stretch it by a characteristic named standout. It will be helpful to have a measuring tape with at least 8 foot standout; otherwise, get assistance from a friend to measure longer distances. Finally, you will need a stud finder to check the direction of the ceiling beams.
Some manufacturers mandate installation perpendicular to ceiling beams, which will restrict your choices of where you could do the installation in your garage. Numerous shelves consist of ceiling hangers longer than 24" that install flat on the ceiling in whichever course is required to cross multiple beams, plus a vertical support bracket is bolted into the ceiling bracket on either side is needed to get the preferred alignment of the rack.
In general, your installation choices are in the corner, down a wall, or floating in the center of the ceiling space. Corner installs is going to be the simplest. Corners are often an excellent out of the way location for storage anyhow. Down a wall offers other choices for locating your shelving. You can also chain together several racks to span the full length of the wall. Center installation opens more of the ceiling as potential space for storage. You will get easy accessibility to either side of a rack when it is installed center-ceiling. Because a 4 foot deep shelf can easily be stacked double-deep with items it’s nice to have the ability to get to either side.
Ponder these less apparent places for rack installation. In case you have adequate space above the garage door when it is in the up position, you should be able to secure the shelving there. Look at the rack manufacturer’s installation guidelines to find the minimum vertical space required for this location. The wall over the access door is a good location, too. For those who have typical eight foot ceilings and are uncertain where to install the rack shelf, find an infrequently traversed corner. Floor items including the lawn mower, snow thrower, saw horses, etc. can be stored on the floor below a corner shelf and you still can use the area above these floor items for storage. The space over the hood of the vehicle is another often unused storage area. Install the rack high enough so that you are satisfied with the clearance. Keep in mind all auto parts protruding from your hood, like the antenna or aftermarket accessories.
Be cautious about generally ignored obstructions such as windows and lights. In case your rack would be along the wall, consider trim on doors and windows. Always keep walking spaces unobstructed and have sufficient headspace. Identify smaller obstructions such as electrical conduit installed on the face of the wall or electrical outlets you do not desire to cover. Sketch out the dimension of your shelf onto the ceiling to make sure it does not extend into the garage door opener.
I hope these tips will help you plan a successful hanging shelf installation, and the additional storage space created by it will help you to make more room in your garage. Find overhead garage storage solutions at www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com, where I share my step-by-step approach to organizing a garage. That's why I am Your Garage Elf.
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