The 10 Best Garage Storage Systems – [2021 Reviews]

Maximize your space with a garage storage system, we examine this year's top models

Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.

Between the cars, bikes, and other fun stuff, it’s understandable that people want more available storage space in their garage.

While we can’t help you magically make your garage bigger, we can help you find the right garage storage system for your space!

These are systems that look great and will help you maximize your space to keep everything organized, safe, and easy to find.

There are a ton of options out there and we know it can get overwhelming. But not to worry – we’re here to ensure you have the best selections to choose from!

Best Garage Storage Systems

 NewAge Products Bold Series Storage CabinetsRacor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack LiftTopeakmart Adjustable Garage Storage Shelf
editors choice
Type:CabinetCeiling Storage Rack LiftShelving Unit
Made From:SteelSteelMDF, Galvanized Steel
Size:156" W x 18" D x 77" H51"W x 20"D x 7" H71" W x 16" D x 71" H
Other:Rolling Tool CabinetAdjustable HeightAdjustable Shelves

For more of my storage recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Bike Sheds & Racks, Kayak Racks, Outdoor Storage Sheds.

Quick Answer: The 10 Best Rated Garage Storage Systems For 2021

  1. NewAge Products Bold Garage Cabinets
  2. Prepac Storage Cabinet Set
  3. SystemBuild Callahan Utility Storage
  4. Racor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift
  5. FLEXIMOUNTS Overhead Garage Storage Rack
  6. Topeakmart Storage Rack Adjustable Garage Shelf
  7. FLEXIMOUNTS Garage Storage Rack Floating Shelves
  8. DEWALT Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage Rack
  9. CX Original Black & Yellow Storage Shelving Unit
  10. Sandusky Lee Muscle Storage Rack

Garage Storage System Reviews

Our reviews to the top rated garage storage systems with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right storage system for you.


Best Garage Storage Cabinets

NewAge Products Garage Cabinets

NewAge Products Bold Series Garage Cabinet Set at a Glance:

  • Type: Cabinet
  • Made From: Steel
  • Size: 156″ W x 18″ D x 77″ H
  • Other: Comes with rolling tool cabinet, various colors

Regularly considered to be one of the best garage storage systems, the NewAge Products Bold Series 12 Piece Set has everything you need for convenient organization.

Coming in 4 different colorways, you are able to choose a scheme that best suits your garage and personal tastes. You can even choose to have lights and a backsplash included or not – it’s all up to you.

This setup definitely isn’t cheap or made for just a couple of years’ use. Made of high-strength steel slats, the backsplashes will add style but more importantly help protect the walls of your garage.

All frames and doors are comprised of sturdy 24-gauge steel, complete with a powder-coat finish to help protect against moisture and scratches.

Each door is fully-lockable to keep would-be thieves or children away, and feature user-friendly full-length handles which also look quite sleek. On top of that, each cabinet is made to be secured to a wall to make sure they never fall or tip over.

The bamboo worktops are very easy to clean and resistant to stains so they remain looking as good as new. As far as shelving goes, they all feature the ability to adjust the height to work with all kinds of items and tools.

Moreover, they have an included closet rod in case you need to hang anything up. Integrated cable access holes make sure your tools are always charged, and that your valuables stay put. However, if you ever do need to move it, they come with durable rollers.

Lockers are able to support up to 800 pounds, wall cabinets 100 pounds, rolling tool cabinets 600 pounds, and base cabinets 600 pounds.


Prepac Storage Cabinet Set at a Glance:

  • Type: Cabinet
  • Made From: Particle Board, Engineered Wood
  • Size: 16″D x 120″ W x 72″ H
  • Other: Hangs on wall for convenient cleaning

Another one of the best storage cabinets for garage use is the Prepac Storage Cabinet 6 Piece Set. Coming in either Light Grey or White, and a bunch of different sizes and configurations, you can make it your own to suit your gear best.

Comprised of both particle board and engineered wood, it’s designed to be relatively lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold the basics.

Including 4 storage cabinets and 6 drawers, you’ll definitely be able to store whatever you need in the garage, office, workshop, and more. Securing to the wall with a durable metal rail-and-hook system, cleaning underneath it is a breeze.

This is one of the easier systems to put together, though you will still need a drill, stud finder, level, and tape measure. The instructional booklet comes along with the materials for you to follow along.

Everything comes made in North America and comes with a 5-year warranty though, so you can rest assured that everything is made to top-notch quality that really lasts.

The downside for us was that it wasn’t quite as adjustable as some of the other setups on our guide, so if you have really large objects you want to store inside, it may be a bit more challenging.


SystemBuild Callahan Utility Storage at a Glance:

  • Type: Cabinet
  • Made From: Laminated MDF and particle board
  • Size: 15″ D x 36″ W x 74″ H
  • Other: Comes in various colors

Garage cabinet systems should look good, be versatile, and durable. That’s exactly what you get with the SystemBuild Callahan Utility Storage. Coming in 6 different shades, you get a bit more personalization options as far as style goes.

However, it does only come in the 36” size, so if you just need something more compact and clean then this is a great option.

Made of both laminated MDF and particleboard, it’s awesome for adding in a bit of extra storage – no matter what the room or space is. It looks industrial enough for a garage, yet sophisticated enough for a kitchen, office, or bedroom.

Coming with 5 shelves, there’s plenty of space for your equipment. 3 of them are even adjustable so you can maximize efficacy for notably larger/smaller items. Each shelf is capable of supporting up to 35 pounds as well, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Soft-closing hinges ensure that there’s no slamming going on, which will help keep the cabinets in good shape but also avoid noisy use. The adjustable feet also keep the cabinet stable and even, no matter if the floor is a bit uneven itself.

As you may imagine, assembly is also pretty simple due to the straightforward design and more compact size. A wall anchor kit comes included to keep it from falling over if someone happens to pull too hard on it, bump into it, etc.


Best Overhead Garage Storage Systems

Racor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift

Racor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift at a Glance:

  • Type: Ceiling Storage Rack Lift
  • Made From: Steel
  • Size: 51″ x 20″ x 7″
  • Other: Adjustable Height

Did you know that the best garage organization systems aren’t always cabinets? We know that cabinets are certainly popular (and for good reason), but if you don’t have much floor space then they aren’t going to be the best solution for your storage needs.

In these cases, something like the Racor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack Lift would be ideal. Coming in black, the all-steel model is incredibly sleek and tough. It may not be as bulky as some others out there, but that has no negative affect on its strength and resilience.

In fact, the way the steel cables are made allows you to lift up to 250 pounds! You get 8 feet of vertical lift and 16 square feet of extra overhead storage space!

While having things literally hanging over your head may not traditionally be very safe, this model is. You can raise or lower it by use of a crank, and it locks securely in place so you never have to worry about it falling, tilting, or coming loose.

One of the most common uses people find for this model is placing their lawnmower on top so it stays out of the way from motor vehicles. You’d be surprised at how much space one mower can take up!

Installation is pretty simple, though we do recommend grabbing a buddy to help you out – it’s much easier with 2 people working together!


FLEXIMOUNTS Overhead Garage Storage Rack

FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack at a Glance:

  • Type: Ceiling Storage Rack Lift
  • Made From: Steel
  • Size: 96″ W x 48″ D x 40″ H
  • Other: Capable of supporting up to 600 pounds

If you’re on the hunt for a great overhead garage storage system, then you’re in the right place! The FLEXIMOUNTS 4×8 Overhead Garage Storage Rack is affordable and will completely change the layout and capabilities of your garage space.

Coming in either White or Black, the rack is sleek and modern and will look like it was made to fit right in. The 22” x 40” ceiling dropdown offers a large amount of extra space for you to place storage bins, bikes, tools, and so much more!

Made of powder coated metal, it’s designed to safely support up to an impressive 600 pounds!  The top quality rack comes with long ceiling brackets which connect to 2 studs, and has 6 vertical posts to make sure safety is never compromised.

Even the wire deck and frame come welded together so there’s no risk of breakage or separation!

The Fleximounts hooks and clamps so your bikes, tools, etc. stay in place. No having to deal with them somehow coming loose and falling off the side. As it’s also height-adjustable, so you can set it to the ideal height for your needs!

Even if you have space on your garage floor, this is a wonderful solution to keep your precious stuff away from rodents, flood threats, and more.


Best Garage Shelf Systems

Topeakmart 5 Tier Storage Rack Adjustable Garage Shelf at a Glance:

  • Type: Shelving Unit
  • Made From: MDF, Galvanized Steel
  • Size: 71″ W x 16″ D x 71″ H
  • Other: Adjustable Shelves

Heading into the middle of our list, we present to you the Topeakmart 5 Tier Storage Rack. This incredibly tough set comes with 2 bays and is available in 4 different sizes, depending on how much storage you need!

Comprised of MDF and galvanized steel, it’s very durable and has a kind of no-nonsense, industrial look to it that everyone will love.

If you live in an area with a lot of humidity, then you may typically steer clear of metal structures. However, the steel used with this set is actually anti-rust and will hold up its structural integrity throughout the seasons.

The 5-tier design allows for a surprising amount of storage! As each one is also adjustable, you can use it as a shelving unit and even a workbench! Honestly, the possibilities are endless with this versatile model.

Just one shelf is able to support up to a whopping 386 pounds, which makes it one of the strongest we’ve seen for the size. As they come apart, one shelving unit can actually be set up into 3 different configurations – even as a corner unit!

Rubber feet ensure it stays firmly where you want it, without ever damaging the ground or floor underneath. The no-bolt, no-nut design makes assembly one of the quickest processes, though it’s important to remember to keep it away from children who may pull on them.


FLEXIMOUNTS Garage Shelving

FLEXIMOUNTS 2-Pack 2x6ft Garage Storage Rack Floating Shelves at a Glance:

  • Type: Floating Shelves
  • Made From: Alloy Steel
  • Size: Various Sizes
  • Other: Multiple Installation Options

Next up is the FLEXIMOUNTS Garage Shelving Unit. These floating shelves are incredibly versatile, with virtually endless possibilities and configurations. You aren’t limited to just a single design, so use them exactly as you need them.

On top of that, you get your choice of 5 different sizes, depending on what you plan on using the shelves for, and the size available in your garage space. You get your choice of either black or white shelves; both look sleek and industrial and seem to hold their color well to look brand-new over time.

Assembly is super simple and can be done with just one person. Including all necessary hardware, you even get an installation template which helps mount holes, and a bubble level to make sure each shelf is perfectly even across.

Heavy gauge steel construction allows for support up to 400 pounds, and the kit also comes with high-quality screws. While they work for securing to both wall studs and concrete walls, it doesn’t fit every single metal stud out there so make sure you check.

The buckle design with Velcro also keeps the brackets from falling, bending, or otherwise failing to do their job properly.


DEWALT Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage Rack at a Glance:

  • Type: Storage Rack
  • Made From: Steel
  • Size: 50″ H x 18″ D x 48″ W
  • Other: Can hold up to 4,500 pounds

Nearing the end of our list, we have the DEWALT Industrial Storage Rack. Coming in a bright yellow color, it’s perfect for all types of workshops and garages. Heavy-duty and industrial, if you need to support a lot of weight this one has you covered.

So just how much weight can this best garage shelving support? An enormous 4,500 pounds! That’s honestly practically unheard of – especially in a unit this size.

You get your choice of either laminate wood composite or wire decks, depending on what kind of look and support you need. Regardless, they’re going to be able to hold pretty much whatever weight you throw at them!

Each shelf is adjustable in 2.35” increments so you can change the height according to the objects you’ll be storing in them. You can also join multiple racks together, vertically or horizontally if you want to create an enormous workspace!

The powder-coated steel uprights, support straps, and crossbeams are all designed to be used for many years to come and won’t fade in color nor chip. The nylon foot pads are equally as tough, coming reinforced with fiberglass to keep your floor undamaged.

Going back to the support straps, each shelf is held by 5 of them to keep them from twisting or moving out when under heavy loads.

As we are speaking of extreme amounts of weight, the shelves include pins to secure crossbeams and wall-mounting anchor brackets to make sure the rack never topples or wiggles around.


CX Original Black & Yellow Storage Shelving Unit at a Glance:

  • Type: Storage Shelves
  • Made From: Plastic
  • Size: 20″ D x 48″ W x 55″ H
  • Other: Adjustable Feet

If you want a lightweight shelving unit capable of holding a lot more, then check out the CX Original Black & Yellow 4-Tier Storage Shelving Unit. The color scheme (as the title mentions) is modern yet industrial looking which appeals to just about everyone and goes well with a garage-type space.

Made of plastic, it’s affordable, easy to move around, yet stable enough to hold heavy supplies without risking breakage or tipping over.

Included with your shelves are wall-mounting brackets to make sure it is reinforced and will never fall over. Each shelf is able to hold up to 200 pounds when mounted. This isn’t the absolute greatest weight, though it’s more than enough for your average household.

Feet are able to be adjusted in height, depending on the surface you have them placed on. Stability will never be an issue though, so you can simply set it up and go. Speaking of setup, this unit requires literally no tools to put together, making it the easiest of the bunch.

The reinforced plastic won’t scratch the skin, making it more of a family-friendly design than most storage shelving units. Each shelf is also mold-resistant and mildew-resistant thanks to the smart ventilated design that lets air in and out so if you live in a humid environment this is also a nice selection.

All in all, whether you’re looking to store some heavy-duty gear/tools or simply trying to find an organization solution, the CX shelves are awesome.


Sandusky Lee Muscle Storage Rack at a Glance:

  • Type: Storage Shelves
  • Made From: Steel
  • Size: 72″ W x 77″ H x 24″ D
  • Other: Can connect add-on units

Last but not least is the Sandusky Lee Muscle Rack. This is one of those best-bang-for-your-buck products: offering a lot at a low price. The heavy-duty steel welded storage rack consists of 3 shelves and can support up to 1,000 pounds per shelf!

The all-black colorway is one of the most popular as it simply goes with any already-existing color scheme or setup. Not to mention, black just adds an instant “cool” factor to any workspace or garage!

Consisting of welded steel end frames, welded steel beams, and wire shelves, you can count on having this rack for many years to come. The coated wire decks won’t scratch or peel, even with consistent use and abuse.

The open wire design also offers high visibility, excellent ventilation, and won’t let dust or grime build up so it looks clean and won’t damage the items you’re storing.

Should you need to adjust the shelves, you have a boltless rivet-lock design which allows you to do so in 3-inch increments. For expansion, you also have the ability to connect additional units as individual beams can be adjusted without messing with beams in other units.

Meeting NSF International/American National Standards Institute standards for food equipment you can feel confident just in case you’d like to use it for such things.


Garage Storage System Comparison Table

Garage Storage TypeMade FromSizeOtherRating
NewAge Products Bold Series Storage CabinetsCabinetSteel156" W x 18" D x 77" HRolling tool cabinet4.8 / 5.0
Prepac Storage Cabinet SetCabinetParticle Board, Engineered Wood16"D x 120" W x 72" HHangs on wall4.4 / 5.0
SystemBuild Callahan Utility StorageCabinetLaminated MDF and particleboard15" D x 36" W x 74" HComes in various colors4.3 / 5.0
Racor PHL-R Garage Ceiling Storage Rack LiftCeiling Storage Rack LiftSteel51"W x 20"D x 7" HAdjustable Height4.6 / 5.0
FLEXIMOUNTS Overhead Garage Storage RackCeiling Storage Rack LiftSteel96" W x 48" D x 40" H600 Pound capacity4.7 / 5.0
Topeakmart Adjustable Garage Storage ShelfShelving UnitMDF, Galvanized Steel71" W x 16" D x 71" HAdjustable Shelves4.3 / 5.0
FLEXIMOUNTS Garage Storage Rack Floating ShelvesFloating ShelvesAlloy SteelVarious SizesMultiple Installation Options4.7 / 5.0
DEWALT Steel Wire Deck Industrial Storage RackStorage RackSteel50" H x 18" D x 48" W4,500 Pound capacity4.8 / 5.0
CX Original 4-Tier Storage Shelving UnitStorage RackPlastic20" D x 48" W x 55" HAdjustable Feet4.5 / 5.0
Sandusky Lee Steel Welded Storage RackStorage RackSteel72" W x 77" H x 24" DCan connect add-on units4.4 / 5.0

How to Choose the Best Garage Storage System – Buying Guide

best storage cabinets for garage
NewAge Products Garage Cabinets

When it comes to garage storage systems, there are a lot to choose from! Even the best models are plentiful, as is evidenced on our guide. Needless to say, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not know how to choose when it comes time to check out!

That’s why we’ve decided to take it upon ourselves to write up a handy buying guide for you. This guide will take you through each feature so that there’s no question by the time you’re done reading, which is the best selection for you.

Location

We know – if you’re looking for a garage storage system, you’re probably looking for storage in your garage, right? Well, a lot of these systems are great for use in other spaces around the home, such as your office, bedroom, or kitchen!

So, think about where you need your new storage system to fit and plan accordingly. If it’s for your kitchen, for example, you may not want something as industrial-looking and made of metal or wiring. If it’s for your office, you may want something a bit more professional and sleek-looking.

If it really is for your garage, then there are no limits! Simply pick one that looks cool to you and that checks your other boxes.

Size

Next up, you need to figure out the size of storage system that will suit your goals. Think about what you plan on storing in the cabinets or racks first. If you can, it’s even better if you measure the items in both size and weight so you have an idea of what the system will realistically be able to support.

Not only that, but you need to make sure that it fits the space you have allocated for extra storage! Again, it’s always better that you whip out the old tape measure and have hard numbers instead of “eyeing it”.

After all, you don’t want to have to deal with the hassle of assembling everything, only to find out that it doesn’t fit in your space and have to send it back to the manufacturer!

Type

There are a few different types that you’ll want to be aware of. Let’s go ahead and talk about each one, so you can have a better idea of what will work best.

Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the most common and most intuitive types to use, as most of us have already used cabinets before. They come with doors that shut, and in most cases, lock. This makes them the best for keeping would-be thieves away or the curious hands of children who want to check out power tools.

Some come with extra work spaces, and some even roll out so you aren’t stuck to just one spot for working. These can usually be placed on the ground and attached to the wall, or mounted higher up on the wall, keeping gear away from rodents and making it easier to clean underneath.

Racks/Shelves

These are also some of the most popular options, as they are straightforward and incredibly easy to assemble. Some come in racks of multiple shelves, while others come in sets of separate shelves. The separate shelves are really convenient, as you can use them in virtually endless configurations to suit your gear and the size/shape of your garage.

However, the individual shelves typically aren’t able to hold as much weight as the racks of shelves which obviously come with additional reinforcement.

Storage Rack Lift

These are a newer type of storage solution, though growing increasingly in popularity at a rapid pace. These attach to the ceiling of your garage and can be adjusted in height. They vary widely in how much weight and size they support, but overall are very resilient and an excellent option if you don’t have the floor space to accommodate another form of storage.

Not only that, but if you live in an area that’s vulnerable to flooding, rodents, etc, it will provide you with the peace of mind knowing that your belongings are stowed safely away from those threats.

Material

Material is another important consideration to take when choosing the structure for your storage needs.

Steel – This is overwhelmingly the most popular option as it’s relatively affordable but extremely durable and able to support pretty much anything you throw at it. Not to mention, it looks industrial and equally as tough. It lasts a long time – at least for years of consistent use.

MDF/Engineered Wood – MDF/Engineered Wood isn’t quite as durable as steel and other metals, though is definitely up there as one of the most durable materials available. It’s typically more affordable than metal and easier to move around, should you ever need to.

Weight Limit

We briefly mentioned this already, but you need to figure out how much weight your best garage storage system is capable of holding and how much you need it to. If you can, obviously go higher than that so you can store even more gear should you need.

Weight limits vary widely among different types of units. You can go as low as a few hundred pounds to more than 5,000 pounds!

Price

This is a pretty obvious one, but one of the most important! Before you do anything else, you should figure out how much you want to or can spend on a new garage storage unit.

After all, it isn’t going to help you much if it’s not within your budget! The good news is that these also vary quite a bit in price, and there’s something that will surely fit every budget out there. Of course, if you can afford to spend a bit more, it’s usually more than worth it to do so.

When it comes to garage storage systems, you oftentimes get what you pay for and the more expensive models will hold more and last longer (usually).

FAQs About Garage Storage Solutions

Q: How do I maximize my garage space?

A: Remaining organized will greatly help you maximize your garage space and the best way to do that is through a high quality garage storage system.

Q: Can you keep tools in a garage?

A: Absolutely! Just remember to keep them protected from the cold and away from any children or areas where people are walking.

Q: What are the benefits of overhead garage storage racks?

A: The benefits are practically endless! However, the biggest benefits are obviously stowing your equipment up and away from the rest of the garage and keeping them protected from floods, rodents, and other issues that may lie on the ground.

Q: Why should you mount garage cabinets off the floor?

A: If you live in an area that gets floods, then mounting them off the floor will help protect the furniture and also the gear inside. Not only that, but this makes them easier to clean underneath!

Tips For Choosing Garage Storage Solutions

#1: Choose something that will suit your style.

There are so many different colors, materials, and setups now that you have no excuse not to get something you absolutely love.

#2: Choose something according to your climate.

For example, if you live in a humid environment you’ll want to opt for a non-rusting metal as opposed to a wood that could warp or develop mildew!

#3: Make sure to measure everything!

Measure out the equipment you need storing, and measure the space you have available for a new garage storage system to ensure it works as it should.

Summary

Now that you know pretty much everything you could ever want to learn about garage storage systems, have you decided which model is right for you? We hope that our guide was able to help you pick the perfect selection for your needs and home. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again shortly!

How We Researched

To come up with the top garage storage systems, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Camping World, Lazy Days, Real Truck and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in RV camping, automotive repairs and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from mechanics and retailers.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources


Notice:

OutsidePursuits.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. OutsidePursuits.com earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.

Shayanne Weeks

Shayanne is a freelance writer and marketer based in LA, California. Describing herself as a nomad, she has lived in Boise, Idaho and Seattle, Washington as well as Guadalajara, Mexico. As an extremely active person, she loves to snowboard, skateboard, and ski. She enjoys sharing her love for active sports with others through her “how to” sports guides and sports equipment reviews. Shyanne is addicted to the adrenaline rush she experiences during her outdoor pursuits, from ziplining in Mexico to snowboarding in Idaho.

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