Create a Sliding Storage System On the Garage Ceiling

Build this simple, slide-in storage system for your garage.

Next Project
Time

A full day

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

If your garage is running out of space, try building this overhead storage system. The construction is simple and fast, and the whole system is made with standard materials.
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Tools Required

  • Circular saw
  • Cordless drill
  • Drill bit set
  • Hammer
  • Level
  • Miter saw
  • Safety glasses
  • Socket/ratchet set
  • Stepladder
  • Stud finder

Materials Required

  • 1/2 1x2 x 8' pine stop strip (1)
  • 1/4" x
  • 2" wood screws (1 box)
  • 23-1/2" x 19-1/2" x 13" plastic totes (6)
  • 2x4 x 8" (2)
  • 3-1/2" lag screws and washers (16)
  • 3" wood screws (1 box)
  • 4' x 8' sheet of 3/4" plywood
  • Carpenter’s glue (1 pint)
Are all those cardboard boxes in the corner of your garage driving you crazy? Holiday decorations, camping gear, seasonal clothing and extra bedding take up valuable space. And who can tell one brown box from another?

We’ve designed this system to get all that stuff up and out of the way and into unclaimed space near your garage ceiling. We built this handy system around special reinforced plastic totes that hang from carriages made from 2x4s and plywood strips. In this article, we’ll show you how to assemble these simple carriages, align them perpendicular to the ceiling joists, then anchor them into place with lag screws. It’s that easy. Add labels to the sides of the totes and you can tell at a glance where to find that long-term storage item. You can build and install the carriages in an afternoon and start organizing right away!

Plus: Check out our 51 favorite ways to organize your garage.

Project step-by-step (12)

Step 1

Measure

measure totes

Measure the top of the tote to determine the width of the tote rims (3/4 in.) and the size of the bottom flanges of the carriages (in our case, 3 in.).

Step 2

Bottom flanges

bottom flange for storage

Cut 3-in.-wide strips of 3/4-in. plywood for the bottom flange. Center them on 4-ft.-long 2x4s, then glue and screw them. Use 2-in. screws every 10 in.

Step 3

Complete the carriages

overhead door storage

Flip the carriage assemblies over. Center the 5-in.- wide plywood top flanges and glue and screw them to complete the carriage assemblies. Check out all of the gluing tips and tricks you need to know.

Step 4

Mark joists

mark joists for installing shelves

Locate the ceiling joists with a stud finder and snap chalk lines to mark them. Probe with a finish nail to make sure the lines fall on joist centers.

Step 5

Screw in place

screwing sliding brackets

Mark each carriage 12 in. from the end and align the mark with the joist location. Screw the carriage temporarily to each joist on one side of the flange with 3-in. screws.

Step 6

Mark the carriage locations

Cut a 2x4 template from your tote dimensions and mark the location of the top edge of the next carriage. Mark the rear side as well, then screw it and the other carriages in place on one side only.

Step 7

Test the fit

Check the fit of the totes and make sure the rims have maximum bearing on the lower flanges. Make any necessary adjustments.

Step 8

Drive lags at joists

driving lags

Drill 3/16-in. pilot holes in the top flanges. Then drive pairs of 3-1/2-in. lag screws into each joist, removing the temporary screws as you go. Use a minimum of four lag screws per carriage.

Step 9

Install stops

Mark the centers of the carriages and screw a 1x2 stop along the marks. The stop will keep the totes from sliding too far into the carriages.

Step 10

Utilize dead space

storage above garage door

If you don't have unused space above the garage door, you can install this system just about anywhere. However, keep the totes at least 2 ft. from light fixtures, door springs and garage door openers.

Step 11

Different sizes

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The special reinforced totes we used (available from internet suppliers like usplastic.com, simplastics.com and others) are a bit stronger than those you'll find at home centers or department stores. The reinforced rims on these containers will support weights of 35 lbs. or more, which is perfect for lightweight storage.

Step 12

Easy access

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And the totes will be easy enough to lift into place while you're standing on a ladder. To be on the safe side, the total weight of all the totes shouldn't exceed 210 lbs., so find a different place to store books and heavy hardware. Custom plastic lids are also available for dust-free storage.

If you use other types of containers, measure the rims carefully and adjust the bottom flange width to assure full support. And no matter what joist spacing you find (24 in. or 16 in.), be sure to fasten the carriages with at least four lag screws.

Before you order your totes, measure the height above your garage door and find totes that'll work. Our 13-in.-deep totes required 18 in. of clearance, including the carriages. For lower clearances, you can buy totes that are 8 and 10 in. deep but with the same top size.

Additional Information

Garage Ceiling Storage Cutting List

Garage Ceiling Storage Materials List