Ever stepped into your garage only to trip over tools and items on the floor? Feel like there’s no specific place where you can store them inside your garage?
That’s where the overhead storage lift for the garage comes into play. It can help you take advantage of unused overhead space to ensure your garage becomes cleaner and tidier.
In this post, we’ll show you how to install and use overhead storage lifts. Believe it or not, you might not even need a professional to set it up, so keep on reading!
What is an Overhead Storage Lift for the Garage and Why Use One?
Overhead storage lift is a superior option to static ceiling racks as it comes with either a manual or motorized mechanism that helps raise and lower the storage platform.
Such sophistication helps you take advantage of unused ceiling space and store tools, seasonal items, and other items to free up floor space. At the same time, you’ll still have easy access to stored items, which is why many decide to lift up bulky and heavy tools.
No matter the mechanism you go for, the lifting is safe, especially if you decide to help yourself with storage boxes. Electric storage lift systems are ideal because you can lower and raise all your stored items with the touch of a button.
We’ve mentioned it is ideal for seasonal items, and on top of that, there is a wide variety of overhead storage lift systems. This way, you can even lift up bicycles, golf equipment, skis, kayaks, and more.
What’s even better is that the installation of an overhead storage lift is advanced, but it’s not impossible for most people. With the help of clear instructions, most DIYers with basic tools can handle the installation process.
Choosing the Right Overhead Storage Lift For Your Garage
Not all overhead storage lifts are created equally. Therefore, a few key factors you should pay attention to include:
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Weight capacity
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Size
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Lift type
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Your ceiling height and door clearance
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Build quality
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Budget
Most systems can handle anywhere between 200 to 600 pounds, but keep in mind that this weight capacity includes the weight of the platform itself. There are also heavy-duty systems that can handle even more than 600 pounds, if needed.
If you’re going to store lightweight items and seasonal items, and gear, a 200 to 300-pound weight capacity is more than enough. Heavier items would require a weight capacity of between 400 to 600 pounds, so you’re on the safe side.
The platform’s size and shape will depend on the model, but some standard sizes include 4x4 or 6x6 feet. Some high-end models offer custom dimensions, too.
It’s important to measure the ceiling area where you plan on installing it while ensuring the system doesn’t block your garage when raised. We always recommend buying slightly bigger than what you expect you’ll need, but stay within the limits of your ceiling and garage door clearance.
When it comes to lift type, manual crank lifts are almost always cheaper, and they’re often a hand crank or pulley system. Besides being more affordable, they’re easier to maintain and are great for smaller and lighter loads.
Motorized systems are controlled by a switch, and it’s the most convenient option, especially if you’re storing heavier or bulkier items, as you get the convenience of raising and lowering the platform at the touch of a button. We recommend going for the motorized version if you plan on using the storage lift system often.
Steel frames, steel cables, or heavy-duty chains always ensure proper build quality, smooth lifting experience with minimal friction, and improved safety. That’s why it’s recommended to spend a bit more for a quality brand and a sturdy design.
Installation of Overhead Storage Lift for a Garage and Tools You Will Need
When it comes down to step-by-step installation, there are 5 important steps you’ll need to handle:
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Planning the location
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Mounting the ceiling brackets
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Assembling the lift frame
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Attaching the cables (or chains)
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Mounting the platform and testing
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Location
As we’ve mentioned earlier, location is very important because the spot you choose needs to have enough clearance from garage doors, lights, and wires.
If you get it wrong, you’ll have to redo it all over again, and you’ll be left with a bunch of holes in your garage ceiling.
We recommend marking ceiling joints using a stud finder, and as the good old saying goes, measure twice, cut once - well, in this case, drill once.
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Mounting the Brackets
When you have double checked you got the right dimensions marked on the ceiling joints, it’s time to drill the pilot holes. Needless to say, never dry holes into drywall only.
Almost all overhead storage lift systems come with everything you’ll need for the installation, so once you drill the holes, secure the brackets using the provided lag nuts.
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Frame Assembly
Lift frame assembly depends on the system and model, but you’ll always get the manufacturer’s manual for assembly.
The frame assembly should be straightforward for most DIYers. However, one thing you must pay attention to is square alignment. Use a level to ensure it’s level.
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Attach the Cables
When you have mounted the frame securely onto your ceiling, it’s time to connect the lifting mechanism. Manual systems come with cables or chains, and you have to thread them through the pulleys as shown in the instructions and diagram.
Double-check they’re straight and not twisted, as this could lead to damage.
Motorized lifts come with cables you need to attach to the winch drum or pulley hooks. After that, don’t forget to connect the power source or controller.
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Platform Mounting
Once the lift is fully assembled, it’s time to mount the platform securely in its frame. This is the final step, but before you start loading the platform, test it out several times.
Pay attention to the movement and ensure all moving parts are moving smoothly. It’s as important to listen to the sounds or noise coming from the bolts, pulleys, and cables.
The last inspection should be of the ceiling anchors and support structure to ensure stability before you start loading your first load.
How to Organize Items In Your Overhead Storage Lift
Congratulations if you have successfully installed your lift. If it’s an exciting time to load the platform and test it out with the first load, here are a few tips based on our years of experience.
You can organize the storage on your lift in any way you prefer, but the better the organization is, the more useful your overhead storage lift will be.
We recommend focusing on light yet bulky items that you won’t frequently need. The best example of this is camping gear, as well as holiday decorations, suitcases, or similar items. Those things quickly add up and take up most of your precious garage space.
If you’ve been reading our posts, you probably know we’re also big fans of storage bins and labeling. This is also something that can be very useful, especially if you’re storing smaller items.
However, one of the most important tips we can give you is to distribute the weight evenly, as this helps avoid strain on the lift, ensures smoother lifting/lowering, and eliminates errors.
Tips for Safe and Efficient Use
Properly maintaining your overhead storage lift system will improve safety and ensure your garage remains an accident-free zone.
Therefore, it’s highly recommended to make safety checks a part of a routine and ensure you check the cables, pulleys, and bolts.
Lubricating the moving parts helps keep the pulleys operating smoothly. But keep in mind, if you opted in for a motorized model, always disconnect the power before performing maintenance.
Needless to say, but important to know, is to never stay underneath the lift while it’s moving. Having a sturdy and tall ladder nearby for quick visual inspections can be useful, too.
We know that it might be hard to have an outlet nearby for the overhead storage lift, but it’s very important not to use the extension cord and yet only plug the system into a dedicated outlet.
Lastly, double-check your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, warranty guidelines, and other tips that help ensure proper installation, safety, and use.
Conclusion
Installing a garage overhead storage lift is one of the smartest investments you can make to transform your garage and reclaim valuable floor space.
By choosing the right ceiling height and weight needs, ensuring you install it properly, and keeping up with routine maintenance, you bring order to your garage and organize it the way you never did before.
Even though an overhead storage lift system is an investment, it’s a long-term investment that will help ensure you no longer climb over boxes, you can walk around your garage, fully utilize the floor space, and actually be productive.
Did you ever see how an overhead storage lift system functions? What do you think about this way of storing your items?
We’d love to hear from you, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below!
