If you’re lucky enough to have a home with a garage, you know that it’s a space filled with potential. A garage can turn into a fabulous home gym, a fully-outfitted workshop, or even a band rehearsal room.

Unfortunately, most of our garages are so full of clutter that we can’t use them for anything else. If yours is stuffed to the max, DIY overhead garage storage can free up enough area on the floor to create the space of your dreams (or finally park the car inside).

Looking for inspiration or not sure where to start? Read on for five of our favorite garage ceiling storage ideas that you can build yourself.

Making the Most of Your Space: 5 DIY Overhead Garage Storage Ideas

Making the Most of Your Space: 5 DIY Overhead Garage Storage Ideas

1. Pulley System

Is your garage full of large recreational equipment like bicycles, kayaks, and sleds? If so, the last thing you’ll want to do is carry them down from the ceiling on a ladder.

Instead, stay safe and save your back by setting up a pulley system on your ceiling. Screw the pulleys directly into the rafters, run a sturdy nylon rope through them, and hang an anchor on the wall to tie off the rope once you’ve lifted the object. The more pulleys you involve, the easier it will be to raise and lower your items.

2. Garage Storage Racks

Need to store lumber or plastic tote bins and boxes? Building a partial loft or suspended storage rack works as well as normal shelving, without the large footprint.

If you aren’t sure how to install overhead garage storage racks on your own or don’t want to build them out of lumber, consider getting a pre-made kit like the ones from Fleximounts. These sturdy metal shelves come in a variety of sizes and are simple to hang from the rafters and wall studs. If you’re on a budget, you can even use coupons to get a better deal.

3. Pegboard and Hooks

No garage workshop is complete without the unparalleled vertical storage of a pegboard wall. You can even install the pegboard at an angle and extend it onto the ceiling. Hang light, infrequently-used items like extension cords or holiday lights from the highest points.

4. Lattice Racks

Do you have any leftover wooden lattice pieces from a gardening project? If so, mount them between the rafters a few feet apart for excellent overhead garage storage. Use it to hold long and sturdy items like pipes, fishing rods, or golf clubs.

5. Cargo Net

Many of us fill our garages with oddly-shaped items that aren’t terribly heavy. If your clutter fits this category, hanging a cargo net from the rafters may be the quickest way to take care of the problem.

Use it to store seasonal items like wreaths, artificial Christmas trees, or sports equipment. Make sure to choose a net with small enough holes to prevent items from falling through, or make one yourself out of nylon rope.

Which of These DIY Overhead Garage Storage Ideas Will You Use First?

It’s time to take your garage back from the clutches of clutter. Give a few of these DIY overhead garage storage a try and you’ll be enjoying a freed-up floor in no time.

For more budget-friendly home upgrade inspiration and how-to advice, be sure to read through the other articles on our blog.