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How to Budget for a Garage Overhead Storage Rack

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How to Budget for a Garage Overhead Storage Rack

Clear the floor and get your bins off the concrete by shopping January organization sales and spreading the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $300 before anything else
Across the 0% window $16.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $300 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You finally park inside the garage instead of dodging Rubbermaids in the dark. A ceiling rack moves the plastic bins, seasonal gear, and bulky ladders straight overhead, giving you back your floor space. Installation takes a solid afternoon if you are handy with a stud finder, or a couple hundred bucks if you hire a handyperson.

January is the absolute best time to buy because every home store cuts prices on storage gear for the New Year organization rush. Do not just grab the first rack you see online. Measure your ceiling joists, check the weight limits, and get a couple of quotes from local handypersons if you do not want to drill into the ceiling yourself.

Keep in mind that 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening is a deadline, not free money. If you still carry a balance when those 18 months are up, regular interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Measure your ceiling and joists

    Grab a tape measure and check your ceiling height and joist spacing before you buy anything. Most racks need standard 24-inch or 16-inch spacing to bolt in safely. Don't guess on this, or the kit won't fit your garage layout.

  2. 02

    Shop the January sales

    Wait for the New Year home organization sales in January to grab your rack system for around $300. Retailers drop prices on storage and shelving right when everyone gets the urge to clean up. Buy during this window to get the lowest price.

  3. 03

    Get multiple quotes for install

    If you aren't comfortable hanging heavy steel from your ceiling, call around for help. Get at least two quotes from local handypersons to see what they charge for installation. Compare their rates before you commit.

  4. 04

    Use the Citi Simplicity card window

    If you want to spread out the payments, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Dividing $300 across that intro window on purchases comes out to $16.67 per month. It keeps the cash in your account while you organize.

  5. 05

    Clear the zone and build

    Move your cars out of the driveway and lay out all the parts on the floor to check the hardware. Follow the manufacturer instructions carefully to lag-bolt the vertical posts into the ceiling joists. Test the weight limits gradually before piling heavy bins on top.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much weight can an overhead garage rack hold?

Most heavy-duty steel racks hold between 300 and 600 pounds total, depending on the model. Check your ceiling joists to make sure your actual house structure can handle that weight safely.

Can I install an overhead rack by myself?

You can if you are handy, comfortable on a ladder, and have a stud finder and a drill. It's a two-person job because holding heavy steel brackets against the ceiling while marking holes is tough alone.

What if my garage ceiling is drywall?

You still have to bolt the rack directly into the wooden ceiling joists hidden behind the drywall. Racks cannot be anchored to drywall alone, or they will pull out and fall.

Are January sales really cheaper for storage?

Yes, stores heavily discount bins, shelving, and overhead racks in January to catch the New Year resolution crowd. It's the best time of year to buy organizational gear.