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You need additional storage area in the garage, so you've chosen to mount an hanging storage rack. The next step is to measure and plan your garage space to work out where you will mount the shelving as well as what size rack is suitable in your garage. Your plan will save you from buying a shelf that won't fit and it may point out different locations you could add hanging shelves. Round up tools to form your plan. Use a notebook and pen to record dimensions and sketch various options you are considering. Have a stable step ladder and good measuring tape. Measuring tapes identify how long you'll be able to extend it by a characteristic known as standout. It will be helpful to have a tape measure with a minimum of 8 foot standout; otherwise, get the help of a friend to measure long distances. Lastly, you may need a stud finder to check the direction of the ceiling joists. A few manufacturers mandate installation only across the ceiling joists, that will reduce your choices of where you could set it up in your garage. Numerous shelves consist of ceiling hangers longer than 24" that attach flush on the ceiling in whichever orientation is required to reach multiple joists, and then a vertical support bracket is attached to the ceiling bracket on whichever side is needed to get the desired positioning of the shelving. Generally, your location choices are in a corner, along a wall, or floating in the middle of the ceiling space. Corner installs are going to be the least difficult. Corners tend to be an excellent out of the way location for a storage area anyhow. Down a wall offers other options for locating your overhead rack. Additionally you can chain together several racks to span the whole wall. Floating away from walls allows for even more of the ceiling as potential storage space. You get quick access to each side of your shelving when it is attached center-ceiling. Since a 4’ deep shelf could be stacked double-deep with boxes it’s nice to have the ability to get to each side. Think about these less obvious locations for rack installation. For those who have adequate space over your garage door when it's in the up position, you may be able to mount the rack there. Check the shelf manufacturer’s installation instructions to find the minimal vertical space required for this location. The wall over the access door is an excellent location, too. For those who have standard 8’ ceilings and are not sure where you can put the shelving, consider an rarely trafficked corner. Floor items such as the mower, snow thrower, saw horses, etc. can be stashed on the ground below a corner shelf and you still can use the space over these floor items for storage. The area over the hood of one's automobile is another often ignored storage space. Place the shelving high enough so that you are comfortable with the clearance. Take into account all components sticking up from your vehicle, such as the antenna or aftermarket accessories. Be cautious about commonly overlooked obstructions such as windows and lights. If the rack is going to be along the wall, take into account trim on windows and doors. Always keep walking paths unobstructed and maintain sufficient head space. Look for smaller items including electrical conduit attached to the surface of the wall or electrical outlets you don’t desire to cover. Sketch out the measurement of the shelf onto the ceiling to ensure it does not interfere with the garage door opener. I hope these tips will help you have a successful overhead shelf installation, and the additional space for storage created by it will enable you to reclaim space in your garage. To get more advice from Joseph and learn his step-by-step approach to organizing a garage, visit the blog at http://www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com. Are you shopping for strong and safe overhead rack rated for 1,000 pounds? Visit http://www.MaximizeGarageStorage.com/overhead_garage_storage_rack to learn about Topp Rax's super duty 4x8 storage rack.
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garage, organization, storage, overhead, ceiling, hanging, rack, shelf, shelving, Topp Rax,
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