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There’s only one thing better than having a garage to work and store your things in – and that’s being able to do that without sacrificing space. Using every inch of your garage’s floor space effectively helps keep things neat and tidy, prevents accidents to people or property, and frees up areas for other storage or activities.
One of the most common ways homeowners choose to organize and maximize their garage storage is with an overhead storage lift. These manual or motorized storage solutions bring big items – like seasonal decor or bulky sports gear – up and out of the way, leaving the floor clear for vehicles and people. These systems are also designed to suit a variety of needs and budgets, making them a versatile and affordable storage option. Let’s explore some of the best garage ceiling storage lift options available (including both manual and motorized models) to help you find the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.
Choosing a Lift for Garage Ceiling Storage
Before we get into details, it’s worth discussing how you can go about choosing a proper overhead storage lift for your garage. There are plenty of options that depend on lifestyle, layout, and physical properties, so you should ask yourself questions like:
- How much weight does the lift/hoist need to hold?
- How big is the area you want to be clear?
- What are the dimensions of the things you’re storing?
- Can you ensure that your garage can support weights hanging from the ceiling?
- How accessible does it need to be?
- Will the option you choose suit the overall design of your garage interior?
These are some of the most important things to consider, but every situation is different. When you’re looking for the best garage ceiling storage hoists for your home, it’s worth getting a professional consultation to make sure it turns out the way you want.
6 of The Best Garage Storage Lift Systems
There are several types – each designed for specific use cases and weight capacities. Here are 6 of the most widely used manual and motorized garage storage lifts in Canada:
1. Platform Lift Kits
Simple, affordable, and effective, these lifts are perfect for stacking boxes and assorted items before lifting them up and out of the way. At The Garage Store, we often use ProSlat Storage Elevators, which has a remote-controlled motor that can lift up to 220 lbs at a speed of 30 ft/minute.
The quick installation and wide range of platform attachments, hooks, or cables means that there’s endless customization, too. If you need an overhead storage solution that’s versatile and effective almost anywhere, a platform lift is the way to go.
2. Kayak/Canoe Lifts
Many people enjoy taking kayaks or canoes out to a favourite spot in Calgary or one of Alberta’s many lakes – but they do not enjoy trying to store them once the weather turns cold. Kayak and canoe lifts are a perfect solution, bringing these large and invasive watercraft overhead and out of the way of your vehicles.
Simple overhead shelves and hooks are an option, but it’s often very difficult to reach and balance a 10+ foot watercraft on them. A better solution? A ProSlat Hoist, which is a dual pulley system meant to secure large items and lift them out of the way. With a 100 lb capacity and strap locks for safety, these hoists can hold 1-2 kayaks (and there are options for up to 4).
3. Bicycle Lift Kits
Did you know Calgary has the longest bike trail network in North America, with more than 1000 km of trails? With a network like that, it’s no wonder that biking is a hugely popular activity among people young and old in the city. But how do you store those bikes in the winter, when the snow is piled high?
On your garage ceiling, of course! Depending on the space you have available, you can hang them vertically with a lift like the Proslat Garage Gator Bike Lift, which can lift 220lbs up to 12’ off the ground. This lift is made with high-quality materials to last through Alberta’s harsh weather and offers quick storage options for homeowners doing a bit of autumn cleaning.
4. Vehicle Top Lifts
Do you drive a Jeep or convertible? If you have a removable top, you don’t have to put it off to the side in some dirty corner, where it’s in danger of getting damaged. You can get a custom top lift to safely hoist it out of harm’s way. In the colder months, or whenever you need it back on your vehicle, you can simply pull up underneath the hoist and lower it back into place. No ladders or awkward manoeuvres needed.
5. Manual Lifts (Heavy Lifts)
As nice as it is to have some help from an electric motor, some homeowners simply won’t need it, or don’t want to spring for the cost. We get it! That’s why we offer manual lifts (aka heavy lifts), which can hoist loads of up to 100 lbs to the ceiling. Without the motor involved, installation of these lifts is simple and quick, and bringing the materials up and down requires nothing more than a firm footing and a good grip.
These are great for little-used materials that you rarely need access to – think Christmas or Halloween decorations, spare lumber for fence repairs, or flattened moving boxes that might come in handy in the distant future.
6. Motorized Ascension Lifts
For some people, a 100 lb weight limit just isn’t enough – and when the items in storage are made of materials like metal or dense wood, that number just won’t cut it. Enter the ONRAX Ascension Lift: a top-of-the-line motorized lift that comes in many different sizes and maxes out with a liftable weight of 400 lbs.
That much weight requires some planning and preparation – after all, nobody wants 400 lbs to fall from above. If you’re interested in this option, it’s worth having a full consultation to decide where an ascension lift can fit in your garage. With the right professionals on your side, it can free up tons of space in your garage for everything else you want to do!
Overhead Garage Storage Options: Comparison Charts
Which Lift is Best for You?
With so many ceiling storage lift options available, choosing the right one ultimately comes down to your storage needs, your organizational preferences, your budget, and your garage setup:
- Manual Lifts: Simple, budget-friendly and easy to install. These solutions are ideal for lighter, infrequently accessed items
- Motorized Lift Kits: Perfect for heavier storage bins or anyone wanting effortless, push-button operation.
- Platform Lifts: Best for large, bulky items that need a broad surface, like seasonal gear or totes.
- Canoe/Kayak Hoists: Specifically designed to safely store watercraft overhead and free up precious floor space.
- Bicycle Lifts: Keep bikes organized and out of the way; these lifts are user-friendly for the whole family.
- Vehicle Top/Heavy-Duty Motorized Lifts: Built for the heaviest loads, such as car hardtops or commercial storage needs, and offer maximum convenience and safety.
Not sure which option fits your garage and lifestyle? Our team at The Garage Store can help!
Overhead Garage Storage Solutions in Calgary
With the end of winter approaching, many people will be taking advantage of “spring cleaning” to tidy up homes and garages. You can make yours better this year without having to stuff everything under your backyard deck or doing an entire home renovation – but simply with an ideal garage storage lift in your home – whether you live in an old house in Ramsay or Sunnyside, or a brand-new space in Belmont or Bearspaw, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one!
FAQs
How do I know if my garage ceiling can support a lift?
A structural assessment is the safest way. You need solid joists or beams that can bear the weight. The Garage Store offers free on-site consultations to check ceiling strength before installation.
Are motorized lifts better than manual lifts?
It depends what you are planning to store. Motorized lifts are more convenient for heavier or bulkier loads, requiring less physical effort to raise and lower items. Manual lifts are typically simpler to install and more affordable, ideal for lighter or less frequently accessed storage.
Are motorized lifts safe to operate?
Yes, when installed properly. Many include automatic stops, locking straps, and overload protection. It’s important to follow the product’s weight limits and have it installed by professionals.
How difficult is the installation of an overhead storage lift?
Some ceiling lifts, like some manual systems, are straightforward and potentially suitable for DIY installation. However, motorized or heavy-duty lifts may require professional installation to ensure safety and secure mounting.
Is it safe to store heavy items on my garage ceiling?
Safety depends on both the lift’s capacity and your garage’s structural integrity. Always verify your rafters or joists can handle the additional weight, and consider a professional assessment for peace of mind.
