Just when you think you have run out of storage area, because all of your wall and floor space is taken up, somebody comes up with an innovative storage option. Now, I have to admit that I have heard jokes about putting stuff on the ceiling, but I did not really consider it as a serious option. But somebody did. Yes, that is what makes a really good entrepreneur, they take the ideas we joke about and make it a reality, then years later we can say, “I thought of that!” and regret our missed opportunity.

It seems that lack of storage space is a modern problem, you see storage units popping up all over the place, people have sheds and basements full of stuff, and garages packed to the limit. Lets face it, our modern society is filled with pack rats. Some of the stuff we honestly need, some we don’t. But some of the stuff we need, we only have to access occasionally. That is when garage overhead storage options come into play. So what are these items? Here is the list from my garage:

Christmas decorations (or any holiday, if that is your thing)

Seven years of filed paperwork that we are told to keep “just in case” (of what, I don’t know, I think it’s a joke that IRS agents chuckle over occasionally. Of course, if you don’t have the paperwork, then the jokes on you!)

Bikes stored out of the way for the winter, and skis for the summer

Camping supplies

Seasonal clothing

Folding chairs

Food supply

Keepsake items from your childhood

Of course, once someone figured out a way to store things on the ceiling, many other creative people followed, so there is a variety of garage overhead storage options.

The most obvious solution was to attach a hanging shelf to the ceiling. These shelves are most often made of metal, with the shelf portion like a metal grate so that you can see from below what is stored on it. These shelves are available in various sizes and depth so that you can find just right one for your storage needs. Access to this type of shelf is with a ladder or step stool (if you are already tall).

Another overhead garage storage system available uses tracks that hang from the ceiling. The tracks have an “L” shape and two sets of tracks are positioned the desired distance apart so that plastic totes can hang between them. This works great, and is economical, if you already have files or Christmas decorations already stored in plastic totes. Many of these systems have optional utility hooks for bikes and ladders. These are also accessible with a ladder, and though they can hold quite a bit of weight, they usually do not hold as much as the hanging metal shelves.

Now, if you do not like the idea of having to use a ladder to access your items, somebody was clever enough to solve that problem too. There are garage overhead storage solutions that are on a pulley system. Most often composed of a 4’x4’ platform that can be loaded and lifted up to 12’. You just have to make sure that it is located over a clear space so that you can lower the shelf when you need to get something down, such as over where you normally park your car. Also available on pulley systems are ceiling bike and ladder lifts.

So, take a walk out to your garage and look up. Do you see any available storage space up there?

If you are someone who enjoys water sports, you know how great it can be to just get out on the water and have a wonderful time. No matter what type of water you are in, there are some ways to have a good time with various forms of water crafts that are available for purchase, lease or temporary rental in vacation locations that offer such items.

Jet skiing is one of the past times that many people subscribe to for the thrilling ride you can get when you’re on one. Some people remark that the water speeding out behind you and the power beneath your hands is addictive and can call you back the water again and again. Although it takes some skill and practice to learn to control a jet ski properly, part of the enjoyment is learning how to do just that after you’ve had some lessons.

Obviously, no one spends all their time in the water on a jet ski. Those who do not lease or rent their jet ski can sometimes be spotted towing them on a flat bed to the applicable dock and letting in the water to get the fun times started. If you are considering purchasing jet skis or even leasing them for a period of time, you need to have a place to safely store your jet ski in self storage.

No matter how balmy the southern belt weather may be, it is not a viable option to have your jet skis stored in your garage or even in a tarp-covered scenario in your driveway. This doesn’t even take into consideration how cluttered it will make your driveway look. It also doesn’t factor in the possibility that you may live in a community where homeowner’s association rules do not permit storage of any type of water crafts or mobile homes in your driveway for cosmetic and other reasons.

When you are considering options for storing your jet ski in self storage, you need to evaluate a few basic criteria to ensure that your jet ski will be stored safely. Perhaps the most important factor is selecting a self storage unit that will provide the right amount of space. The best way to determine a right fit without paying for more space than you need is to measure your jet ski. Be sure to allow room for the jet ski to fit into the self storage unit easily without bumping walls or having edges near the door when it is closed. If you are not sure about a right fit, consider giving a call to the retailer where you purchased or leased your jet ski from and ask if they know about the appropriate storage dimensions to ensure that you are not risking damaging your jet ski.

It is very important to know the dimensions for a leased jet ski because you don’t actually own the equipment; you are leasing it from the retailer for a specified period of time. You’ve signed a contract that makes you legally responsible for the equipment for the specified period of time that it is in your possession. This means if anything happens to your jet ski during the lease period, you are financially and legally liable.

When it comes to storing your jet ski in

Self storage is a great way to protect your jet ski from the weather’s elements, particular if you life in states where there are chances of hurricanes and tornados. Self storage can also be a smart idea to keep your jet ski protected from sun damage. One of the best things about self storing your jet ski is that you can keep it safe from all types of vandalism such as having parts removed, bumping into it with your own vehicle or natural disasters like lightning and wind storms.

Many people don’t think of self storage as a good option for truly large items, but using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee is a great option if you’d like to keep your boat safe and secure somewhere away from your home. Self storage is a popular, flexible and cost-effective method of storing things away from our homes and offices so why not a boat?

Using self storage to store your boat is a clever way to finally have room for that boat you’ve always wanted, or the one that’s been taking up valuable space in your yard or garage for years. Your neighborhood may not even allow you to have a boat parked anywhere visible from the street. This can pose problems for people short on space.

Many people only think of self storage when they think about moving, and need a place to store certain things during the transition, or if they need a place to temporarily store things. And sometimes people use self storage just to get clutter and stored items out of their house while they decide what to do with them.

But self storage can be used for large items that we might not really have that much room for in our yards or garages. People store not just boats, but motor homes, recreational vehicles, trailers and motorcycles. People even park cars in self storage units these days.

Self storage is wonderful because you can access your stored items, whether a boat, a huge room full of furniture or a smaller room full of boxes or whatever you want to store, at any time the facility is open. You don’t need to let anyone know what you’re taking out, what you’re putting in, or any personal and private details like this (though you may have to sign into the facility for security purposes).

Using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee may even be a more secure storage option than keeping it on your own property. Most self storage facilities (especially those that have enough room for and allow items like cars, RVs and boats) have general security systems and procedures in place to further protect your stored items.

You’ll want to find a self storage facility that has special units for vehicles and boats that are covered if they don’t actually have storage space much like their regular indoor storage but larger for these items. Some self storage facilities cater to customers who want to store large items like boats in Tennessee and offer boat-related services like cleaning and storage preparation for additional fees.

If you’re thinking about using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee, you’ll want to make sure the boat is properly prepared for storage. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s well worth it to pay the extra to the storage facility, or someone who’s familiar with how to care for a boat, to prepare your boat for storage.

You’ll need to do basic mechanical things like tightening anything that might be loose, lubricating the moving parts, flushing the fuel line and the cooling system, and making sure that all water is drained from the engine. New oil and filters as well as a good cleaning are essential, too.

And if you’re using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee, don’t forget to take extra items off the boat before storing, like life preservers, anything electronic, fire extinguishers or anything you don’t want subjected to extremes in weather or that you might use elsewhere. Especially if the storage is outside, be sure to tarp the boat.

You might find self storage options for storing your boat in Tennessee that allow you to store the boat inside. These might be the more expensive options, but they probably offer extra security, and your boat is protected from the elements. As long as you properly prepare the boat and remove all possible sources of moisture from the mechanical parts, indoor storage is ideal.

But you might choose to opt for facilities that offer outdoor storage. These are a more cost-effective self storage option, and the facility probably will have enough security measures in place to protect even those items like cars, RVs and boats that are stored outside. Just make sure you properly prepare, dry, and cover your boat, and check carefully to make sure your storage spot is well-covered, and you can save a little money while using self storage to store your boat in Tennessee.