Super Simple Basement Storage

     I came across the basic idea for this will browsing through Instructables and watching Wasted Spaces looking for ways to organize my one car garage to do pretty much any kind of work from auto/motorcycle maintenance to woodworking and storage.  The first time the idea sparked my interest was a partially finished basement but they used the space in between the floor joists to hold books.  They had painted the ceiling to give it a more finished look and just installed horizontal boards anchored to the joists.

     Then I saw a instructable by depotdevoid it was a great idea but there was 1 problem I had with it.... me and my basement.  You see I'm 6'4" and the bottom of the joists is only about 7' so by the time I installed it with the handles and containers below the joist I would have to duck all the time while working in the room.  So I came up with what I think is a better solution.... or at least for me it is.
 
     Instead of one continuous track I broke mine into sections that would hold 2 containers with enough space on either side to slide it over and take it down.  That way I would only need to move the container I wanted to access.


Tools

Drill
Tape Measure
Circular saw (or any saw that will cut wood)
Pencil
Clamps (not really necessary but as you will see it allowed me to cut regular strips for the track)
Chalk Line

Supplies

Scrap lumber (I used 1-1x6 about 40" long)
Screws over 1.5"
Container of your choice

Cost

$10 at Walmart for 10 containers with lids assuming you have screws or nails and some scrap lumber

Step 1: Prepping the space

    Since this is a basement project more than likely you will have nails or staples poking through the ceiling.  Removal is very simple hit them with a hammer bending it over about half way.  Then hit it back to other way and it will probably snap off.

     Next we need to find how high we can mount the container so put it up to the into the space and mark the bottom of the lip(pic 2).  Use a measuring tape, measuring from the ceiling down to the mark and add about 1/4"  just for space.  Mark about every four feet with the value we just came to and mark both joists(pic 3).  If you are working by yourself put a nail at the beginning on one side of the row and use a chalk line to snap an even line the length of the joist.  Then repeat the process for the other joist.

Comments

[streetrod5]

Great idea - I'm scratching my head and asking "why didn't I think of that?"

[clay7185]

Are these what you were looking for?

[russ_hensel]

Could you back away with the camera and give a more distant, overview, picture of the project? I think that would be an addition to the write up.