When planning and budgeting for your home gym, storage space is one of the most often overlooked aspects.
We spend so much time worrying about the racks and home gym equipment size and location that we forget to have places to store our weights, accessories, and attachments in our workout space.
In this article, we will examine the best home gym storage options, discuss why it is important and how you can get storage on a budget.
We will also rate and review several storage options, both on the floor or walls and ceiling mounted storage devices.
Home Gym Storage Ideas (Best Real-Life Examples)
This section will look at real-world examples of storage solutions in various situations. We look at large and small gym spaces, various equipment setups, and more.
With any luck, you will find ideas and inspiration in the home gym storage ideas listed below.
In this example below, we see a workout space in the garage. As the original poster claimed, the requirements were to fill a limited space in the garage with weight storage while still being able to park the car when needed.
As you can see, the PRX wall mount storage solution was utilized.
It allows multiple plates to be stored out of the way yet still within easy reach. The horse stall mats on the floor are also lifted and stored on the side when the car is pulled into the garage.
For this small home gym, storage space was at a premium. There were no extra walls for racks and smith cages, and there wasn't a lot of room for cardio machines, rowers, and treadmills.
However, the owner used the small workout space to their advantage to not only create a unique style but a well-organized one as well.
The brick/masonry wall is the key point here, as standard studs and drywall wouldn't be able to support this much weight.
However, with the use of masonry drill bits, mortar bolts, and brick hangers, the shelving and hanging racks mount with ease.
Everything from the yoga mats to the water bottles was considered. Small workout space storage ideas can be fun to come up with and relatively inexpensive to implement, as proven here.
The use of a pegboard mounted to the wall (anchored at the studs) allows this workout space wall storage to be organized, functional and keep everything in reach.
This particular pegboard is used for almost all types of lat pulldown attachments such as handles, hooks, clips, and ropes. These cable attachments are stored so you can easily find what you're looking for.
Each cable attachment uses a carabiner to attach to the pulley system on the rack, and that carabiner is also used to hook the handle to the pegboard.
This is a great idea that helps you maintain organization, notice when something isn't put away, and prevents you from having to stop your workout to look for a clip for the next set.
Read Also - Complete Guide To Garage Gym Essentials
In this image, we see the use of a full garage for the gym and the storage of household items. Mixed organization can coexist, and the proof is in front of you here.
The first thing you may notice is the dumbbell rack storage for the multiple dumbbells the owner uses.
If you look closer, though, you will also find wall storage for the barbells and handles as well as a floor rack for the weight plates.
There is also ceiling storage for yoga equipment. On the door side of the garage, there is shared shelving.
These shelves are used to store equipment and tools for yard work, gardening, and more.
It is easy to achieve cohabitation storage when you have the space to do so, such as taking over the entire garage for your home gym and storage needs.
While this space has a lot of room, there aren't many wall or ceiling storage options.
Also, because this home gym is in a room of the home, you are limited to using studs and drywall mounts, which may not be strong enough.
This owner has, instead, used floor racks for dumbbells and plate storage. The smith cage itself is also used for barbell and handle storage when not in use.
These solutions are not very DIY friendly, and are paid options.
However, they serve their purpose, are easy to assemble, and you don't have to brace wall studs or hang any devices to store your weights.
Overhead storage has a lot of options. Racks, sliding rails, and shelves are all options that make storage overhead possible.
As seen here, simple kitchen shelving attached to the basement rafter beams offer a uniquely affordable and straightforward DIY storage solution.
These overhead racks can store medicine balls, handles, yoga equipment, and much more.
These types of shelf racks can be purchased online at many outlets, including sites like Amazon, in bulk.
You can also find them in person at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's. Not only are they affordable, but the metal construction adds durability and higher weight limits compared to MDF or plywood shelving.
Modular shelving is a DIY option if you have the time and tools to make the shelving yourself.
However, with so many pre-built options available, you don’t have to. You can get modular cube shelving, as seen here, to store any number of items.
Lower shelves sit on the floor, giving the entire modular shelf stability. It also offers you a space to store heavy items.
Lighter items can go near the top, and with overhead railing, you can even store large, bulky items like your exercise balls.
In this instance, we also have towels, cleaning supplies, and disinfectants that are used to keep the entire space, as well as the equipment, clean and sanitized.
For a complete DIY option, you will need little more than some time, effort, lumber, and tools.
In this image, for example, there is a high shelf for random bits and bobs. In addition, there are hooks attached to the bottom of the shelf that hold ropes, handles, resistance bands, and straps.
The support beams are attached directly to the wall studs for stability and are notched for barbells, lat pulldown handles, and anything else you need to keep off the ground.
You can also build a dumbbell rack using similar methods, so you don't need to keep your hand weights on the ground.
Of course, depending on the size and type, a significant rack will need to be constructed.
The Importance Of A Well Organized Garage Gym
Home gym storage is important on three fronts: your gym equipment, your gym space, and yourself/capabilities.
By properly storing your gym equipment, you lower the risk of corrosion of the metals, protect the finish and longevity of the items and help keep them clean.
When you store your items correctly, you should wipe them down to remove the sweat and oils from your skin which can break down metal over time.
The gym space itself is also protected from long-term damage from resting equipment on the mats, padding and floors, and strain on the racks and bars by leaving weights attached or handles engaged.
You also protect yourself and your children by keeping your workout equipment properly stored. [1] Trip hazards, loose connections, and adjustments that may be needed will all be eliminated with proper storage practices.
Not only that, but you also protect your wallet by limiting the amount of equipment and parts that you need to replace or repair over time.
4 Key Questions When Planning Any DIY Gym Space
Home gym storage is not like standard household storage of items. You have to consider several things, ponder multiple possibilities, and account for weight, height, and accessibility.
Below we offer four questions (and their answers), so you can get a better idea of the importance of this storage conundrum.
Are you storing gym equipment and other home items?
Many home gyms are located in a garage or basement. These areas of the home are known for storing household goods.
If you plan to store gym equipment and household items together, you need to thoroughly ponder the type of storage, storage space, and storage containers.
Optimizing the storage is critical. Of course, you want all of your items stored properly, but some may need better access than others.
For example, seasonal decorations may get away with a few plastic containers on a high shelf out of the way, but your lat pulldown handles need to be more accessible as you use them more often.
In these situations, organized storage is the key. Shelving, storage containers with labels, and proper positioning with more needed or constant used items on lower shelves are essential.
How big is the home gym space?
Another common factor is how much storage space you actually have (or can create). If you have the entire basement home gym, you may not need to worry about space.
However, if your home gym is in a room that serves another purpose when not used as a gym, or the room is smaller, you may need to get creative.
One thing to consider is alternative and creative storage. Ceiling mounted and collapsible storage areas, for example, may double the amount of storage space in a smaller area.
Other options include double-layered storage, hanging storage, and even adding hooks and pegs to your weight racks.
Related Article - Guide To Home Gym Sizes
How many walls do you have?
Most rooms will have four walls, but not all are usable as storage space.
For example, you may have a wall-mounted rack or a smaller wall with a door that cannot be used for storage without blocking access.
However, once you understand how many walls are usable as storage, your options will begin to open up.
Don't forget about the ceiling, either. While uncommon, there are ceiling mounted storage options available that make use of an otherwise unused wall.
Some rooms have additional walls, and some have fewer. Your specific gym setup will determine the best course for your needs and help you decide how creative you need to get with your storage solutions.
How much gym equipment is in your garage gym?
Another question you need to ask yourself is how much gym equipment you have in your home gym.
It is also advisable to consider any planned future purchases as well. The racks, benches, stacks, and chairs will determine how much space you have remaining for storage.
Obviously, this coincides with the room size mentioned above. The more space you have for your equipment, the more space you have leftover for storing your accessories.
This also includes the range and space needed for proper movement while working out.
While storage is important, being able to use your equipment and stored accessories is also important.
However, the more equipment you have, the more accessories and features they come with. This means you will need even more storage space to accommodate.
This is why planning is critical before you start buying and storing more pieces and parts.
5 Storage Solutions For Home Gym Equipment
Aside from shelving (built-in or assembled), there are several options for storage in your home gym.
Some will work better than others, based on your needs and answers to the above questions. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular solutions out there.
1. Pegboards
Pegboards, if you don't know, are large pieces of plywood, MDF, or fiberboard with a bunch of holes in them.
You place pegs or hooks in those holes to create holders for your items.
Some pegboards have weight limits, and some are designed for small things (ideal for your pulldown handles and weight stops).
Others are directly mounted to the studs of the room and can hold a lot of weight.
The good news is that a pegboard is affordable, durable, and can be installed on almost any surface.
You find them in garages a lot, holding mechanics tools, car parts, and yard equipment. You can easily add pegs and hooks and keep everything organized right on the wall.[2]
Pegboards are also great at keeping your items off the floor, clean, maintained, and within reach.
Best of all, because it mounts to the wall, you don't need to worry about trip hazards, losing pieces, or not being able to find what you are looking for.
2. Cabinets
Cabinets are an ideal solution for gyms with more storage space available. They can hold a lot of equipment and keep your space tidy and organized.
With cabinets, you have an enclosure that will help keep out dirt, dust, and debris. It also makes a great solution for your cables, ropes, and awkward-shaped handles.
By keeping these things in a cabinet, you keep them out of sight and avoid them becoming tangled, cracked, or stepped on.
Also Check Out - Home Gym Decor Ideas
3. Hanging Storage
Hanging storage is more about using storage to hang things up than it is about the actual storage device hanging from the ceiling.
While the latter can absolutely be the case, think more in terms of the clothes bar in your closet.
With the right materials, you can have a hanging space for your ropes, wires, cables, and more.
You can also include clips and brackets to hang other materials so they aren't on the floor and give yourself an organized method for searching, using, and storing.
4. Racks
Rack storage allows you to create storage modules. You can get racks in many sizes and configurations, each giving you the space you need and the size you want.
With rack storage, you can add strength to your shelving, durability to your storage, and protection to your equipment.
The trade-off is that rack storage is generally more expensive than the other options and tends to be a more permanent solution.
If you need temporary storage or plan to move the gym to a more permanent location in the future, it may not be the best investment (until you are permanently set up).
5. Wall Organizers
Wall organizers are another option that comes in many sizes, shapes, and materials. You can get cube shelving, for example, floating shelving, bookcases, and more.
With wall organizers, you get the storage you need, the space-saving designs you want, and the stability required for your equipment.
Wall organizers, obviously, hang on the wall or are mounted to it. By utilizing the wall studs, you can get extreme strength to store items with higher weights.
You also get the flexibility to choose a material that matches your décor, such as wood or metal.
You can also paint the organizers to match your home gym paint color to keep your space looking how you need it without a lot of effort or money spent in the process.
Tips For Organizing Popular Home Gym Equipment
When building a home gym, there is some equipment that is more standard than others.
You need a good set of weights or a rack with a weight stack, for example. You may also require benches and cardio machines.
Whatever you decide to add to your home gym needs to fit, offer freedom and range of motion and be easily accessible.
Let's take a closer look at some of the best ways to organize your equipment.
Squat Racks
Squat racks are almost as popular in home gyms as dumbbells and weight plates. There are various types, sizes, and installation methods for these devices, and some are more space-saving than others.
Folding racks, for example, mount to the wall and can be pulled down when needed but fold to almost flat when not in use.
We are HUGE fans of folding squat racks for garage gyms! They take up far less space and offer the same functionality as a full rack.
For stationary racks, you can utilize the space underneath for storage when not in use. The bars, handles, benches, and even weights can be stored inside the rack if needed.
Barbells
For your barbells, there are several storage options. One of the most secure and with the smallest footprint is vertical stands.
Some weight racks will have barbell stands on the corners for you to store your barbells in.
If your rack does not (or you don't have a rack), you can purchase upright barbell holders and place them alongside the wall, in a corner, or near the rack to save space.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are small but can be difficult to store properly. Luckily, when there are no weight plates attached, the dumbbell handles can fit in a small box, on a pegboard, or on a rack hook.
If your dumbbells are the set weight type without removable plates, storage can be more difficult.
Dumbbell storage racks are available and are relatively inexpensive. You can get wall-mounted or freestanding racks specifically made for dumbbells that will keep your weights organized and out of the way, not to mention off the floor.
Weight Benches
Weight benches come in a few styles. Rack-mounted benches, for example, are usually connected or hooked to the rack itself.
They can be removed or folded up to conserve space when not in use. Other benches can be transported, stored vertically, or even up against the wall.
Like the stationary racks, you can also use a stationary bench to store containers and boxes underneath.
This is a great method of accessory storage that keeps everything in one place, safe and dry.
Free Weights/Weight Plates
Similarly, free weights, or plates, can also be stored on hooks specifically designed for such things. Most racks will have free weight hangers where you can store several plates when not in use.
You can also purchase plate racks that are freestanding, wall-mountable, or even hanging.
With heavy plates, you want them near the ground to prevent damage if dropped (both to the weights and your floors).
Treadmills/Ellipticals/Rowers
For cardio equipment such as treadmills and rowers, storage is dependent on the capabilities of the equipment.
When storage is a concern, you should seek out and purchase folding models.
Treadmills, for example, have folding options where the deck folds up into the handles for a compact storage solution.
Rowers can store up on end while other models also fold up or lay flat for under-bed storage.
The best option for smaller spaces is the models that lay flat and can stand on end without damage.
These will be lighter, usually less expensive, and can stand up against a wall, behind a door, or even inside the rack or smith cage.
Resistance bands
Resistance bands can easily be hung on pegboards, hooks, or other devices. However, it is crucial that the bands stay free from kinks and knotting.
The rubber and plastic material that the bands are made from can damage when not properly cared for.
While it may be easy to stuff them in a box when not in use, it is not advised. The rubber can dry out if not in a well-ventilated area, and small cracks or damaged areas can cause premature failure.
Storing on a peg or hook or even carefully coiled on a shelf will keep them safe and out of the way.
Garage Gym Storage Options For Other Home Items
In many cases, our home gym area serves a dual purpose. In the garage, you may store your car, decorations, or often needed but unused items.
This is alongside your gym equipment. However, both gym equipment and household goods can coexist with proper storage.
On The Walls/Floors
When using wall or floor storage options, you can easily separate and organize your belongings.
Two sturdy shelves, for example, can mount to the wall or rest on the floor and offer space for your gym equipment on one side and your household goods on the other.
Two sturdy shelves might be all you need for your home gym.
You can also separate the storage by the wall so that the gym equipment is on the same wall as your home gym and the other storage items are near the door or on the opposite wall.
With proper planning and a keen eye for organization, you can make the room usable for both needs at the same time without compromise.
You want to avoid, though, needing items from one side while the other is in use.
For example, no one should need to cross your workout bench to grab a storage box while you are doing bench presses.
On The Ceilings
For ceiling storage, you have a lot of creative methods to use. Sliding racks, for example, can mount to the ceiling and get pushed out of the way, or even hang down to create a false wall while the gym section is in use.
Using plastic containers with locking lids will help keep dirt and debris out of your goods while also locking out moisture and humidity.
Locking lid containers can also be suspended from ceiling racks without the worry of spilling their contents.
Once again, though, accessibility and ease of use are important. You don’t want heavy items hanging directly overhead, and you want to make it easy to access what you need when you need it.
As always, careful planning and some forethought will take your storage project to the next level.
FAQs
Can I leave my garage gym messy?
You can leave your garage gym messy. It is not advised, though.
Not only is it a safety hazard, but your equipment will become dirty, prematurely damaged, and even corroded from excess exposure to debris and moisture.
Proper cleaning, handling, and storage are crucial to the performance, longevity, and usability of all of your gym equipment.
How do you store an exercise ball?
Exercise balls can be quite tricky to store. These devices are large, bulky, and cannot be hung on hooks.
However, they are inflatable (some models), and you can deflate them for flat storage when not in use.
For the rest (or those that don’t want to constantly inflate), high storage is optimal. You can create a container or space specifically for the balls where they are easy to retrieve but out of the way.
How much is the cost of home gym storage?
Home gym storage can cost whatever you are willing to spend. Shelving, pegboards, and hangers cost a wide range of prices.
On average, you can expect to pay about $10 to $25 per square foot of storage space.
For complete, pre-built units, the size and capacity will factor into the price, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Build materials and mounting options will also cause the price to rise and fall.
Conclusion
Home gym storage is the cause of many sleepless nights when deciding how to keep your equipment in clean repair, out of the way, and easily accessible.
Depending on your setup, gym space size, and location, different storage options present themselves.
Wall or floor mount options like pegboards, shelving, and cube storage are optimal options.
For small spaces or shared storage spaces, you have ceiling mount and hanging options that can help you keep your items out of the way along with other household storage items.
Hopefully, this article has helped you come up with creative and economical storage options for your garage gym needs.
References:
1. https://injury.research.chop.edu/blog/posts/keeping-kids-safe-around-home-exercise-equipment/
2. https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/organize-anything-with-pegboard-ideas-and-tips/
Last Updated on September 19, 2024