The Best Storage Shelves
Storage shelves are a natural solution for packing away all manner of objects, and their clear presentation makes it easy to grab the contents in a flash when it's needed. And thanks to the wonders of ready-to-assemble furniture, you won't need to organize a van rental to get a new unit installed. Instead, check out some of the best storage shelves on the market today in our list below.
What to Look For
As you peruse our favorite picks, it’s worth keeping a few discerning features in mind to make sure you choose the right shelving solution for your needs: weight capacity, adjustment options, and ease of assembly. Our favorite shelf overall comes from Amazon Basics. This multipurpose unit can sit on either casters or adjustable feet, making it a useful all-rounder to keep around the house. If you’re not so keen on DIY assembly, check out the durable shelving unit from Homedant. It doesn’t require a single tool to assemble, yet it’s plenty reliable. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Amazon Basics Adjustable Heavy-Duty Storage Unit
Plain and simple
Home storage logistics are often best approached with a simple solution in mind, and that’s precisely what you’ll get with this rugged and reliable five-shelf unit from Amazon Basics. Made from lightweight alloy steel, this freestanding frame sits on top of four durable casters for supreme ease of mobility. With shelf dimensions of 14 by 30 inches, it offers plenty of room to hold folded garments and accessories, or you could even put it to work in a kitchen or bathroom.
Pros:
- The height of each shelf can be independently adjusted at one-inch increments.
- If you’d rather that the shelves stay put, the four casters can be easily removed and replaced by leveling feet.
- This Herculean frame can support an impressive maximum weight of 1500 pounds.
Cons:
- The paint on this metal wire finish can be prone to cracking and peeling.
Homedant 5-Tier Metal Shelving Unit
It can be tough to settle on a choice of shelving unit if you’re unsure what exactly you’ll be storing there. Thankfully, with this highly adjustable design from Homedant, you won’t have to commit to shelf height or distribution before you buy. Each of the five shelves can be freely adjusted throughout the entire height of the unit at increments of 1.8 inches, giving you a highly modular solution that can accommodate items of all shapes and sizes.
Pros:
- This design is entirely free from bolts and nuts, making construction and shelf adjustment easier than ever.
- With a maximum load of 246 pounds per shelf, this sturdy unit can carry some serious weight.
Cons:
- Given the price, we were a little disappointed to find that these shelves are made from MDF.
Raybee Heavy-Duty Garage Shelving
Strong and stable
Most ready-to-assemble furniture offers a welcome tradeoff to freestanding units thanks to their practical modular design and overall ease of installation. If you’re looking for a more permanent fixture in your home, however, you might be put off by the lightweight construction of some wire-framed options. For the best of both worlds, check out this hefty shelving unit from Raybee. It breaks the paradigm with its four sturdy shelves made from alloy steel, boasting a maximum load capacity of 1600 pounds.
Pros:
- These shelves are height-adjustable, and the entire unit can also be separated into two freestanding shelves.
- Plastic caps are included for the feet to protect sensitive flooring like wood from scratches.
Cons:
- Without much scope for height adjustment at the base, these shelves can wobble if they’re placed on uneven flooring.
Homidec Portable Storage Shelves, 9-Pack
Stack me up
Freestanding units are a great option when you have plenty of space at your disposal. However, if you’re trying to squeeze utility out of an unconventionally sized space, you might need an option that provides a little more flexibility. This nine-pack of portable storage shelves from Homidec lets you mix and match to your heart’s content. Each cubby offers ample room for storage, and they can be stacked together or separately in a range of configurations to suit the needs of your space.
Pros:
- Made from durable ABS plastic enclosed in a metal frame, these individual units are a lot lighter than steel and wood alternatives.
- If you need a bit more storage than is offered by nine units alone, these packs can be combined to build larger shelving solutions.
Cons:
- This lightweight design can’t withstand as much force as heftier alternatives, with each shelf having a maximum load capacity of just 15 pounds.
Pipishell Hanging Closet Organizer
Hanging out
Make the most of your unused closet space with this nifty hanging organizer from Pipishell. The hook-mounted design lets the organizer hang handsomely from the rail of any standard wardrobe, offering six handy and accessible shelves for socks, underwear, and all manner of lightweight garments. And thanks to its all-fabric design, these shelves couldn’t be easier to assemble.
Pros:
- The shelves come with three matching fabric drawers, so you can keep some of the contents free of dust.
- Three mesh side pockets offer additional room for quick-access storage.
Cons:
- This unit won’t work inside closets that have a perpendicular rail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to assemble my new storage shelves?
Construction procedures vary between models. If you’re not a DIY maven, there are several options available that can be set up right out of the box with no tools required.
How can I keep my clothes fresh during storage?
If you’re planning to store seasonal gear or the like for a long period, you’ll want to keep an eye on their condition to ensure they’re still fresh when the time comes to don them again. Dark and secluded places can be a breeding ground for pests like moths that can eat away at delicate natural fabrics, so it’s best to periodically check and refresh the contents of shelves and move items around as needed.
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