8 Space-Saving Ways to Store Your Bike

Riding bikes is at the top of the list when it comes to classic warm-weather pastimes (alongside eating ice cream and watching fireworks, of course). However, bicycles take up a considerable amount of space, most likely in your garage or shed. Regardless of where you store your family's bikes, there are a variety of solutions that can help keep them organized and accessible. Browse the following bike storage ideas to get inspired to put yours in order in time for prime riding season.

1. Hang a Floating Shelf

A creative DIY project, a minimalist floating shelf might be all you need to keep your bike upright. The beauty of this bike storage idea is that it's small enough to be placed virtually anywhere you have studs behind a bit of blank wall. Make sure that the wall-mounted shelf is sufficiently sturdy to withstand the weight of your bike and securely hold it in place above the ground. That way, you can easily slide it off the shelf and out the door when needed. Bonus: The surface can pull double-duty as additional storage for items you need on your ride, like house keys, a water bottle, or bike lock.

2. Line Them Up

For a home with multiple bikes, make the most of empty wall space with this genius garage solution. Mount a heavy-duty horizontal track system and space out hooks made specifically to hold bicycles. Then, hang them in a row by the front tire so all you have to do is simply detach each bike as needed. This keeps them off of the floor and from getting unnecessarily scratched. For further safekeeping, consider adding a layer of protection to the wall where the wheels bump against it, such as this metal panel. Include an overhead shelf with bins to maximize garage storage space.

3. Entryway Bike Storage

If you lack a garage or a shed to stow your bike, store it right inside your front door. An organized entryway is essential for any home and, if done right, can house a bicycle or two. Use wall-mounted hooks to get them off of the ground and out of way when entering and exiting the house. Just make sure the hooks are securely fastened into wall studs. This bike storage idea also makes it easy to pull down your set of wheels when you want to head out for a ride around town.

4. Make Space on a Track System

Adjustable, customizable track systems are a secret weapon in the quest for the ultimate garage organization. Put one to work by creating a floor-to-ceiling design with space to store all of your outdoor and seasonal supplies, including sports equipment. Reserve spots for bikes and keep gear, such as helmets, within close reach. The benefit of adjustable shelving is that it can easily grow with the family.

5. Park It with a Stand

Understated yet brilliant, a bike stand does the trick for storing a set of wheels in a pinch. Freestanding bike racks can be placed pretty much anywhere you have some floor space, and can be used to hold either a single bicycle or multiple depending on the size. Simply glide the bikes onto the stand like you would in any public parking lot (except you can skip the step of locking them in the privacy of your own home).

6. Sports Equipment Storage

Remember the organizing rule of storing like items together? That can apply to categories such as sports equipment, too. If your family is full of sports fans or athletes, it might make sense to store your bikes alongside bats, balls, clubs, and rackets. Creating an all-in-one sports zone inside the garage or shed using a track system with hooks and baskets will form a go-to play destination come summertime. When the kids, or you, are done riding around the block, you can pop the bikes back in place before grabbing a baseball and glove for a game of catch.

7. Suspend from the Ceiling

Is your garage or shed completely maxed out on space? Or perhaps the walls are not conducive to hanging bike storage. A savvy solution is to hang bikes from the ceiling instead. Look for a high-quality ceiling-mount hoist rack or get crafty and create your own DIY pulley system to retrieve the high-up bikes. This works best for bicycles that aren't taken out for a spin too often or can be used during the off season for out-of-the-way bike storage.

8. Create a Bike Station

One of the tenets of home organization is to store like items with like items. Put this to use by creating a comprehensive bike storage station. Wherever and however you decide to organize bike gear, whether with a rail, track system, or shelf, be sure to include containers and hooks nearby. These should accommodate accessories such as water bottles, helmets, backpacks, and cycling shoes. Now, getting ready to go out for your next excursion is effortless since everything you need is within close range of the bikes.