Looks great. My only concern is designing it for a specific tote. I built a small rack sized for a few totes and when one of those containers broke, I had trouble finding another container with exactly the same dimensions and ended up rebuilding it. But this is great, very well designed, and if you use totes that are likely to be available for the foreseeable future, this is a good looking upgrade.
i put this together over the weekend. added an extra 1/2 inch on the width to accomadate various tote brands and i ripped the 2x4s that hold the totes in half to save money.
@David-xf5vl Yes! 100%. For the one I have in my garage, I ended up tossing snow slides and other gear up there too. Haven't added the plywood yet, but definitely planning on it-should be a quick upgrade!
You can definitely do it. I built mine with my 8-year-old. It’s a pretty straightforward project. I’m also working on a video about buying totes. I got a great deal at Home Depot $7 per tote by using their price match and an extra 10% off. Stay tuned!
This is the best setup and description I have seen for tote racks. Any suggestions for modifying the racks for a mix of totes from different brands; like we have? I really don’t want to go and buy additional totes to make them all the same. Thanks in advance. PS - can’t wait to see the QR scan video. I usually write down a list and take pictures of the items in each tote and keep them in a clear sheet protector taped to the outside of each tote.
Hey Frank, thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you found the setup helpful. And, the QR scan video is on its way-I’ve been using it a lot myself, and it’s been super handy, especially when I need to grab something quickly. As for modifying the rack for mixed totes, it can be a bit tricky to mix and match. One idea is to adjust the design into a more flexible shelf system. You could add plywood sheets into each slot and make the slots bigger, allowing you to fit any tote regardless of the brand. That way, you won’t need to buy all new totes just to match up. Hope that helps, and thanks again for watching!
Probably cheaper in the long run to just buy identical totes (or at least make each COLUMN for one type of tote) than spend money surprising customizing each individual cell.
What a nice clean installation! How about some cost information, it looks expensive! I would be leery of the edge support of totes. Totes tend to become brittle and sag over time, especially in high heat. I can see the support edges breaking off down the road. I think a bottom support system would be better. Even just a shelf system with the totes sitting on them might be better in my mind. But yes, you have a nice neat and attractive project here. Well done!
@tommaxwell429 Thanks! Yeah, this setup is more for lighter stuff like seasonal items, decorations, clothes, and extra household supplies. I totally agree, heavy items could definitely put a strain on the totes over time. As for cost-totes were around $7 each, and I’ve got a video here explaining how I snagged that deal: [th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html](th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html). The lumber is pretty cheap too. Rough estimate: around $120 for the rack and about $200 for the totes, so around $320 total (but prices can fluctuate).
Looks nice. Would a better solution to the wall attachment be to use a french cleat style attachment. This way you would attach it to each of the uprights and then the other side of the cleat would be attached to the wall. If you just use brackets like you have here it would only be attached to the top pice of wood as the chances of the uprights of the storage unit and wall joists in the wall aligning are small
@christopherwalker9130 Yeah, there are definitely lots of ways to secure it. I think the most important place to secure is up top because that's where most of the weight will cause the structure to pull away from the wall if it's not properly anchored. By attaching it at the top, you’re keeping everything stable and preventing any tipping. Your idea with the French cleat is solid too-always good to have options!
you must be an engineer haha. Nice work. Building the ladder portions then fastening the stretchers would have been much easier. Regardless, nice work.
Yes, I’ve seen videos of people doing it that way too. I did it this way, but you can definitely approach it however you like. There are many ways to go about this. Thanks!
Your design is great, and I like the chamfer edge that helps dress up that 2 x 4 look. But there is a way better way to assemble this. Check out some other videos on this subject.
What type of lumber should I buy, and where is the best place to purchase it? The 2x4 lumber from Home Depot and Lowe’s is not great - it's got lots of knots and tends to be warped. Your recommendation?
This is not a super precise kind of project, so rough lumber is fine. I made mine from 2x4s from Home Depot. My son and I planed them down a little, and they looked super clean and nice in the end!
Hi. Yes I have many different set up options. here is al ink to all the options I have made so far. www.etsy.com/shop/GoodDIYplans?ref=dashboard-header&search_query=27
Hello, I have a question about the dimensions in your plan. At 1:40, should the total width be 91.25 in instead of 88 5/8 in? Each space added together plus 2 in per 2x4. I like your plans a lot, just trying to nail down all the dimensions before I go buy all the lumber.
Hey @matthewmccracken742. The total width is 88-5/8 inches. It might seem off because a 2x4 isn’t actually 2 inches by 4 inches-it’s 1.5 x 3.5 inches. This happens because the lumber is initially cut to its nominal size but then gets smoothed down during the milling process, which shrinks it a bit. It’s a standard practice here in the USA, but it might be different in other countries. Where are you watching from? Hope that clears things up!
Engineers vs. Builders... SMH 😂😂 projects mobilize at 85% basis of design. If you're at the buying materials stage, then purchase 125% of materials needed to start. That will give you a 90% probability that you will have enough material to get the project 110% close enough.
@martinevenson9844 Any stud finder should work fine! Personally, I used this one from Amazon (affiliate link) - did the job well for me: [amzn.to/4ftcBGb](amzn.to/4ftcBGb). It’s got 1,394 ratings and a solid 4.0 stars, plus it’s only around $20.
Clear totes can definitely help with visibility, but they tend to be more expensive and often more brittle in my experience. Plus, even with clear totes, it’s hard to get a full picture of what's inside. I prefer using something like an app to track contents, but honestly, it's tricky to get everyone in the house to use it consistently-kids especially don’t always put things back right! It works better if it’s just you or maybe you and a spouse.
The clear aren’t nearly as strong. His deal with the QR code is fantastic if you’re looking for detailed lists of what’s in each tote, but I use painters tape and a sharpie for basic labeling. If you’re worried about how full each tote is then buy some 1/2 inch brightly colored electrical tape and just put a 1” piece at the height of the contents. Easy peasey to see and move as you go along.
Hello question for you…your video is for 27 gal tubs but do you have dimensions for the 17 gal tubs? We have garage full of the 17s but I don’t see anything but 27s on your Etsy
Hey Anthony, thanks for watching! I currently don’t have dimensions for the 17-gallon tubs, but it looks like @DucPhan20 is offering to help with that-appreciate the community support! If you have any other questions or need more info, feel free to ask.
do you need dimensions of the 17 gal tubs? The height is 12.5 in, width is 17.8 in and depth is 26.7 inches. These dimensions are from the Home Depot website.
@LouRusiski Absolutely! If your garage deals with snow melt, rain sneaking under the door, or random water puddles, treated lumber is the way to go. Smart thinking - nobody wants soggy shelves, and untreated wood can rot over time and wreck the whole setup!
I am trying to design this in cad so I can have the plans on my iPad. I love the plans, but if my math is correct, the width of the longest board (shown at 1:40) should be 88 3/4 not 88 5/8. Here's my math, but please correct me if I'm missing something: 1.5*5=7.5 20.3125*4=81.25 7.5 (width of the 2x4's) + 81.25 (width of all the space) = 88.75 If I build it with the 88 3/4, will it work or do you recommend the 88 5/8? Thank you for the video!
Great eye, and thanks for catching that! You’re absolutely right-the correct measurement should be 88 3/4 inches. I realized that when I used SketchUp, I moved the 2x4 manually by 20-5/16 inches instead of typing in the precise value. SketchUp rounds fractions, and in this case, 1623/80 gets rounded to 20-5/16. So, yes, going with 88 3/4 inches is spot on. I appreciate you pointing this out, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the plans!
Yes, you can definitely do that! I don't see an issue with using 2x2s or ripping a 2x6 into 2x3s. I'm in California, and right now 2x4s are super cheap, not like during COVID when prices were as high as $9 per 2x4. Now they’re around $3. Feel free to go with what works best for you. Just keep in mind that if you use different lumber sizes, the plans might need some adjustments.
Here’s the link to the plans: [www.etsy.com/listing/1776266587/digital-download-diy-27-gallon-tote?ref=listings_manager_grid](www.etsy.com/listing/1776266587/digital-download-diy-27-gallon-tote?ref=listings_manager_grid).
Hey @baadakku, great question! For one 5x4 storage rack, you'll need 28 pieces of 2×4 lumber (8ft each). The estimated cost for the rack is around $120, and the totes will be about $200, making the total roughly $320. Just keep in mind that prices can vary. Also, if you're looking to save on totes, I posted another video showing how to get a significant discount at Home Depot. Check it out starting at the 4:00 mark (th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html) where I share a tip to get 20% off Home Depot totes (got my 20 totes for $150), even when they’re already one of the most affordable options-and, in my opinion, the best! Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!
Yes. Just wait until it gets really hot in your garage if you want to see sag. Center support is definitely desirable, especially with the large Totes and heavy contents.
I’ve loaded mine up pretty well with the HDX totes from Home Depot, and they’ve held up fine, even in the current heat here in California. If sagging becomes a common issue, I can definitely design a version with added bottom support, maybe using plywood or even 2x4s for a more affordable option. I like the idea of plywood because it would allow the totes to sit directly on a solid surface rather than relying on the tote’s ear flaps for support. Keep in mind, though, this setup isn’t really meant for super heavy items like tools or car parts-more for seasonal stuff, decorations, or lighter items.
Hey @SoupKitchen and @timmoriarty133, love the ideas! If you’re looking to take it up a notch, garage cabinets might be the way to go. I’m cooking up a DIY plan for some easy-to-build garage cabinets-video coming soon! It’s a bit more work than the tote racks, but the upside is keeping everything hidden and super tidy. Keep an eye out!
Hi, around 2:30 you say that the "home depot" brackets would lead to a weaker connection. Can you please explain how you came to determine how these L-brackets that you randomly chose from Amazon are superior to the UL listed products that are carried by regulated retailers? There is an intentional, engineered purpose for those holes to be "more to the side", and that purpose is to create a stronger mechanical bond.
@2nd6months Great question! When I was at Home Depot, I noticed that the L-brackets they had available had holes positioned more toward the sides of the bracket. From my experience, having screws positioned off-center can lead to a weaker joint, as they don’t fully engage the central part of the 2x4, where the wood is strongest. This can increase the risk of the connection breaking. The Amazon brackets I used have holes that are more centered, allowing the screws to penetrate into the middle of the 2x4, which results in a much sturdier connection. The Amazon ones provided a more secure fit for this specific application. Plus, I liked the black finish, which not only looks better but also offers a good price-to-quality ratio. That said, you’re free to use whichever brackets you feel are best for your build. The Home Depot might carry other designs online that work just as well. And while these are affiliate links, I only recommend tools or products that I’ve found to work better for my projects, as I did in this case.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
This is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST video for building these. Down to the dimensions and the l shaped brackets. Thank you
@melissajohnston2723 Thanks! Glad you found all the details helpful!
Looks great. My only concern is designing it for a specific tote. I built a small rack sized for a few totes and when one of those containers broke, I had trouble finding another container with exactly the same dimensions and ended up rebuilding it. But this is great, very well designed, and if you use totes that are likely to be available for the foreseeable future, this is a good looking upgrade.
I aimed to match the most common totes from big stores like Home Depot and Costco, hoping they’ll stick around for a while.
i put this together over the weekend. added an extra 1/2 inch on the width to accomadate various tote brands and i ripped the 2x4s that hold the totes in half to save money.
@DCmite1 Nice! Adding that extra width and ripping the 2x4s is a smart move. Would be cool to see how it turned out!
This is ikea level clarity on how to assemble. Great video! What design program are you showing these in?
Thanks so much! I’m using SketchUp for the designs.
You could also add some plywood to the top to store things that wont fit in a tote.
@David-xf5vl Yes! 100%. For the one I have in my garage, I ended up tossing snow slides and other gear up there too. Haven't added the plywood yet, but definitely planning on it-should be a quick upgrade!
Thank you! This was a very helpful video.
Glad it was helpful!
Perfect watch for my lunch 😋
Perfect!
I need this setup for my 2 car garage! Thanks!!!!
You can definitely do it. I built mine with my 8-year-old. It’s a pretty straightforward project.
I’m also working on a video about buying totes. I got a great deal at Home Depot $7 per tote by using their price match and an extra 10% off. Stay tuned!
Can’t wait to make this. Thanks!
Glad you’re excited! Would love to hear how it turns out-feel free to share your experience!
This is the best setup and description I have seen for tote racks. Any suggestions for modifying the racks for a mix of totes from different brands; like we have? I really don’t want to go and buy additional totes to make them all the same. Thanks in advance.
PS - can’t wait to see the QR scan video. I usually write down a list and take pictures of the items in each tote and keep them in a clear sheet protector taped to the outside of each tote.
Hey Frank, thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you found the setup helpful. And, the QR scan video is on its way-I’ve been using it a lot myself, and it’s been super handy, especially when I need to grab something quickly.
As for modifying the rack for mixed totes, it can be a bit tricky to mix and match. One idea is to adjust the design into a more flexible shelf system. You could add plywood sheets into each slot and make the slots bigger, allowing you to fit any tote regardless of the brand. That way, you won’t need to buy all new totes just to match up.
Hope that helps, and thanks again for watching!
Probably cheaper in the long run to just buy identical totes (or at least make each COLUMN for one type of tote) than spend money surprising customizing each individual cell.
@@mrivers6068 great suggestion, thanks!
What a nice clean installation! How about some cost information, it looks expensive! I would be leery of the edge support of totes. Totes tend to become brittle and sag over time, especially in high heat. I can see the support edges breaking off down the road. I think a bottom support system would be better. Even just a shelf system with the totes sitting on them might be better in my mind. But yes, you have a nice neat and attractive project here. Well done!
@tommaxwell429 Thanks! Yeah, this setup is more for lighter stuff like seasonal items, decorations, clothes, and extra household supplies. I totally agree, heavy items could definitely put a strain on the totes over time.
As for cost-totes were around $7 each, and I’ve got a video here explaining how I snagged that deal: [th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html](th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html). The lumber is pretty cheap too.
Rough estimate: around $120 for the rack and about $200 for the totes, so around $320 total (but prices can fluctuate).
Looks nice. Would a better solution to the wall attachment be to use a french cleat style attachment. This way you would attach it to each of the uprights and then the other side of the cleat would be attached to the wall.
If you just use brackets like you have here it would only be attached to the top pice of wood as the chances of the uprights of the storage unit and wall joists in the wall aligning are small
@christopherwalker9130 Yeah, there are definitely lots of ways to secure it. I think the most important place to secure is up top because that's where most of the weight will cause the structure to pull away from the wall if it's not properly anchored. By attaching it at the top, you’re keeping everything stable and preventing any tipping. Your idea with the French cleat is solid too-always good to have options!
you must be an engineer haha. Nice work. Building the ladder portions then fastening the stretchers would have been much easier. Regardless, nice work.
Yes, I’ve seen videos of people doing it that way too. I did it this way, but you can definitely approach it however you like. There are many ways to go about this. Thanks!
It was a great video! Very informative! Much appreciated!@@gooddiyplans8855
Your design is great, and I like the chamfer edge that helps dress up that 2 x 4 look. But there is a way better way to assemble this. Check out some other videos on this subject.
I’m sure there are other great methods out there! This is just the approach I use, and it works well for me.
Could you beef it up to make it mobile
What type of lumber should I buy, and where is the best place to purchase it? The 2x4 lumber from Home Depot and Lowe’s is not great - it's got lots of knots and tends to be warped. Your recommendation?
This is not a super precise kind of project, so rough lumber is fine. I made mine from 2x4s from Home Depot. My son and I planed them down a little, and they looked super clean and nice in the end!
Do you have plans for storing the totes in the other orientation (lengthwise)? Our garage is very narrow.
Hi. Yes I have many different set up options. here is al ink to all the options I have made so far. www.etsy.com/shop/GoodDIYplans?ref=dashboard-header&search_query=27
Hello, I have a question about the dimensions in your plan. At 1:40, should the total width be 91.25 in instead of 88 5/8 in? Each space added together plus 2 in per 2x4. I like your plans a lot, just trying to nail down all the dimensions before I go buy all the lumber.
Hey @matthewmccracken742. The total width is 88-5/8 inches. It might seem off because a 2x4 isn’t actually 2 inches by 4 inches-it’s 1.5 x 3.5 inches. This happens because the lumber is initially cut to its nominal size but then gets smoothed down during the milling process, which shrinks it a bit. It’s a standard practice here in the USA, but it might be different in other countries. Where are you watching from? Hope that clears things up!
Engineers vs. Builders... SMH 😂😂 projects mobilize at 85% basis of design. If you're at the buying materials stage, then purchase 125% of materials needed to start. That will give you a 90% probability that you will have enough material to get the project 110% close enough.
Hi... I just purchased your 5x5 set of plans... But I didn't find your link for your stud finder???
@martinevenson9844 Any stud finder should work fine! Personally, I used this one from Amazon (affiliate link) - did the job well for me: [amzn.to/4ftcBGb](amzn.to/4ftcBGb). It’s got 1,394 ratings and a solid 4.0 stars, plus it’s only around $20.
1:32 What software did you use to draw those diagrams?
SketchUp
Better to use clear totes so you can see what is inside and how full they are at a glance.
Clear totes can definitely help with visibility, but they tend to be more expensive and often more brittle in my experience. Plus, even with clear totes, it’s hard to get a full picture of what's inside. I prefer using something like an app to track contents, but honestly, it's tricky to get everyone in the house to use it consistently-kids especially don’t always put things back right! It works better if it’s just you or maybe you and a spouse.
The clear aren’t nearly as strong. His deal with the QR code is fantastic if you’re looking for detailed lists of what’s in each tote, but I use painters tape and a sharpie for basic labeling. If you’re worried about how full each tote is then buy some 1/2 inch brightly colored electrical tape and just put a 1” piece at the height of the contents. Easy peasey to see and move as you go along.
Hello question for you…your video is for 27 gal tubs but do you have dimensions for the 17 gal tubs? We have garage full of the 17s but I don’t see anything but 27s on your Etsy
I can design it for you if you give me the dimension
Hey Anthony, thanks for watching! I currently don’t have dimensions for the 17-gallon tubs, but it looks like @DucPhan20 is offering to help with that-appreciate the community support! If you have any other questions or need more info, feel free to ask.
do you need dimensions of the 17 gal tubs? The height is 12.5 in, width is 17.8 in and depth is 26.7 inches. These dimensions are from the Home Depot website.
If bottom “plates” are on direct contact with concrete , treated lumber should be used.
@LouRusiski Absolutely! If your garage deals with snow melt, rain sneaking under the door, or random water puddles, treated lumber is the way to go. Smart thinking - nobody wants soggy shelves, and untreated wood can rot over time and wreck the whole setup!
I have a mixture of 17 gal HDX and 27 gallon HDX. How can I make adjustments? What would be the spacer needed for 17 gal?
I don’t have a plan for the 17-gallon totes at the moment. Hopefully, someone else has a solution for that!
Do you have the link to see your plans?
I put the link in the description. There are several different configurations to choose from, so pick the one that works best for your garage!
I am trying to design this in cad so I can have the plans on my iPad. I love the plans, but if my math is correct, the width of the longest board (shown at 1:40) should be 88 3/4 not 88 5/8. Here's my math, but please correct me if I'm missing something:
1.5*5=7.5
20.3125*4=81.25
7.5 (width of the 2x4's) + 81.25 (width of all the space) = 88.75
If I build it with the 88 3/4, will it work or do you recommend the 88 5/8?
Thank you for the video!
Great eye, and thanks for catching that! You’re absolutely right-the correct measurement should be 88 3/4 inches. I realized that when I used SketchUp, I moved the 2x4 manually by 20-5/16 inches instead of typing in the precise value. SketchUp rounds fractions, and in this case, 1623/80 gets rounded to 20-5/16.
So, yes, going with 88 3/4 inches is spot on. I appreciate you pointing this out, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the plans!
Why use 2x4’s for the rails, wouldn’t 2x2’s be plenty strong for this purpose, or even a 2x6 ripped into 2x3’s? Thinking of overall lumber cost.
Yes, you can definitely do that! I don't see an issue with using 2x2s or ripping a 2x6 into 2x3s. I'm in California, and right now 2x4s are super cheap, not like during COVID when prices were as high as $9 per 2x4. Now they’re around $3. Feel free to go with what works best for you. Just keep in mind that if you use different lumber sizes, the plans might need some adjustments.
How do i find the plans for the bench?
Here’s the link to the plans: [www.etsy.com/listing/1776266587/digital-download-diy-27-gallon-tote?ref=listings_manager_grid](www.etsy.com/listing/1776266587/digital-download-diy-27-gallon-tote?ref=listings_manager_grid).
Where can I find your plans ?
Link is in the description. I have many different configurations available!
i may have missed but how many 2x4s were used to build one 5x4 storage rack? want to budget this
Hey @baadakku, great question! For one 5x4 storage rack, you'll need 28 pieces of 2×4 lumber (8ft each). The estimated cost for the rack is around $120, and the totes will be about $200, making the total roughly $320. Just keep in mind that prices can vary.
Also, if you're looking to save on totes, I posted another video showing how to get a significant discount at Home Depot. Check it out starting at the 4:00 mark (th-cam.com/video/oWUaGm8bAwE/w-d-xo.html) where I share a tip to get 20% off Home Depot totes (got my 20 totes for $150), even when they’re already one of the most affordable options-and, in my opinion, the best!
Hope that helps, and thanks for watching!
@@gooddiyplans8855 thank you brother
Has anyone done this then had a problem with the bottom of their heavy totes sagging?
Yes.needs support for the bottom
@@rocksteady13no it doesn’t. Don’t buy crap totes.
Yes. Just wait until it gets really hot in your garage if you want to see sag.
Center support is definitely desirable, especially with the large Totes and heavy contents.
I’ve loaded mine up pretty well with the HDX totes from Home Depot, and they’ve held up fine, even in the current heat here in California. If sagging becomes a common issue, I can definitely design a version with added bottom support, maybe using plywood or even 2x4s for a more affordable option. I like the idea of plywood because it would allow the totes to sit directly on a solid surface rather than relying on the tote’s ear flaps for support. Keep in mind, though, this setup isn’t really meant for super heavy items like tools or car parts-more for seasonal stuff, decorations, or lighter items.
Exactly why I don't like these hanging tote designs and it seems every video has the same design.
I would like to see doors put on them so you don’t have to look at the totes in the garage.
Hang a nice curtain on rods in front.
Hey @SoupKitchen and @timmoriarty133, love the ideas! If you’re looking to take it up a notch, garage cabinets might be the way to go. I’m cooking up a DIY plan for some easy-to-build garage cabinets-video coming soon! It’s a bit more work than the tote racks, but the upside is keeping everything hidden and super tidy. Keep an eye out!
Some barn style sliding doors would look awesome
Hi, around 2:30 you say that the "home depot" brackets would lead to a weaker connection. Can you please explain how you came to determine how these L-brackets that you randomly chose from Amazon are superior to the UL listed products that are carried by regulated retailers? There is an intentional, engineered purpose for those holes to be "more to the side", and that purpose is to create a stronger mechanical bond.
Maybe because it is an Affiliate link to Amazon and he gets paid per click? Asking for a friend....
@2nd6months Great question! When I was at Home Depot, I noticed that the L-brackets they had available had holes positioned more toward the sides of the bracket. From my experience, having screws positioned off-center can lead to a weaker joint, as they don’t fully engage the central part of the 2x4, where the wood is strongest. This can increase the risk of the connection breaking.
The Amazon brackets I used have holes that are more centered, allowing the screws to penetrate into the middle of the 2x4, which results in a much sturdier connection. The Amazon ones provided a more secure fit for this specific application. Plus, I liked the black finish, which not only looks better but also offers a good price-to-quality ratio.
That said, you’re free to use whichever brackets you feel are best for your build. The Home Depot might carry other designs online that work just as well. And while these are affiliate links, I only recommend tools or products that I’ve found to work better for my projects, as I did in this case.