10 Bicycle Storage Solutions for Spaces Labelled ‘Too Small’ For Bikes

A custom made cupboard is one bicycle storage solution available

THERE IS NOTHING WORSE THAN HAVING A GREAT BIKE and living somewhere that just doesn't seem to have enough space to properly store your bike. The last thing you want to do is leave your bike parked outside.

Not only will it be exposed to damage caused by the weather, but it will also be exposed to others who think they have more right to your bike than you do.

Whether you live in a tiny house, an apartment, or your house or garage seems to be too crowded for your bike, there are a number of bike storage options for you to consider.

1. Ceiling Space

Keep your bike up and out of the way when not in use

No matter where you live, your home or garage most likely has some form of ceiling. For the most part,this space just goes to waste.

All it is used for is a place to hang a few lights from and to cover the joists. However, the savvy bike owner who has nowhere else to store his bike should turn his eyes upwards and take a good look at his ceiling and all the different ceiling storage options available to hang your bike up and out of the way.

There are a number of ceiling storage options ranging from simple hooks screwed into the joists to exotic hoist systems. The latter uses a combination of pulleys and cables to hoist your bike up and in some cases fold it flat against the ceiling out of the way.

These are great for apartments or houses with high ceilings.

Our Pick - Floaterhoist BA1 Bike Storage Hoist

The BA1 is made to mount on your ceiling and then can be used to hoist your bike up until it is flat against the ceiling out of the way. The most space effective hoist we have seen. Perfect for small homes, apartments, garages. See more info here.

2. Indoor Wall Space

Hang your bike on the wall, up and out of the way

Next up is all that empty wall space in your home or garage. You know those empty spots between old concert posters, your big screen TV, and family photos.

Well, maybe not there, but if you look around,you are sure to find a couple of extra feet of empty wall space that could be a great place to hang your bike.

There are a number of choices when it comes to handy ways to hang your bike on the wall. Here again you could simply start out with hooks screwed into the studs to hang one or more bikes on.

There are also a number of easy to use bike wall racks that offer better security. These can keep your bike from falling on you at the worst moment.

Wall hangers come in horizontal and vertical styles to suit the amount of available space and your personal tastes.

Our Pick - Cycloc Ecological Bicycle Storage Solutions

Image Courtesy of Cycloc.com

This simple circular indoor wall bike storage unit looks a lot like a waste bin. However, the opposing notches let you hang your bike securely on the wall in seconds. All you have to do is lift it up into place. See it in more detail here

3. Back of a Door

Hang your bike on the back of any convenient door

When you find yourself with no wall space to spare and either can't or don't want to hang your bike from the ceiling, there is another spot to consider. This is the back of virtually any door in your home.

The hanger simply mounts to the back of a door either by bolting it directly to the door on hanging it over the top.

These are among the easiest to install and use, especially if you buy the kind that hangs over the top of the door. However, you should be aware that you may have to take your bike down in order to fully open the door.

Because of this, you may not want to hang your bike on the back of any door that opens to the outside world for your own personal safety.

Our Pick - GearUp Bike Solo Vertical Door Mount

Image Courtesy of MyGearUp

Simply hang the Gear Up bike hanger on the back of any door in your house. No installation hardware needed, it is designed to fit over the top of your door. Then you simply lift one wheel of your bike intothe hanger and voila! More info here

4. Underneath Stairs

Hang your bikes under any convenient stairs out of the way

Apartment living has many advantages and a few disadvantages, including having nowhere to store your bike. However, most apartment complexes do have stairs leading to the apartments on upper levels.

You can also use the stairs leading from your basement into your home or in the garage those that lead to the loft.

These bike storage devices are attached to the underside of the risers and are spaced far enough apart for your front and rear tire to fit into them and be locked in place. Depending on how much space you have under your stairs and the size of your bikes, you may be able to store more than one bike in this way.

Be sure to check with your apartment managers before installing these bike holders.

Our Pick - Dual Staircase Bike Storage

Image Courtesy of hiconsumption.com

This bike storage system lets you hang a pair of bikes up under the stairs out of the way. They are ideal for apartment use, but can also be used in any area where the underside of the stairs is visible.

5. Garage Wall Space

Great way to keep your bikes up and out of the way

Just like your house or apartment, your garage probably has a fair amount of unused wall space that is the perfect location for storing one or more bikes. Even if you use your garage for what it was intended,storing your cars when you are not using them, there are probably several areas where there is room to hang a few bikes.

Garage wall bike storage units tend to be a bit heavier duty than those made for in the house. They typically offer storage for several bikes, some even have built in shelves for your gear as well.

One of the most unique forms of garage bike storage is an electric hoist and platform that is strong enough to lift a full dress motorcycle far enough off the ground you can park your car under it.

Our Pick - Proslat Garage Heavy Duty Storage

Image Courtesy of Amazon

This little beauty is made to hold up to 800 pounds of bikes, riding gear and miscellaneous items. It is designed to be bolted directly to the wall. Features room for up to six bikes plus has a built in shelf above the bikes. See more info here.

6. Wall Storage Solutions

Perfect for several bikes - or even a motorbike

If you want something versatile, that's easy to use and you have some storage space free then this is a great solution

We found this on another website but can't seem to find where to get one from. If you know, then would you let us know via the contact page?

Our Pick - Electric Lift Platform Storage Unit

Image Courtesy of Popular Mechanics

The 4 x 8-foot platform offers tons of storage for a motorcycle or several bikes. Uses an electric motor drive unit to lift up to 1200 pounds high enough that you can park your car under it.

7. Patio / Balcony / Outdoors

A bike tent makes a great way to keep your bikes safe and dry

While your patio or balcony may not be the most ideal place to store your bike, if you live in an apartment complex, you may have no choice.

The good news is that at least your bike should be relatively safe on your balcony as most thieves are not going to climb the outside walls to get to it. The bad news is that it will be exposed to the elements which can quickly turn that expensive bike into a rusted wreck.

Here you should be looking for an easily portable form of bike storage, more like a cover, to stash your bike in where it is out of the weather.

Today, you can buy storage devices that are a lot like a tent in that they are easy to put up and take down while providing complete protection from the weather for one or two bikes and a little gear.

Be sure to buy one that is built from tough materials.

Our Pick - YardStash Bike Storage

Here is a great bike storage solution for apartments and other small spaces

The Yardstash is like a tent for your bikes. It offers room for two adult bikes and your gear. Access is via zippered openings. It is waterproof, easy to set up, and very lightweight. Find out more here

8. Ground floor / Open Area / Yard

Use any convenient outdoor spot to store your bikes and gear

When you don't have enough room in your shed or garage for your bikes, there are a number of fantastic storage options for your bike.

These range from buying or building your own shed to custom built bike storage units. Bike storage units come in a range of sizes ranging from those made for securely storing a single bike to those big enough for several bikes and all of your riding gear.

Many are made from steel and feature built in locks, others are made from recycled plastic and require a padlock to secure your bikes.

Be sure to choose one that is big enough to hold everything and that is designed to keep everything protected from the elements.

Our Pick -  Bosmere Metal Bike Storage

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Made of powder coated galvanized steel to fully protect your bike. Can hold up to several bikes depending on the size you buy.

Can be fully locked to protect your bikes and can be bolted to a wall for added security. More info and images here

To see more information on bike sheds, go here

9. Garage Ceiling Space

Keep your bikes conveniently up and out of the way

Your garage ceiling is probably just as bare as the one in your home. Maybe it has a couple of work lights hanging from it and the garage door tracks and opener mechanism. But other than this, it is a virtual blank canvas for you to work with.

What better place to hang a few bikes from? Up on the garage ceiling, they will be out of the way and safe from would be thieves.

You can use the same hoist and pulley bike hangers we were talking about for inside your house. There are also a number of designs just for the garage that pull your bike up flat against the ceiling to keep it out of the way of your vehicles when you are pulling in or out.

The most important thing is to use a system that will keep everyone's bike up and out of the way.

Our Pick - Bike Storage Racks for Garage Ceiling

Image Courtesy of Amazon

1. This system lets you store your bike flat against the ceiling of your garage. Simply place the bike into the rack, secure it and then hoist them up and out of the way. Find more info here

10. Inside Walkway

Quick easy out of the way storage for a hallway or inside walkway

When you are storing your bikes in an inside walkway, all you really need is a way to hold your bikes upright instead of leaning on the wall.

A simple wheel chock style stand will suffice in most cases. Of course if you can use a wall mounted bike rack, this might be even better as it keeps the floor space clear.

Your choice here will depend more on whether you are storing your bikes in a house that you own or in an apartment complex walkway. Just remember to ask your landlord or property management company if its ok to store your bike there first to avoid trouble later.

Our Pick - Ibera Easy Utility Bicycle Stand IB-ST2

Image Courtesy of Amazon

Simple and easy to use single bike stand. Offers adjustable height to fit most bikes. Can be folded up for easy storage.

Final Thoughts

Nothing is worse than feeling like you have nowhere to store your bikes out of the weather and away from thieving hands. Each one of these small space bike storage options has a lot to offer.

They can keep your bikes up and out of the way, leaving you with plenty of room to get on with your life. From those that mount on the ceiling to electric powered hoists, each has been chosen for their ability to store your bikes safely out of the way.

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If you have any other ideas contact us via our contact page. Thanks for reading