How to Store Ladders in a Garage or Closet Safely

Quick answer

Store your ladder flat against a wall or hang it on heavy-duty hooks near the floor, not above head height. In a garage, keep it off the floor and away from vehicle paths; in a closet, stand it upright in a corner or hang it behind the door. If your ladder does not fit either spot without blocking access, choose a different storage location rather than forcing it.

Match the storage method to your ladder type

Step ladders and extension ladders need different treatment. A step ladder can stand upright in a corner if you secure it with a bungee or wall strap, or it can hang flat on two hooks spaced to match its rails. An extension ladder should stay horizontal and supported at both ends to prevent bending or warping. Measure the ladder's closed length and weight before buying any hook or rack. A hook rated for 50 pounds is not enough for a 40-pound ladder if the load shifts. Look for hooks rated at least twice the ladder's weight.

Garage storage: keep it out of the traffic lane

The most common garage mistake is leaning a ladder against the wall where a car door opens or where you walk. Instead, use the wall above the hood of your car if that space is unused, or the narrow strip beside the garage door track. Hang the ladder horizontally on two heavy-duty hooks so it sits flush. If you have a tall ceiling, a ceiling-mounted rack works, but you must be able to lift the ladder overhead safely. For most people, wall-mounted hooks at chest height are easier and safer.

Closet storage: use vertical space without blocking clothes

In a closet, the floor is usually the only free space. Stand the ladder upright in a back corner and secure it with a hook and loop strap or a small bungee cord to a wall stud. If the closet is shallow, hang the ladder on the back wall behind hanging clothes. Make sure the ladder does not press against the closet rod or prevent the door from closing. If the ladder is too tall to stand upright, lay it flat on the floor along the baseboard and slide it under hanging clothes. Never store a ladder in a closet where it can fall forward when the door opens.

Small-space solutions when neither garage nor closet works

If your garage is full and your closet is shallow, consider a slanted basket or a wall-mounted rack in a hallway or utility room. A slanted basket can hold a small step ladder at an angle, but only if the basket is rated for the weight and the ladder is secured. For a folding step ladder, a dedicated wall bracket in a hallway is often the best compromise. If you rent and cannot drill into walls, use a freestanding ladder rack or store the ladder behind a door with a door-mounted hook. The key is to keep the ladder from becoming a trip hazard or falling on someone.

Diagnose your ladder storage problem

• Ladder falls over when you open the closet door: The ladder is not secured and the door pushes it. Cause: no strap or hook holding the ladder upright. Fix: install a hook and loop strap or a bungee cord at mid-height, anchored to a stud. If you cannot anchor to a stud, move the ladder to a different closet or use a freestanding rack.
• Ladder blocks your car door in the garage: The ladder is leaning in the vehicle's swing path. Cause: storing it on the floor or against the wall where the door opens. Fix: hang it horizontally on wall hooks above the hood or beside the garage door track. If the wall space is not available, use a ceiling rack only if you can lift the ladder safely.
• Ladder is too long for any closet: An extension ladder often exceeds closet height and depth. Cause: trying to store a long ladder upright in a shallow space. Fix: store it horizontally in the garage on two hooks, or choose a different location like a utility room. Do not force a long ladder into a closet where it can fall; choose a horizontal wall mount instead.

Products that help with small-space storage

• Cabo™ woven wire slanted basket (small): CaboTM woven wire slanted basket (small) is a ladder-style basket designed to store books, magazines, and journals. Its slanted shape can hold a small folding step ladder at an angle in a corner, keeping it off the floor and visible.
• MeshWorks® epoxy coated iron SpiceStepper™: MeshWorks® epoxy coated iron SpiceStepperTM uses step-style shelves to triple cabinet space for spices and pantry items. If your garage or closet shares space with kitchen overflow, this rack frees up shelf room so you can dedicate a cabinet to ladder storage instead.
• MeshWorks® epoxy coated iron StepPockets™ organizer: MeshWorks® epoxy coated iron StepPocketsTM organizer has two generously sized pockets and a raised back floor for extra storage. Use it to hold ladder accessories like gloves, ties, or small tools so they stay with the ladder and do not clutter the floor.