Free DIY Tote Storage Rack Configurator and Plans by Ana White

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Tote storage rack free plans configurator any size
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Design and build your own 2x4 tote storage rack in any size for any tote with Ana White's free Tote Storage Rack Configurator Tool

Discover the ultimate solution for building custom tote storage racks with Ana White's Free DIY Tote Storage Rack Configurator. This easy-to-use tool allows you to input your tote dimensions and desired configuration, automatically generating a complete cut list, overall dimensions, and a visual diagram to guide your build. Whether you're organizing your garage, basement, or workspace, this configurator ensures a perfect fit for your needs, making professional-quality furniture accessible to all.

With customizable plans, detailed instructions, and accurate material calculations, you'll save time and effort in designing your storage solution. Plus, you can print or save your results for a seamless building experience. Start designing your tote storage rack today and take control of your storage space!

tote storage rack plans free

Why I Built This Sliding Tote Storage Rack

We all need more storage!  I have been wanting to tackle this project for a long time, but it is frustrating trying to work with an odd tote size.  I decided to put the time into creating a configurator that could accept different sized totes and configurations.  

How I Built This Sliding Tote Storage Rack

Here's how I built this sliding tote rack - 

measuring totes design tool

First, I measured my totes.

tote rack configurator

Then, I input my tote dimensions into my configurator (at the top of this plan).  This gives me a shopping list, number os screws, and cut list.  I then took the cut list and screenshot it.

cutting boards with circular saw

I cut my boards according to the cut list.

building the legs

Then I built the legs.  Good news is the configurator tells you exactly where to place your first runner, and a spacer block length for adding additional runners down the legs for more rows of totes.

assembling tote rack

Once all the legs are built, I can add the top and bottom boards.  The configurator tells you how long to cut them, and how much spacing in between.

adding totes

After the top and bottom boards are added, it's just slide the totes in and go!

I will add a top to it since it's workbench height.

 

Video Tutorial: Watch How to Design and Build Your Own Sliding Tote Storage Racks

Watch this video to see how I built this tote storage rack.

 

Why This INSTANT Tote Rack Design Tool is a Game Changer!

  • Works with any sized tote
  • Works with any desired configuration
  • Know the finished size so you can plan for it in your space
  • Gives you board feet needed - so you can estimate cost and accurately purchase materials
  • Gives you number of screws needed
  • Gives you a cut list, so there's no mistakes or math
  • Gives you a spacer block cut length, so you can quickly assemble
  • Gives you exact placement of the runners on the legs, so the vertical space is used efficiently without big wasted gaps
  • Gives you exact distance legs are spaced out, so the totes fit perfectly
  • Use it commercially to estimate costs for potential customers!
  • Use it personally to create storage systems all around your house!

 

Configurator Tips:

  • Not all sizes have been tested.  Larger sizes may become extremely difficult to maneuver and rotate, so it may be better to build in sections.      
  • Common tote size is 27 gallon.  Larger and smaller tote sizes may create different challenges and have not been tested.
  • Tall racks will be forward tipping and should be screwed to studs in the wall. 
  • This storage rack for totes leaves 1" space between totes vertically
  • A 1/4" is added to the tote rack spacing horizontally to allow the totes to slide easily into the openings.
  • Totes stored in racks above 4 totes tall will be very difficult to remove, a top shelf may be a better option 
  • Make sure every step of construction is square, so the rack doesn't end up out of square.
  • Figure your lumber shopping list depending on board lengths in your cut list.
  • Screws used are 2-1/2" star bit wood construction screws with self tapping tip, common brands are SPAX or GRK
  • If using 2x2s for the runners instead of 2x4s, simply add 2" to the spacer block length and cut all the runners from 2x2s
  • If using different materials, this shouldn't affect the legs.  It may affect the length of the top and bottom boards, so you would have to figure those manually.

 

Plans to Build Your Own Sliding Tote Storage Racks

Here's the free plans to build your own sliding tote storage racks!

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Free DIY Tote Storage Rack Configurator and Plans by Ana White

Dimensions
dimensions for tote rack storage center free plans

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 2x4s, board feet specified in the configurator
  • 2-3/4" self tapping star bit screws (number of screws needed specified in the cut list)
  • 27 gallon totes
Cut List

Cut list is generated in the tote rack configurator tool at the top of this page

Cutting Instructions

Cuts need to be very straight.  Use a chop saw, miter saw, or circular saw.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw

Instructions

Step 1

Mark the legs down from the top the "Clearance Above Spacer Block" amount.  Attach the top runner to the legs with two screws per joint, making sure the legs remain parallel and the distance at the base is the same as the distance at the top.

 

Step 2

Use the spacer block to add remaining runners below the first runner, until all runners have been added per leg.

There will be one runner per row, so a three tote high storage rack would have three runners. 

Step 3

For the outer legs of the rack, runners are on only one side.

For the center legs on the rack, runners are on both sides.

Add runners to the second side if needed.

TIP: Use the FIRST leg set you made as an outer leg, and lay it out as a pattern for creating the remaining leg sets from.

Step 4

Add the top and bottom pieces to join the leg sets together and create the frame. Use the dimension given in the configurator for spacing in between legs.

Step 5

For smaller tote storage racks, you may not need additional cross bracing.  But for larger racks, use 1x4s as shown to cross brace the backs.

To secure to the wall, screw through the 1x4s into studs in the wall to prevent forward tipping.

Step 6

If a top is desired, the easiest method to achieve this is to use 1x6 boards or similar sized, and attach to the top with 1-1/2" to 2" long self tapping star bit screws.