Abstract: An overhead storage apparatus having a vertical main support member of which the upper end can be supported by a ceiling and an article carrying member, and articles carried thereby, is slidable vertically along the main support member into a raised article storing position in which the article carrying member is retained by releasable catch means disposed at the lower ends of the members but above an operator standing on a floor, so that the catch means can be manually released by the operator to enable the article carrying member to slide vertically downwardly into a lowered position rendering the articles accessible to the operator, said lowered position being determined by stop means which can be actuated to enable the article carrying member to be separated from the main support member.