PURPOSE: To obtain a storage system having storable and retractable storage units in the vertical direction.

CONSTITUTION: A vertical retractable storage system includes a frame 14, a storage unit 10, and a vertical lift mechanism retractably supporting the storage unit relative to the frame 14. The vertical lift mechanism includes a lift structure that operates on a horizontal plane to provide both vertical and horizontal stability to the storage unit 10 during movement between a storage position and an access position. The frame 14 is fixed to a roof or super-structure above a suspended ceiling 12 such that in a retracted position the storage unit 10 is disposed above the ceiling 12, and a base or bottom portion of the storage unit 10 conforms with the ceiling 12 and thereby hides the unit. In another aspect, the vertical shaft mechanism retractably supports the storage unit 10 such that in the retracted position an access portion of the storage unit 10 remains extended below the ceiling 12 to permit access to at least a portion of the storage unit 10.