A wall storage system includes panels having recesses disposed on the rear surface that are configured to engage a mounting member that is secured on the wall to which the panel is to be secured. The mounting members are secured in a horizontal and level configuration by placing an alignment device on the wall in order to mark the locations at which the various mounting members are positioned. This alignment device enables the mounting bracket to quickly and easily be placed in the proper configuration on the wall for mounting the panels thereto in the desired configuration.