Specialized Storage and Services for
Fine Art, Design, Collectibles and Furniture

FAQ

Storage FAQ

Why do I need climate-controlled storage?

Valuable items such as art, antiques, fine furnishings and household items can be damaged or destroyed if stored in an environment without temperature and humidity controls for extended periods. Woods can crack or split when exposed to wide temperature fluctuations. Fabrics can become brittle and split or tear and moisture will cause mold and mildew. Fortress storage facilities are climate controlled. Temperature is maintained at 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are between 50 to 55 percent. These are the optimum levels for preservation.

How does the Insurance Industry rate Fortress?

Our facilities have been awarded the coveted “HPR” (Highly Protected Risk) rating by insurance experts such as Chubb, Lloyd’s, AXA-Art, and more. This is the highest rating afforded to off-site storage facilities.

How long has Fortress been storing Art, Antiques and Households?

For three decades, Fortress has been the leading provider of specialized storage and services for fine art, antiques, collectibles and high-end furniture. Our long-term industry experience combined with our top-level insurance rating has made us the most trusted name in the business. Our unique storage facility design enables us to provide many storage options.

Does Fortress have Short-Term storage?

Yes, each facility offers both short-term and long-term storage to assist our clients with a variety of needs.

What kind of storage spaces does Fortress have?

Fortress offers individual private storage vaults in a wide range of sizes from 6 square feet to 4,000 square feet. We also have larger spaces to accommodate your storage needs in special situations.

Can you receive items for me if I cannot be present?

Yes, we provide a full range of services including receiving, releasing, packing, transit, crating, shipping and other related services. We also offer inventory management, if requested.

Does Fortress provide Managed Storage?

Yes, all of the Fortress facilities provide Managed Storage. Our managers are very knowledgeable and each storage facility provides receiving, releasing, packing, transit, crating, insurance and domestic and international shipping.

What kind of protection am I provided for my possessions stored at a Fortress facility?

Fortress provides nine (9) levels of protection, including state-of-the-art security systems and fire detection and suppression systems. All Fortress facilities are stand-alone buildings, providing the highest level of fire protection security. Each Fortress storage center is monitored 24 hours daily by specialty surveillance cameras and a UL-certified central station. The entire facility is equipped with heat sensors, sprinklers and alarms that are directly connected to the fire department.

Is Fortress a bonded warehouse?

Yes, all of our employees are fully bonded. Our New York facility is U.S. Customs bonded to secure merchandise in a bonded environment during processing.

Is Fortress highly regarded by the Insurance Industry?

Yes, each of our facilities has been awarded the coveted “HPR” (Highly Protected Risk) insurance rating by leaders in the insurance industry such as Chubb, Lloyd’s and AXA.

Is Fortress a Certified Cargo Screening Facility approved by the TSA?

Yes, Fortress New York has been approved as a CCSF facility by the TSA.

How do I pay for my storage?

We accept checks, credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa), debit cards, wire transfers, money orders and cash. Rent is due the 1st of each month. We mail out invoice reminder notices approximately 15 days before the monthly storage fee is due. For your convenience, we can arrange to charge your credit card on the 1st of each month.

 

Service FAQ

Does Fortress offer moving services?

Yes, Fortress employees are specially trained in the handling, packing and transportation of art, antiques, fine furnishings and households. Whether you’re moving a valuable household, or only a single object, Fortress is your complete source solution for any transportation need.

Does Fortress provide household moving and relocation services?

Yes, Fortress specializes in high-end household moves and household relocations. We are a full-service packing and moving provider. Our experts safely pack and transport everything from your artworks, fine furnishings or any other of your valued possesions.

Does Fortress provide free estimates?

Yes, a Fortress professional will visit your location to provide you with an accurate estimate based on your needs at no charge or obligation to you. In fact, we highly recommend that one of our trained service specialists makes a personal visit to ensure that a thorough estimate is provided.

Can Fortress provide crating?

Yes. Fortress offers a wide range of crating, from simple one-way crates and travel frames to complex museum quality crates. All Fortress personnel are trained in art and object handling. Only the most appropriate methods, techniques and materials are used to pack and crate your possessions.

Does Fortress provide installation of artwork and furnishings?

Yes. Fortress provides professional installation of any artwork, from a small single piece to an entire household. We can also install your fine antiques and furnishings. Fortress has installed works of art in leading museums, art galleries and corporate locations, as well as private homes.

Does Fortress offer services for museums during renovations?

Yes. The Fortress Museum in Transition Program offers a full range of services to museums during expansion or renovation. With three decades of experience in art collection relocation, Fortress can provide much more than high security, climate-controlled storage; many institutions use our facilities for alternative working space during construction.

Does Fortress have a Viewing Gallery?

Yes. Utilizing custom art-lighting, large doors for easy access, sound control for confidentiality, WiFi and conference capabilities, our Viewing Gallery offers a professional space for photography, appraisals, estate inspection, and condition reporting and inspection for sale. Our viewing gallery is the preeminent on-site gallery space in our industry.

Does Fortress provide International Services and Customs Clearance?

Yes. Whether shipped by land, air, or sea, Fortress offers full import and export services, as well as customs clearance. Fortress provides comprehensive international services at each of our locations.

Are Fortress employees screened?

Yes. All of our employees are carefully screened through background checks prior to hiring. Our staff is only comprised of fully insured employees.

Does Fortress offer insurance?

Yes. Clients can purchase all risk coverage for domestic and international moving and storage.

Can Fortress provide an inventory of my items?

Fortress can provide a fully computerized inventory, which will track all movements that pertain to your stored items. You can request a copy of your inventory at any time.