The choice of art storage facilities is an important stage in securing the integrity of your belongings. Whether you’re delegating your collection for a short period of time or targeting long-term storage, the facility’s ability to meet the basic safety standards is key. Here are the main red flags that you should watch out for.
Insufficient Climate Control
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can quickly cause damage to artwork, even if it’s properly packaged. For this reason, you should always check whether the art storage facility you’re considering is able to guarantee a stable environment with a relative humidity level of 50% and a stable temperature of around 700F.
Absence of Security Measures
Art theft is not as distant and improbable as you might think. Artworks are stolen every day, and it’s not only about Hollywood blockbusters. You shouldn’t entrust your property to a facility that doesn’t have 24/7 surveillance, limited access controls, and physical barriers for unauthorized entry prevention.
Scarce Condition Reporting
You can’t prove who is liable for damage or loss if you don’t have sufficient documentation on the art object’s condition. Therefore, an art facility should provide detailed photos for all stored items; be alarmed if your potential service provider says they don’t have this service in place.
Limited or Vague Insurance Options
Insurance is the fundamental layer of protection for all artwork. Thus, you should buy an insurance plan with a detailed, transparent policy covering your compensation in cases of damage, loss, theft, and other emergencies. Without such insurance or with vague and unclear conditions in the contract, you may fail to receive adequate compensation for your losses.
Untrained Staff
People who are handling art in an art storage facility should have expert knowledge of art objects’ special treatment standards. All reputable storage facilities invest time and effort into building a well-trained team of professional and detail-oriented staff. If you don’t see such expertise in the workers of your reviewed facility, it’s better to look for other options.
Choose Art Storage Facilities Wisely
Never entrust your art objects to art storage facilities like this. It is vitally important to store art in a climate-controlled, secure space serviced by well-trained art handlers. Comprehensive insurance coverage also plays a role in your peace of mind. If you’re looking for excellence, Fine Art Shippers is happy to offer a specialized, museum-grade facility in Upper Manhattan. Talk to our team to learn the terms.