FAQ

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%. These are the optimum levels for preservation.

A private vault is a fully enclosed space with only your items stored inside, locked and access controlled. A storage unit is a general term that can really mean anything in the storage world. There is signature card access control to a private vault at Fortress, where self-storage units are available to anyone with a code or key. 

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

Since 1983, 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.

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

Fortress offers individual private storage vaults in a wide range of sizes from 6 square feet to 3,000 square feet. We also have larger spaces to accommodate your storage needs in special situations. Our most common sizes are 4’x6’, 8’x11’ and 10’x20’.

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.

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

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 purpose-built buildings, providing the highest level of fire protection and security. Each Fortress storage center is monitored 24 hours daily by specialty surveillance cameras and a UL-certified central station. All access to our facilities is by appointment only, during business hours.The entire facility is equipped with heat sensors, sprinklers and alarms that are directly connected to the fire department.

Yes, all of our employees are fully bonded.

Automatic payment is available by ACH Debit Authorization or by credit card (with a processing fee). Or, you can mail checks or send a wire transfer. We are also registered with bill.com. Rent is due on the 1st of each month. We email an invoice reminder notice approximately 15 days before the monthly storage fee is due.

Fortress storage costs roughly 15–20% more per square foot than standard self-storage, with storage starting at $300 per month. The difference is what’s included: a fully private, climate-controlled vault in a premier facility rather than a shared or open unit in a standard facility, and modest, predictable rate increases instead of the steep renewal hikes common at self-storage facilities.

Yes, you can access your storage by appointment during business hours. There is no fee for simple access. Fees apply if you need labor assistance or for managed accounts when we are receiving or releasing items.

We have a minimum 3-month storage term, but we encourage longer terms to take advantage of our best available rate.

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.

Yes, Fortress specializes in high-end household moves and household relocations for our storage clients. 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 possessions.

Yes, Fortress can assist its storage clients with all their interstate packing and transit needs.

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.

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.

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

Yes. The Fortress Museum in Transition Program offers a full range of services to museums during expansion or renovation. With over four 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.

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.

Yes, Fortress can assist its storage clients with all their international shipping needs, including customs clearance.

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

Yes. Clients can purchase all risk coverage to protect their items while in storage or during Fortress’s handling and moving.

Yes, Fortress can provide its Managed Storage clients with 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.

Traditional movers are built for speed and volume with everyday household goods. Fortress specializes in irreplaceable, high-value items — using museum-quality packing materials, custom crating, climate-controlled transport, and handlers trained specifically in art, antiques, and fine furnishings, backed by all-risk insurance built around the actual value of what’s being moved.

Moving valuable artwork safely starts with a professional condition report, packing suited to the piece’s medium, custom crating for anything fragile, and climate-controlled transport. Fortress handles every move with an on-site assessment, individualized archival packing, professional installation, and all-risk insurance coverage from pickup to delivery.

White glove furniture installation means professional delivery, unpacking, inspection, and precise placement — not just drop-off at the door. Fortress’s service also includes protective coverings in transit, on-site assembly, debris removal, and a final walkthrough to confirm every piece is placed correctly.

Yes, Fortress is the creator of the Hurricane Season Preparedness Program utilized for decades by the insurance industry for its art policy holders. Our Program was designed by native Floridians who understand the complications and intricacies of storm season, which is why the Program works best when a plan is in place and activated before June 1st. Fortress will meet with you to determine which items should be packed and removed prior to season and placed in your private storage vault. At end of season, Fortress will return the works to your residence and re-install. 

Fortress strives to offer a unique level of personal and attentive service to its clients. We still answer our phones, we respond to emails promptly and you can always get answers quickly from us without the need to wait for a particular rep to assist you. We follow through and follow up, which is rare in today’s business world. It’s a true boutique style level of service. Clients often compliment us on how easy and pleasant it is to work with us. 

Fortress is a solution specialist. You don’t need to know what you need; that’s what we’re here for. As long as you have some details about the items you are looking to store, we will take it from there. We ask a lot of questions because we want to fully understand your situation and offer the best option for you. We ask questions that you may not have even thought about such as how often do you think you’ll need to access, will any items need to be dispersed or shipped, where will the items be going after the storage period, etc. This all helps us put together a personalized plan for your packing, moving and storage that works best for your needs.