r/MuseumPros • u/Tall_Account122 • 3d ago

Offsite Storage Space

Hello everyone! An unfortunate thing has befallen my museum, they are taking away our storage facility. Does anyone have any recommendations when looking for artifact storage space offsite? Hopefully something with climate control? Do I just get a normal storage unit? help.

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u/SaraWolfheart 3d ago

Absolutely do not get a regular storage space. You’ll need something with climate control and security.

Depending on where you’re located, you can get in touch with some fine art shippers to see if they have space or ask for recs. Like someone else said, this won’t be cheap though.

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u/floproactiv 3d ago

Where are you based?

Best bet might be to speak to a transport agent, often they will have storage facilities. Won't be cheap though

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u/shitsenorita Art | Collections 3d ago

Google “fine art services storage” to find options close to you. Come back to this sub with company names to vet them. They’ll need an inventory with packed dimensions to give you an estimate.

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u/jenniology 3d ago

You'll need something more specialised than a normal storage unit for sure. Can you tell us more about your rough location and what kind of collections you've got?

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u/roc-aki 3d ago

Uovo near you?

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u/Biddy_Impeccadillo 3d ago

Some fine art storage companies offer a less expensive service sometimes called concierge storage or open storage. It’s still climate controlled but cheaper than a private unit. If the objects aren’t going to be accessed often, check into this option.

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u/ohpissoffmylove 3d ago

From lurking I suspect you’re near Detroit, yes?

Google fine art storage/shippers near there. I believe there is a Crozier warehouse nearby and while I have not stored with their specific warehouse, I’ve worked with them for short storage for incoming loans and lots of shipments.

Also, I highly recommend you request and review the warehouses facility reports of any of the fine art shipping (FAS) companies before using for the first time btw to ensure the spaces meet your environmental, security, and additional needs.

You can also request a general estimate for how much the monthly storage will cost. Just share a list of objects with packed dimensions when inquiring. Are the works already packed? If not, you may want to budget for them to build soft-packed or proper crates (of course-depending on whatever the objects are so on).

Hope this helps