Experienced self-storage owners and potential buyers are increasingly hiring a self-storage broker. Sellers use brokers in order to maximize the return on their property. Present their properties to a wider audience and process all the details of the sale of their business. As well as good commercial movers Manhattan, a good broker will have extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record in the industry.
Tips for storing artwork and collectibles
For every art lover, proper storing artwork and collectibles is a key concern when moving. These items mean a lot and they deserve the best possible treatment. Whether it will be on a short-term or on a long-term, preserving them and keeping safe is a must! And to do so, you will need some good, professional tips. Here is how you can store your valuables and keep them in the exact condition.
Preparation is crucial for storing artwork and collectibles
If you want to pack your belongings properly, you will need to put them into best condition before storing. This means cleaning everything. There is no room for dust, rust or any other unwanted spots. Whether you are storing paintings, silverware, antiques or other valuables, choosing the right cleaning product is very important. There is a big chance you will damage your items if you treat them with harsh chemicals. So, keep this in mind when you are buying cleaning products.
Know how to pack
Knowing how to pack will save every item that you are preparing for transportation. Not to mention the importance of this step when storing artwork and collectibles. So, what is there to know?
- Firstly, don’t forget to always pack heavier items on the bottom, and lighter ones on the top.
- Secondly, you will need the right packing materials.
The right packing materials are the ones that will allow the air flow and circulation. Breathable materials keep your items fresh and will prevent them from catching mold.
And last but not least, make sure they don’t come in contact with cardboard or newspapers. They can be very acidic and cause severe damage to your belongings. In order to avoid this scenario, wrap them in acid-free materials and only after that you can put them in a box.
Be aware of…
In order to ensure the safety of your treasured belongings, packing them right won’t be enough. There are some things you will need to be aware of. Things like:
- Bugs. Make sure your storage unit is bug-free before storing artwork and collectibles. Moths and similar bugs are known for destroying everything in their way.
- Mold. Rapid changes in humidity and temperature lead to the growth of mold and mildew. And once it starts to grow, your artwork will be in danger. Be cautious and know how to keep your items safe.
- Fading. If your storage unit has a window, keep your artwork and collectibles away from the sunlight. If they are exposed to the Sun all the time, it will lead to fading damage.
- Acidic materials. Don’t keep your items in contact with acidic materials. Even newspapers can damage your valuables.
Document everything
Once you prepare your belongings for storing, write down all of them. Make a report in which you will take a notation of every item’s condition. When you have everything written down on paper, nothing will get lost. And once you want to move your items from the storage, you will know the exact number of stored artwork and collectibles. Organizing their move will be a piece of cake. Also, if possible, take photos of them. Photographs will show you in what condition your belongings were before you stored them. It will be easier for you to notice even the smallest damage on them.
Pick the right storage unit
When it comes to storing artwork and collectibles, you will need a good storage NYC. Don’t go with the one you’ve just stumbled upon! Choose your storage wisely. First of all, think of the preferred location. It needs to be somewhat close to you so that you can be able to do routine checkups on your items. And secondly, it needs to be in perfect condition. If storage is damaged, has a hole or mold, it will ruin your precious belongings. If you end up with a storage in bad shape, fix every problem before you start storing your belongings in it.
Keep an eye on humidity levels
Most people forget to pay attention to humidity levels. Recommended levels of humidity should be around 50%. If humidity levels are above 60% or below 40%, damages like cracking paint or growing mildew can occur. Instead of risking, regularly stop by your storage and check humidity levels. You can do it by yourself by installing a special instrument hygrometer, or you can hire a professional. With this in control, your items will stay in perfect condition.
Hang them up
If it is possible, hang your artwork in the storage. You can install S hooks and hang all of them. The air flow will be better if they are not stacked on the floor. If you are not allowed to make changes to the storage that you are renting, you will need to stack your artwork. But, make sure you stack them vertically. If you lay them on top of another, their weight will damage the artwork that is on the bottom of a pile.
Routine checkups
In the end, don’t forget to make routine checkups. You don’t need to stop by your storage unit every day or every week. But check it up at least once a month. Take your dog to a walk and make sure everything is okay. You will be able to inspect the storage from the outside, and from the inside. If you notice any damage, fix it.
And remember to inspect it for bugs. Even if unit next to yours catches moths, yours unit will be in danger, too. Now you can see why making regular checkups are important. Better safe than sorry. All in all, if you want to preserve your items, you’ll just have to follow our super easy tips. Storing artworks and collectibles, while keeping them safe at the same time, has never been easier!
NYC Storage Explained — Full-Service Storage vs. Self-Storage in New York City
Confused about storage in New York City? You’re not alone. Between tiny apartments, no basements, no garages, and busy schedules, NYC residents need storage that actually works in real life — not just another unit across town. This guide explains the difference between full-service storage and self-storage in NYC and how Divine Moving & Storage can handle everything for you from our 550 Barry Street facility in the Bronx.
What Is Full-Service Storage in NYC?
Full-service storage means you never have to rent a truck, carry boxes on the subway, or drag furniture through NYC traffic. Divine Moving & Storage comes to your apartment, professionally packs and protects your items, transports everything to our secure warehouse at 550 Barry Street, stores it as long as you need, and delivers it back on demand.
How Full-Service Storage Works Step by Step
- 1. We come to you: Our crew arrives at your apartment, brownstone, or office anywhere in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island.
- 2. Professional packing: We wrap, pad, and box your items using premium materials so everything stays protected in transit and in storage.
- 3. Transport to our facility: Your items are loaded onto our trucks and taken to our secure warehouse at 550 Barry Street, Bronx, NY 10474.
- 4. Inventory & storage: Items are labeled, inventoried, and stored in a clean, organized environment until you need them back.
- 5. Redelivery on your schedule: When you want your things, we deliver them back to your home or office and place them where you want them.
You don’t drive, you don’t load, you don’t wrestle with elevators or loading docks. Full-service storage is designed for real NYC life.
What Is Self-Storage in NYC?
Self-storage is the traditional model where you rent a unit and handle everything yourself. You pack your own boxes, rent a truck or car, fight for parking, load and unload, and repeat the process when you need your items back. For many New Yorkers with walk-ups, tight schedules, and no car, this is stressful, exhausting, and often more time-consuming than expected.
What You’re Responsible for With Self-Storage
- Buying boxes, tape, and packing materials
- Packing everything yourself (often without proper protection)
- Renting and driving a truck or arranging multiple car trips
- Finding parking near the facility and your building
- Loading and unloading heavy furniture and boxes
- Keeping track of what’s in storage with no professional inventory
For people with busy jobs, kids, or no one to help, self-storage quickly becomes a major project instead of a simple solution.
Full-Service Storage vs. Self-Storage: Which Is Better in NYC?
Both options can work, but in New York City, full-service storage is usually the smarter choice when you factor in time, effort, transportation, and building logistics. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Full-Service Storage (Divine Moving & Storage) | Self-Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup & Delivery | Included – we come to you | You handle all transportation |
| Packing & Protection | Professional packing & wrapping available | DIY, often with limited materials |
| Labor | Our trained crew does the heavy lifting | You and your friends do the lifting |
| Time & Stress | Minimal — we manage the details | High — multiple trips & logistics |
| Best For | NYC apartments, busy professionals, families, no-car households | People with a car, extra time, and help |
If you want storage to feel like a button you press instead of a second job, full-service storage is the clear winner.
When NYC Residents Use Full-Service Storage
Our clients use full-service storage all over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Common situations include:
- Renovations: Clearing out a room or entire apartment while contractors work.
- Staging to sell: Removing clutter and extra furniture so your listing photos look amazing.
- Between leases: Bridge moves when there’s a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
- Combining households: Storing extra furniture when two apartments become one.
- Seasonal items: Rotating winter wardrobes, sports gear, or holiday decor.
- Business & office: Storing files, equipment, trade show materials, or excess inventory.
Instead of scrambling for a storage unit and a rental truck, you schedule a pickup, and Divine Moving & Storage handles the rest.
How Much Does Storage Cost in NYC?
Storage prices in NYC vary based on how much space you need, how long you store, and whether you need packing or special handling. At Divine Moving & Storage, we keep it simple with clear, upfront pricing.
- Volume-based pricing: You pay for the space you actually use, not an oversized unit.
- Flat-rate moving + storage options: Combine the cost of pickup, labor, and storage into a single quote.
- No hidden fees: No surprise access charges or mystery line items.
- Short-term & long-term: Store for a few days, a few months, or longer.
A quick inventory over the phone or online is usually enough for us to provide a clear, written estimate for your NYC storage needs.
For more details on specific storage options, you can also see our dedicated pages like NYC Storage, Overnight Storage, or 24-Hour Storage.
What Can You Store With Divine Moving & Storage?
You can store almost everything you’d normally keep in a home or office, including:
- Furniture (sofas, beds, tables, dressers, bookcases)
- Boxes of clothing, books, decor, and personal items
- Seasonal items and sports equipment
- Office furniture, files, and equipment
- Staging furniture and designer pieces
We can also provide extra protection for delicate items like artwork, antiques, mirrors, and glass furniture through padding, wrapping, and custom crating.
Note: Like any reputable storage provider, we cannot store hazardous materials, flammable liquids, illegal items, or perishables.
Is Full-Service Storage Safe?
Yes. At Divine Moving & Storage, your belongings are stored in a secure, monitored warehouse at 550 Barry Street, Bronx, NY 10474 with controlled access and professional handling.
- Professional crews only: No day labor or subcontractors touching your items.
- Wrapped & protected: Furniture is padded and wrapped; boxes are stacked safely.
- Labeled & inventoried: Items are tagged so they can be located and delivered accurately.
- Secure facility: Your belongings are not sitting in an open, self-storage hallway.
When it’s time to bring everything home, our crew delivers and places items in the correct rooms, so your space is ready to live in — not just full of boxes.
Real NYC Storage Scenarios We Handle Every Week
Here are just a few examples of how New Yorkers use Divine Moving & Storage for full-service storage:
- Upper West Side family: Stores extra furniture and toys during a two-room renovation.
- Brooklyn couple: Uses storage between selling a condo and closing on a house upstate.
- Downtown Manhattan professional: Stores seasonal clothes, sports gear, and documents with yearly deliveries.
- Small business in Queens: Keeps trade show displays, extra office chairs, and archived files offsite.
In each case, they chose full-service storage because they didn’t have the time, car, or desire to manage self-storage themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions: NYC Storage Explained
What is full-service storage in NYC?
Full-service storage means Divine Moving & Storage picks up your items from your home or office, professionally packs and protects them, transports everything to our 550 Barry Street facility, stores it securely, and delivers it back when you request.
How is full-service storage different from self-storage?
With self-storage, you do all the work — packing, renting a truck, driving, loading, and unloading. With full-service storage, we handle the labor, transportation, and logistics, so you never have to step into a storage facility if you don’t want to.
How much does storage cost in NYC?
Pricing depends on how much you store, how long you store, and whether you need packing or special handling. We offer volume-based and flat-rate options with no hidden fees. A quick inventory is usually enough to provide a clear estimate.
Do you serve all five boroughs?
Yes. We provide full-service storage for residents and businesses in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, with pickup and delivery scheduled around your building’s rules and your availability.
Can you store delicate or high-value items?
Yes. We regularly store artwork, antiques, heirlooms, glass furniture, and designer pieces. We use extra padding, wrapping, and custom crating as needed to keep everything safe.
How do I get started with full-service storage?
Getting started is easy. Call us, tell us what you need to store and where you’re located, and we’ll provide a clear quote and schedule a pickup date that works for you.
Ready to Make NYC Storage Simple?
If you’re tired of juggling boxes, rental trucks, and storage units, let Divine Moving & Storage take over. Our full-service storage solution was built for New Yorkers who want space without the stress.
Call: 212-244-4011
Website: DivineMoving.com
Storage Facility: 550 Barry Street, Bronx, NY 10474
Service Area: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and the greater NYC metro region.
