How to Store Stamps

Stamps are a popular collectors item and are available in a vast array of designs. Whether you are collecting historical stamps or simply keeping up with the fun new designs offered at the post office each year, it is important to keep your stamp collection safe. Proper storage of stamps is essential to preserving them for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stamp album
• Stamp hinges or mounts
• Tongs
• Plastic sleeves

1. Affix each stamp to the page of a stamp album or to a sheet of paper with stamp hinges or stamp mounts. Use tongs to pick up and move your stamps whenever possible to keep the oils and moisture from your hands off of the stamp.

2. Store each stamp in a plastic sleeve or glassine envelope to better protect it from the elements.

3. Keep all of your stamps together in a stamp album. Store this album in a cool, dry place.

4. Store each stamp book or album in an additional protective sleeve if you live in an area with high humidity. The sleeve will provide the extra protection needed to keep the humid air away from your stamps.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your stamps away from moisture at all costs. Moisture will often cause the back of the stamp to become sticky and adhere to the nearest surface.

References

• USPS: Stamp Collecting
• Postage Stamps
• Postage Stamp Storage

Resources

• Start Stamp Collecting