How to Store a Stamp Collection

Sort the stamps into categories. Many beginning stamp collectors store their stamps by dividing into broad categories to start with. Broad categories include those stamps with come from a particular country, those which fall into a particular topic, for instance architecture or history, or those that were posted through particular service, such as airmail or express delivery.

Choose an album. Stock pages make convenient storage albums for a stamp collection as the pages are double sided, lined with strips of plastic pockets down each page that hold stamps in neat rows. The stamps are easily removed and rearranged as the collection grows or categories expand. Another choice is to use album pages where stamps can be arranged and fixed in patterns other than rows.

Handle stamps carefully using the tongs. Place them in rows in the pockets of stock pages, or arrange them in categories in album pages. Notes relating to the stamps, either individual stamps or collections, can be included by writing on small pieces of paper and including them with the stamps on the page. Notes such as the period in history that the stamp relates to or commemorates help to draw the collection together.