How to Collect Stamps

Search your mail. Your incoming mail is the easiest and most obvious place to start. Add to your collection by removing stamps from letters, bills, postcards and packages. This method is also the least expensive, as it costs nothing to save stamps from the mail.

Choose a theme. This isn't necessary, but for a lot of beginners, it's a fun way to streamline a collection. Pick a favorite subject, such as animals, sports, art or history, and your collecting will have a purpose and become much more rewarding when you find that perfect stamp to include.

Invest in a few basic supplies. Until you know if this is the hobby for you, there isn't any need to spend a ton of money on stamp collecting supplies. All you really need to start is an album and some stamp hinges.

Learn how to remove stamps from envelopes. Since your beginning collection will most likely start with the mail, you'll need to know how to soak a stamp to remove it safely from the envelope. This is relatively easy, but you'll need tongs to complete this process.

Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of stamps. There are definitive, commemorative and special stamps that typically come in sheets, coils or booklets. You can buy them with either conventional adhesive or self-adhesive backings.

Join a philatelic group. Search out a stamp collecting group in your town or county, or join a club that's held at a school. You can learn a lot from fellow stamp collectors, as well as trade shows or conventions.

Build up your supply cabinet. As your interest in stamp collecting grows, so will your need for added supplies. Visit stamp shows, peruse stamp catalogs, visit stamp retail stores or dealers, and cruise the Internet to buy items such as paper, glassine envelopes, stamp mounts or watermark fluid.