Firstly, you can buy a waterproof stamp album. Make sure that you buy enough pieces so as to accommodate your entire collection. Alternatively, you may want to purchase a stock book with small pockets you can insert the stamps into. Choose an album that has enough space for each stamp. Let the stamp “breathe”. Besides, it would also look better if each and every stamp gets “featured”. Keep the album off a busy desk and keep food, cigarettes, lighters, matches and drinks at bay. Avoid accidents!

Secondly, don’t use your fingers in handling stamps. Experts of philately (the study of stamps) say that any outside matter such as a fingerprint can decrease the stamp’s value. This is why experts discourage the mere use of fingers to take a stamp off an envelope. They reckon that the best way to take it off is to let the stamped envelope undergo a process called “steaming”. Ask where you can buy a pair of flat bladed stamp collector’s tongs. Use this to transfer each stamp. Avoid using the regular pair of tweezers! The tweezers’ sharp points may damage the stamp.

Thirdly, avoid using both sides of an album page. Doing this allows the stamps on one side to come in contact with the stamps on the other side of the page. Don’t let that happen since it may decrease the value of the stamp.

Fourthly, use inserts for the album. Place them in between pages to further keep the stamps from coming in contact with each other. An ideal insert can be as thin as onion skin paper. Don’t hesitate to ask the local school supply store which inserts are usually bought by stamp collectors.

Fifthly, purchase stamp mounts or clear plastic sleeves with gummed surface. Use these to handle the precious stamps that are still in mint condition. The mounts can help protect the stamps since the gummed surface can maintain the adhesive on the back of the precious stamp.

Lastly, never let your stamps get in contact with direct sunlight. This can cause discoloration and can also melt the adhesive on the back of the stamp.

As your collection grows, you should find a way to display your work. What’s the point of having such a magnificent collection if you can’t show it off? There are lots of ways to do this; from simple shelves to display cases, glass-topped display tables, specially designed albums, even an entire room dedicated to your hobby. The point is – don’t hide what you do and take pride that there’s a focus to your interests. Remember, however, that your family may not share either your interest in your hobby or see any worth in what you’ve accumulated. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to see that your collection will go to someone who values it after you’ve gone. This may involve a person who shares your passion or, perhaps, a library or museum. There again, you can use the Internet to offer your collection for sale. Advertise in one of the collecting magazines and, perhaps, if what you have is of value, donate it to a university or museum that will issue a tax receipt you can use as a deduction on the understanding that the collection goes to the institution when you depart this mortal coil for places yet unexplored.