The most important rule is to be sure that your storage area is dry and not subject to extreme temperatures, either hot or cold. Moisture and temperature are the enemy.
Even though you may be new to this, you need to have some idea of just what you're planning to store. If you only plan to collect single postage stamps, your stamp housing should reflect this. If you collect multiples of postage stamps, such as a block of four stamps, large strips, or even complete sheets, you will need to design your housing to accommodate larger, more floppy items. And, if you collect covers - first-day covers, event covers, or inauguration covers - you will need to provide a home that will accommodate the bulk of items that are multiple thicknesses of paper each.
If you have friends or relatives that already collect stamps, look at how they house their collections and ask why a particular approach was taken.
While I don't want to overplay buying an album or supplies to make your own album, after you begin to shop and notice that it is possible to spend more for an album than for the stamps that go into it, you will need to know why certain types of albums are better or worse for your needs.
Some basic, before-you-start things to consider:
Just what is available on the marketplace? You may spend time designing exactly what you want, only to find out it's unavailable.
How expensive are various types of albums and album making supplies? If you are not purchasing locally, be sure to figure in shipping costs.
If you want matching album binders across the board, what is available?
How easily can you update your album pages with new issues or varieties of older material? Flexibility is definitely an issue.
Finally, before beginning the housing process, here is a list of things that should be kept away from your stamps and covers. While some of them may seem like a good idea none of these items should be used.
Ballpoint pens. You must press hard to write. Therefore, you will leave an impression in any soft surface under the pen's point. Don't write on any stamps or covers with anything. Write on envelopes in which you keep stamps or on slips of paper that you keep with the stamps.
Clear plastic tape. Both the permanent and the removable types of this tape will leave residue behind and even if it is not visible to the naked eye, the acids in the residue can deteriorate the surface it is on. Tape and stamps do not mix.
Masking tape. Although seemingly removable and while it does leave less residue than clear tape, the longer it is attached, the less removable it becomes. Removing old dried-up masking tape from any paper surface is not pretty.
Paper clips. These, along with other metal fasteners, leave creases in your paper items. If left for a long time, paper clips may even rust, indelibly staining the surface they are on.
Photo albums. The "magnetic" pages are adhesive-coated papers that use PVC and acidic adhesives that will cause rapid degradation of stamp paper. Use only acid-free paper in whatever housing you decide to use.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Hobbies