Beginning To Collect: Smooth Stamps, Tweezers, Nordfrim Kiloware, Self-Adhesive/Citrus Method

From what I read, cornstarch is more prone to infestations by bugs because it's a carbohydrate and not inert, but don't quote me on that.

In my opinion the jury is out on how modern adhesives will hold up over the years; adding additional home remedies/chemicals only adds to the 'unknowns'.
Don

Good point, Simon. I can see how that would be a problem, especially if there might be concerns about where or how the collection will be stored in the future.

If you're going to try to collect current used U.S. stamps, I think the safe approach for now is to keep as much paper/cover as you get. If it's on an envelope, keep the envelope. If it's on a piece, keep the piece. This gives you maximum flexibility for whatever format is finally agreed upon as the best approach.

That said, if you like the look of a different approach, and want to make progress right now, knock yourself out. If you want what you like and don't care if the "system" likes your approach ten years from now, so be it.

I recently purchased a collection in 13 Scott albums plus about 50 or so 1 inch binders. These were previously owned by the father of the lady who was selling them. She asked me what I thought they were worth and I explained to her that if you have two stamps and a blank space between them then for me because I collect stamps for the fun of it the real value to me is getting that blank space filled. In transferring over 60, 000 stamps from the Scotts to my Minkus I think I have noticed one stamp that catalogued for about $30.

So suffice to say don't expect to get rich collecting stamps just do it for the sheer enjoyment you get out of it.

One final thing, and I agree with many who have already said, stay away from "wallpaper" stamps.