Organizing an Accumulation of Philatelic Material

One day you may find yourself facing the daunting challenge of organizing an accumulation of philatelic material (like the one shown above) which was given to you by friends or relatives. Included could be massive amounts of stamps, old stamp albums, postcards, old catalogs or various supplies. In this post, we will provide guidance on how to effectively distribute your philatelic material and ensure that they find new homes where they will be appreciated and cherished.

Sorting and Categorizing Stamps and Supplies

The first step in organizing your philatelic material is to sort and categorize it into distinct groups. 

Separate stamps into various categories such as "on paper" and "off paper," as well as "mint" and "used" stamps. Additionally, classify old stamp albums based on their condition and completeness, distinguishing between those containing stamps and those without. As for supplies such as glassine envelopes, mounts, stock and Vario pages, hinges, postcards, and other accessories, gather and organize them based on their utility and condition.

Old price lists, newspaper and magazine articles, blank album pages, can be thrown away.

Now what?

Once you have separated out various philatelic items  into various groupings think about what you want to do with it.

You basically have three options…Keep, Sell, or Donate.

Keeping certain items is certainly a good idea either for you, a member of the family, or a friend. They can start a new collection or add to an existing one. By passing on to a younger - or older member - of the family, or friend, you may get them interested in the hobby and increase their knowledge and enjoyment of geography, history, art, and cultures.

Selling stamps is tricky unless you know what you are doing. Dealers will generally give you less than what you might get from collectors on eBay, OfferUp, HipStamp or other on-line sites. Selling on-line involves taking pictures, pricing right, listing, packaging and mailing. All of which involves time and costs which can bite into your bottom line,

Donating to recipients who would appreciate and benefit from your accumulation of unwanted materials might include stamp collectors, local stamp clubs, schools, or youth organizations that promote philately like the Scouts.

Give Goodwill or other local thrift stores unwanted and out of date albums that contain a few stamps. And don’t forget to ask for a tax donation form. 

Preserving the Legacy of Philately

As you embark on the task of dividing and distributing your philatelic material, consider the legacy you are creating. By donating unwanted items, you contribute to preserving the art and history encapsulated within each stamp, album, and accessory. Your efforts help foster a sense of community and perpetuate the rich tradition of philately for generations to come.

In conclusion, the process of organizing and distributing your philatelic treasures represents an opportunity to share the joy of stamp collecting with others,  By thoughtfully dividing stamps, old stamp albums, and supplies, you can contribute to the enrichment of others, while preserving the legacy of philately for posterity.

Happy collecting, and may your philatelic material continue to bring delight and inspiration to all who encounter it.