Many people who have inherited a large, valuable stamp collection don’t know how to handle it properly. If you are currently in this situation, and don’t want to part with your new keepsake any time soon, you may want to consider leaving your collection in self storage in Baltimore to preserve its value and avoid direct contact with factors that could lead to a visible deterioration. The Smithsonian National Postal Museum lists all the main elements that could lower or compromise the monetary worth of your stamps. Fire, water, physical force, neglect, light, pests and chemical deterioration are only a few of the threats that any owner should try to keep at bay. If you want to recreate the perfect storage conditions for your stamp collection, here are three things that you should know before renting Baltimore self storage units to accomplish your mission. 1. In Most Cases, Home Storage Just Won’t Do. Stamps require special environmental conditions and can be severely damaged by high humidity levels or overexposure to artificial or natural light; this is one of the reasons why home storage is not the best option at hand. You should never attempt to deposit a valuable stamp collection in a basement, attic or garage, as these environments are often dry and cluttered and aren’t properly insulated. 2. It is Always Best to Choose a Unit with Climate Control. Fluctuating temperatures can also deteriorate stamps, potentially leading to warping, cockling or foxing. To avoid these drawbacks, you should consider renting a self storage unit with climate control, allowing you to maintain an ideal temperature and level of humidity inside the room where you can store and organize your personal effects. 3. How You Store Your Stamps is Just as Important as Where You Store Them. Did you know that you should also follow certain specific rules when it comes to organizing your stamp collections inside your unit? First of all, you should arrange the albums in an upright position, on a bookshelf (just like books are stored in a library). Secondly, you should never place one collection on top of another and should not attempt to lay your albums flat for long periods of time. The good news is that now you can count on the very best climate-controlled units to add value to your stamp collections and manage them the easy way. Rent the best Baltimore self storage space from US Storage Centers and take better care of your family heirlooms without working harder to achieve your goal. US Storage Centers 5117 Belair Road Baltimore, MD 21206 (410) 929-2939