Find the best location for your collection.

• Away from sunlight and fluorescent light. Hallways and rooms without windows are best.
• Moderate temperatures and relative humidity. No attics or basements, please! Not near the heater or fireplace either.
• Clean air, good air circulation;
• Away from sources of water. Not just leaky pipes and drains, but what room is above yours?

Be a good housekeeper.

• Inspect your entire collection regularly.
• Keep the area clean from dust, pests, trash, food.

Use inert materials.

• Acid-free or buffered papers are good. Avoid office-type folders and envelopes which are usually acidic.
• Use polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene pages to hold photos or scrapbook items.
• Use polyethylene foam as cushioning when needed.
• Use unbuffered papers with color photographic materials and with protein materials. Photo mounting corners are okay.

Secure your objects.

• Use a display cabinet with secure doors, especially if you live in earthquake zones
• Use secure mounts for wall-hanging pieces.
• "Childproof" your tabletop and wall displays