Envelopes might seem like a small part of your day-to-day business or personal correspondence, but their proper storage and care are essential to maintaining quality and functionality. Whether managing a large volume of mail or simply keeping a stash on hand for everyday use, it’s necessary to know how to store your envelopes so they don’t get bent, yellowed, or lose their adhesive. After all, the envelope plays a crucial role in presenting the contents inside, so it’s worth taking extra care to ensure they stay pristine.
Here’s a guide on how to store your envelopes properly, keep them from getting damaged, and ensure they’re ready for use when you need them.
How do I store my custom envelopes?
Store your custom envelopes in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture, to keep them looking fresh and fabulous! Always, always stack them flat, like a perfectly organized stack of paper – no bending or squishing allowed!
Keep Envelopes in a Cool, Dry Place
It’s safe to say that envelopes are sensitive to heat and humidity, which can cause the paper to deteriorate over time. Over time, high temperatures or moisture lead to:
- Warping
- Curling
- Yellowing
Once-good-quality envelopes now look like that old ripped sweater you keep in the back of the closet. So, protect your envelopes and store them in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, vents, or windows. The ideal storage temperature is between 60-75°F (15-24°C), and the relative humidity should be between 30-50%.
Avoid storing envelopes in areas with fluctuating temperatures, such as near heaters or air conditioning units. If your office or home is particularly humid, consider using a dehumidifier to control moisture levels.
Store Envelopes in a Flat, Upright Position
Store envelopes flat to prevent bending or creasing. This is the best way to ensure they remain wrinkle-free. If you’re stacking your envelopes, make sure they are not too tightly packed, as pressure can lead to bent corners and edges.
A simple file box, filing cabinet, or storage tray can keep envelopes flat and organized. If you have multiple types of envelopes, such as letter-sized or large document envelopes, store them separately to avoid confusion and damage from constant handling.
Don’t Store Envelopes Near Sharp Objects
Be mindful of the objects you store near your envelopes. Sharp objects like pens, paper clips, or binder clips can puncture or crease the paper and ruin the envelope’s appearance.
Make sure your envelopes are kept away from these objects. Consider dividers or protective sleeves to keep your envelopes away from potentially harmful items in a drawer or file.
Protect Envelopes from Dust and Dirt
Dust, dirt, and random debris are the sneaky villains of envelope care. I know, dust – who’d have thought? But, dust, dirt, and debris CAN damage the surface of envelopes, cause them to look, well, not great, and potentially compromise their adhesive properties.
Stash them in a clean, sealed container or clear box to keep them safe and sound. In environments where dust is an issue, such as industrial or workshop settings, sealed plastic storage options help envelopes stay in the best possible condition. Your envelopes deserve the best, after all!
Preserve the Adhesive
Adhesive, aka envelope glue, is essential – unless what happened to Seinfeld’s George Costanza’s fiancée happens. Oops. A common issue with self-sealing envelopes is the loss of adhesive strength. Exposure to air or moisture can cause the adhesive to lose its tackiness and make it hard to seal the envelope. To avoid this issue, keep your envelopes in a sealed, dry location and make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Do you have a lot of envelopes you need to store long-term? Keep things fresh by rotating your stock, like you do with your fridge or pantry. Use the older ones first, and keep the newer ones in the back! Think of it like envelope yoga—stretch out the life of your stash and keep those adhesives from going dry and cranky.
Keep Envelopes in Their Original Packaging
If you purchase envelopes in bulk, they typically come in protective packaging. In the same way collectors keep their items in sealed packaging, it’s a good idea to keep envelopes in the original packaging as long as possible. When removing envelopes from the original packaging, avoid causing any damage. Don’t pull too forcefully on the packaging, as this could tear the envelopes or bend them.
The packaging is not just for shipping. It is designed to protect envelopes from dust, moisture, and physical damage – all the abovementioned things to avoid. If the packaging is torn or damaged, transfer the envelopes to another clean, protective container.
Avoid Folding Envelopes
Folding your envelopes might seem like a space-saving hack, but it’s a one-way ticket to crease city. Nobody wants that! Instead, stack them or use adjustable dividers.
Give your envelopes a comfy, crease-free home. If you need to store them in a tight space, invest in a dedicated storage solution—one that allows you to maintain their flat shape, such as a drawer organizer or a vertical folder system.
Pro-Tip: Envelope Organizers for Easy Access
If you regularly use a variety of envelopes, from standard letter-sized ones to oversized mailing options, use an envelope organizer. Keep envelopes neatly sorted and accessible to reduce the likelihood of causing damage.
No more digging through a chaotic pile – with organized envelopes, you’ll find what you need in a flash! You can find various types of envelope organizers:
- adjustable trays
- vertical organizers
- drawer inserts
Just depends on your preferences and available space. It might seem overkill, but organizers drastically reduce the chances your envelopes will be bent, damaged, folded, etc.
Some Self-Sealing Envelopes Expire!
If you use self-sealing envelopes—like Latex or Peel & Stick—it’s best to use them within one year for optimal performance. Over time, the adhesive can begin to lose its grip. To avoid waste, rotate older stock to the front and use those first. If you notice the seal has weakened, you can moisten it manually or switch to a different envelope type for that mailing.
Key Takeaways:
- Keep envelopes away from heat and moisture to avoid warping, curling, and yellowing.
- Store envelopes upright or flat to prevent bending and creasing, ensuring they stay in perfect condition.
- Use sealed containers or boxes to keep envelopes clean and free from debris that could damage them.
- Folding envelopes can cause permanent creases. Opt for stacking or using dividers to maintain their shape.
- Use older envelopes first to prevent the adhesive from drying out.
- Keep your envelopes organized.
Keep Your Envelopes Safe with Letter Jacket Envelopes
The next time you wonder, “What’s the best way to store these envelopes?” remember these simple steps: keep them flat, cool, dry, and well-organized. Storing and caring for your envelopes might seem irrelevant, but trust us – proper maintenance is the secret to keeping them in excellent condition, ready for use whenever you need them.
Letter Jacket Envelopes understands the power of a first impression. As part of the Love Envelopes family—serving businesses since 1958—we bring over 65 years of expertise in providing high-quality, custom printed envelopes for everyday use and special occasions alike.
See different envelope sizes and styles to help you make a lasting impression. Visit the shop today.
