How do I store my design components??

I'm a member of artbeadscene and one of the discussion topics recently was bead storage ideas. I read a few of them but still prefer my method which uses $1.99 storage boxes from Michael's (and I usually use a 40% off coupon as well!). Here are a few pictures of how I use them. I organize beads in the boxes by color - all bead types/components go together whether they're seed beads, lampwork, Czech glass, ceramic, porcelain, ... I throw in a scrap piece of paper with a description (so I can quickly figure out what exact item it is for calculating the price of a design). I can easily move things around using a spoon for loose beads since I often have to reorganize to get the colors realigned as new beads arrive and others get used up.



Seed beads may be stored in the tube if it fits in the long slot, or in zip bags in one of the compartments. Swarovski crystals and small beads I now store in flip-top boxes and 3 of those fit on one of the compartments. I tend to design by color so this system works for me. My sterling, gold filled and copper beads go into the same storage containers. All the sterling and copper beads/components are put into little zip bags first to reduce oxidation. I currently store the plastic comparment boxes in filing boxes which can be stacked. They're all on the floor now, but, if I ever get my butt in gear and the house remodeling going they will eventually go into shelving unit in a larger room of the house. When that finally happens I'll definitely share the pictures! For now here's how they're stored - they are just behind my desk and easily accessible from my swivel chair!