There are as many different ways to store parts as there are AFOLs who need to store parts. 😀 I think Greg gives a good description of how to start. First, figure out what kind of storage contains you have or are willing to invest in. Back in the early 2000’s, I bought a lot of Set 3033 (1200 blue tub of assorted basic bricks) so I use those tubs to keep all of my basic brick (2 tubs for each color – 1 for 1x bricks and another for 2x bricks – each type of brick is in its own ziplock baggie within the tub). I label all of the tubs so I know what is in them (clear bins would avoid the need for a label). I then use clear plastic shoe boxes, various snap top containers, and several shelf draw organizers (made for nails, screws, etc.) to sort out all my specialty parts, most of which I do not sort by color (not enough of a single color to justify). I am currently contemplating buying more shelf organizers so that more of my specialty parts can be visible and easily reachable. I am also designing a custom building table that I hope to put together this summer (classify that under the longterm projects thread, I guess). Good luck and have fun. Whatever works best for you and your space is the best way to do it!