Bag It and Tag It
I like file folders, but there are times when they do not do the job of holding things together. I learned early on to keep plenty of plastic food storage bags on hand to use for those items that are too bulky for a file folder, but not right for storing in a box or basket. They are best used when a flexible container would work better than the straight side of a folder or the firm structure of a box.
Bags can be stored horizontally or vertically. Because they are clear, it is easy for me to see the contents, and get a sense of what is and is not included in the bag.
I use gallon-size bags for computer manuals, including set-up instructions, CDs and extra cables; pattern pieces that do not fit back in the original envelope and large warranty and instruction manual sets. Quart or sandwich-size baggies I use for smaller warranty/receipt/manual sets, groupings of snapshots, collectibles, small "junk drawer" items, and parts that are not in use currently, but will probably be needed in the future. For example, when dismantling a bed frame or any piece of furniture to store or move, the bolts and washers, etc., immediately go into a baggy that is securely taped to the furniture or labeled and put into a drawer.
A lot of items I used to keep in large bags I now keep in the clear plastic folders, portfolios and page sleeves. They hold together collections of paper, and I can see at a glance the nature of what is inside.
Yes this is a great way to store computer disks you might need to re-install sometime, and also those little re-sealable bags people carry on planes now are great for storing cables and plugs from your gadgets, one for camera, one for ipod etc. That way, when you upgrade that particular gadget they're easy to get rid of all in one go....
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