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.
