[Torrance]

I think that 254's organization is great (mostly because our head mentor is super OCD). We use 2 types of bins at competition and in the shop. We a set of small, thin bins like you described for competition parts (high quality screws and such) and another set of thin bins for reused parts (mostly for prototyping). We also use tons of medium-sized white-topped bins to hold things like spare sub-assemblies, electronics, and other larger things (like hot glue guns).

In the pits, all these bins fit on our 4' long shelves. At the lab, these bins go on bigger wooden shelves to hold everything. Also at the lab, we have a small wall with a bunch of small plastic tubs are all labeled and are always placed on their corresponding label on the shelf. We need all these bins to store all the random scrap and stuff we've accrued over the years.

We like to use so many bins because it not only looks nice, but also makes it super fast to locate and put away things. Even freshmen are able to correctly use and clean up most every part/tool in the lab.

This summer we may also be working on a battery organization shelf similar to 973's.

Hope that helps!