[DaveL]

Like others have said use a variety of clear bins if possible. We buy these bins with plastic covers so the part don't fall out and stack better. Labeling also helps.

A few years ago we converted the side wall into a storage rack. All of our parts are stored there. Raw material like wood, pvc tubing, sheet metal and aluminum tubing get stored in the machine shop.

One big organizing theme is to set aside areas for electronic items (sensors, motor controllers vs mechanical (wheels, motors, transmissions). When a new student asks where something is, I can say the electronic stuff is on the right side. This quickly narrows down their search area.

We also have an area for pneumatic parts, bolts, belts, wheels, bearings, hubs and chain.

Dave