It you are talking about wires, screws, cables, and the like, stick each in a ziploc bag of the appropriate size, then put them in a box or a drawer sticking up like a file folder.

I use my labeler to label the ziploc bag towards the top of the bag. When I put something I've used back, it goes in front of the box or drawer.

If you need something to make the bag "stick up" for smaller pieces, insert a piece of cardboard or cardstock into the bag.

Ciao!

Along the same lines for small stuff like that, baby food jars are another good container. Of course, having a baby helps (which we do, just not old enough for baby food). Also, you should empty the jars and wash them. :D

Michael

Some of the items are slightly bigger than that though. The two surround speakers for my computer speaker set that I can't use right now, for instance. I may brave the depths of the boxes to see what else is in there and report back with a sample inventory.

I would say shoe boxes are okay.

Get some laser labels for your stuff. It will help you organize everything better.
I've got a laser label template on my site here
If the stuff is really small think about getting like a fishing tackle box.

If it's stuff you don't use.. get rid of it. Don't be a pack rat.

I bought a fishermans tacke box thingy for all that small hardware (screws, wireties, etc) since I only had a few of each then each goes in its own litrle divided cubby. Its become dedicated to competer stuff, screws, cables, etc now.

Wow, once my suggestion works.

Shoe boxes should be just fine, but I suggest you create an inventory of what's in 'em and put that in a reference folder. (Filed under C for Crap of course . . . or should that be R for Random Crap?)

I didn't even see your post.

Anyway I bought one of these http://www.flambeauoutdoors.com/otdrs_fishing/soft_tackle/soft_tackle_systems_pg2.html#tklstation

tackle station it called, came from walmart a couple years ago (probably the last time I was in a walmart). Screws are sorted in one box, standoffs in another, tie wraps in another, etc. Network, USB, etc cables are rolled up in the top. oraginized all my random computer crap to one of these and what wouldn't fit got tossed.
I've followed the same concept, larger divided storage bins for all the bolts, nots, screws, etc bought for various projects. Then a large wheeled toolbox holds all the cordless tools and batteries and chargers, another similar toolbox for other tools. Followed the same concept, everything has to have box/bag to store it in and a place to put that box/bag. External Cd burner and cd's goes in an old laptop bag and has a spot on the closet shelf. Photo printer I found the carry bag for and bought it and put all its accessoreis, ink and paper in it. Its become a standard, if there isn't a place and purpose for something it doesn't get bought. Then I have one small junk drawer in a three drawer cabinet which holds 'junk' like keychaines, keepsakes like old jewelry, leathermans, flashlights, etc all those techie type toys that get picked up over the years.