When I searched this topic I came up with one good conversation from 2011. I'm hoping there might be new ideas out there.
Best option for storing cut-tape SMD/SMT devices? I'm also curious how you store your reels for things you use often like passives.
I have some Akro-Mils bins for my component parts. Great bins as long as you don't knock them over.
My first two small SMD break out boards have a small box from Mouser / Tayda / and eBay(China) of components that I brought in for them. Keeping them in little baggies is going to drive me bananas.
I eventually want to build a lite-placer pick and place machine, but still anticipate working with mostly cut-tape for most parts.
I use Akro-Mils bins for lots of parts, I have more than half a dozen of them near my workbench.
Since I have a pick and place machine, I also have a lot of reels of parts. I often cut off the last couple of feet of a reel and put that in the drawers for hand assembly.
Anything that is not a specific part only used in one project goes into a drawer.
If you start doing more boards, a P&P is the only way to go. I just bought my SECOND machine. I have been using a Philips CSM84 for almost 13 years, it isn't accurate enough for fine-pitch parts. So, I just bought a Quad QSA-30A in an auction. I have to get feeders and get it running.
Jon