Gear organizing and storage tips?

Ok, I've got gear - Lots of gear, but finding it...well, not so much. What tips do you have for organizing your stuff so you can find what you need?

TRO

Clear tote bins and freestanding utility shelves

To expand on what Mark said, shoebox size clear boxes containing like items, stored inside larger totes with labels with other boxes of similar or relevant content, with totes on shelves grouped by general purpose. For example:

2 shoeboxes full of flashlights and 2 shoeboxes of bulbs, batteries, and chargers in one tote, 2 shoeboxes full of electronic parts and 2 shoeboxes of electronics assembly supplies in another tote, and another tote full of electronics test/repair equipment, all on the same shelf. The shelf above holds totes that contain optical gear, the shelf below holds totes of audio/video equipment.

One can get a bit carried away with inventory control sometimes.

Organise gear in bins and get rid of gear you don't use. If you can't find your stuff, because you have soo much stuff, you might have too much stuff.

Segue to an old George Carlin monologue...LOL

We pack what we need and use in ready to go packs, and put the rest in a couple of gear closets and a couple of shelves on the garage. I try to organize it there, but I'm a hopeless failure. LOL! Although, I do organize like with like. Food with food, cooking with cooking, sleeping with sleeping, etc... and I have some baskets, rubbermaid containers, and clear plastic containers for the little stuff, along with various day/specific excursion packs, and survival/FAK/fire/fishing/etc. kits.

most of my hurricane supplies are dedicated and don't do dual duty... reside in a rolling Craftsman tool chest with a pull out handle... electronics in top tray... can stack a couple of more levels of goods on top... can sit on the chest.. this was a lessons learned from the old timers that used my school for a shelter... with ice chest and folding chaise lounge most were good to go for a couple of days

I have an eight section pill box, labeled with what is in each section - including caffeine pills

Since my son is in Boy Scouts, and inspired by all the camping I've done with him, I have a dedicated Kitchen Bin.
Dual Burner Brunton propane stove($20 clearance at Sports Authority)
Two propane canisters
plates/metal cutlery
metal cups
can openers
grill lighter
1 pot/1 pan
Various kitchen tools
several good knives
metal 12x15 oven pan (use to stabalise stove or prep work)
backup camp food
drink mixes
kitchen towels

Grab the bin and off you go. I keep a couple 3x5 cards in the kit and list the stuff I use so I know to replace it when I get back.

My hurricane supplies are the first thing you see when you open my garage. I store my hammocks, packs, lanterns next to that.

My tents and sleeping bags reside in the house.

oh, and keep food in metal tins. mice, you know...