Categorizing ICs for storage/retrieval

Get a large piece of strong polystyrene foam about 1/4 inch thick and wrap it in aluminium foil. Stick all the devices into this in numerical order (each section having a little space around it) and then use a marker pen to draw round each section and write the number. Easy to find what you want and less fuss than lots of bags. It holds chips firmly enough you can use both sides too.

To avoid static discharge touch the foil with one hand before inserting ICs into it with the other - so you and the foil are at the same potential (polystyrene can build up static charges readily and transfer them to the foil, alas).

The special anti-static foam plastic would be the ideal choice but its usually black and can't be written on. I have seen pink stuff though which would work.