Finicky, we took similar approaches! I wanted lateral file cabinets like at the pattern stores but that wasn't in the budget and I missed a Joann's that closed in my area so they are very hard to come by. Not to mention I can't fit them in my car even if I did find them!
What I did was purchase 2 wire storage racks. The racks have 6 shelves and they are 48" wide x 72" tall x 18" deep. Here is a picture of a very similar rack on Amazon, except mine came with no wheels. But I only paid $99 each at Home Depot. Take care of them and they will last forever.
http://www.amazon.com/Commercial-Chrome-Steel-Shelves-Shelving/dp/B0038KVQHK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=...After I got my racks home I went to Uline and purchased a stack of 10 boxes the length and width that would fit my shelves side by side. I can't remember the dimensions, would have to check my order history, but the boxes must be smaller than the shelf or they won't sit neatly within the wire frame of the shelves. I do remember I got them no more than 12" tall because the plan is cutting them in half to make trays. Then stand my patterns up in the trays so i can just flip through the pattern numbers.
When the boxes arrives I taped them up top and bottom like i was shipping out something. I used very good tape to make my boxes very squared up and firm. Then I took my small hand saw and cut them in half length wise. Each box yields 2 "trays" that sit side by side on each shelf level; and each of my shelving units can hold up to 12 trays ( I use 10). Each tray can hold about 150 patterns (give or take) so maximum capacity is about 300 patterns per shelf! I use only 5 of the 6 levels on each unit so it won't get too top heavy and I hate climbing the ladder to read what's on the top shelf. Still I can sock away roughly 1500 on each storage unit. That's pretty darn good!
Currently, one of the units is used to house my listed patterns, which are filed by brand/pattern number on each shelf. The other unit holds my stash of Uncut/FF patterns that need to be photographed or scanned before listing. I store my vintage patterns that are and listed right along with the others because I close them up in plastic bags before I file them away. Keeps that "old smell" away from the other newer ones, and keeps the fragile ones from getting banged around and dropping paper everywhere. My unchecked vintage at in plastic bins until I check them.
My little makeshift file system is in the spare bedroom/office in my apartment, along with my oversized desk, a 5 foot long work table, a tall plastic storage cabinet for office supplies and a tall bookshelf. I think I have crammed about as much as I can in this room. The only thing i would do is buy one more and I think I'd be set for life! Problem is no more room unless I get rid of my work table.
