Dear Martha;
        There are oodles of ways of organizing shells and shell data - by
locality (continent, region, ocean...), family, date of aquisition,
alphabetically by species or genus, phlogenetically (related to
evolutionary theories of how "primitive" or "advanced" a given taxa is,
and how closely they are related to other taxa), or more quirky systems:
size, color, personal associations, usw.  Just choose or devise a system
you can live with, and STICK TO IT - consistancy is the key to any
successful organizing system - once you start making "exeptions", you
are on the proverbial "slippery slope".
        Another thing which REALLY helps is to keep up with arrivals - if you
let a backlog of specimens and lots build up, things can get lost, data
slips mixed up, and the further behind you get, the less likely you are
to ever catch up, and in my experience, if something is put off too
often or too long, it becomes a real chore to get the Round Tuit needed
to get it tackled and done!
        Keep the data for each lot or specimen FIRMLY connected with that item
- ways of doing this are via little numbers in India ink inside the
aperature, or numbers on low-acid paper firmly placed up the aperature,
numbers with the specimens inside little vials for small shells, etc. -
the scientific value of a collection is greatly enhanced by having good
data firmly associated with particular specimens or lots.
        Keep duplicate data sets, in case one set is lost or destroyed.  If you
use one of the good computerized systems members of the list will no
doubt tell you about, keep back-up copies, and/or store the data on a
website: a shell without data is worth less than one WITH data,
sometimes much less.
        A good variety of sizes of sturdy, affordable plastic containers
complete with good-quality foam liners are available from Shell Lovers,
but i do not have the address: it is quite convenient to have things
stored in containers, but if you live in a tectonically-stable locality
(like Halifax!), you can get away with "display-type" storage
arrangements in your cabinets: line the drawers with good material which
will show off your shells well - like blue velvet or something (blue
backgrounds somewhow show off the colors of shells nicely!), and DO NOT
take drawers out of the cabinet unless you never drop anything!!

Wishing you all the best, and MANY happy Conchological years,
-Ross.
--
Ross Mayhew: Schooner Specimen Shells:
Http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com
"We Specialize in the Unusual"
Phone: (902) 876-2241; Fax: (603) 909-8552.
But try to find "something for Everyone"!!
Snail Mail: 349 Herring Cove Rd, P.O Box 20005, Halifax, N.S., Canada,
B3R 2K9.