I really need to organize my components better, but for now they mostly get shoved in a box. I have various boxes by type, like passive components, discrete components, etc.
I tend to test stuff as I need it. My big issue now is organization though, I need to build a shed so I can clear my garage of stuff and actually use it as a shop, then I want to build a bunch of small wooden boxes to store components in. Saw a video of a guy who did this and it was super neat and tidy, and consistent. He had different varieties of size, but they were all consistent and fit neatly in a drawer system.
Then I'd probably have a misc bin for untested stuff, and when I'm bored I'd go through them and test then place in the proper bins. Like resistors would be marked by value etc. right now they're just all shoved in a container in their original package. Some of the stuff from China often has no label saying what it is, but I know what it is because I ordered it, so I'll put the info on the bag and store it.
I have way too many components now, and barely used any. I tend to buy "just in case".
I need to find a use for the 6v 100,000uf capacitors I bought. lol. I'm thinking I'm thinking spot welder...lol.