Rather than totes, I used the transparent plastic file boxes from Office Depot and Staples. They stack really well, you can get them in nice colors (like purple, blue and hot pink plus white)and you can see through them. Wait until they go on sale. I think I paid about $5 each or less for mine. They're small enough that you can lift them when they're full. Plus, if you get those wire shelves that are 18" deep from Home Depot, Target or Lowes, the file boxes fit on them. I 'kit up' my projects in plastic freezer bags. But be warned those darn project bags multiply when you're not looking! My stash goes in ClosetMaid wire baskets on the frames so that they are wire drawers. The frames are zip tied together, with a piece of 1X1 wood between them. That's for stability. They are topped with a formica counter top from Home Depot.
Doesn't this sound oh so lovely and organized? NOT! I still have stuff in piles and on every flat surface. The last week and a half has been the reduce the real clutter and the visual clutter project. I might be winning but it's still too early to tell.
Marilyn