I have a ton of patterns, plus a lot of friends that share patterns with me. One of my best organizational things I've done is a large 3 ring binder, and 3hole punch all the patterns from magazines, copied or whatever. Then the little Post It tabs, and I write the pattern name on the tab, on the outside of the page. I have a whole section of totes, table runners, holiday, etc...but I can quickly locate patterns that used to take me hours to find.
I also have quite a few little patterns, that come in a reclosable 6 x 8 or whatever baggie. I finally just put all of those in a wicker basket. They are at least confined, and I can find them when I want them.
The sad part is that the rest of my (husband calls it CRAP room)craft room is a fiasco...and I hope to spend some time this weekend sorting and reorganizing!