you can use the small "thumb" drives, they are fairly cheap and hold a lot. you can color code the caps for specific types of information.
you can get an external backup drive, even for around 100$ you can get a terrabyte drive - which if all you're storing is doc type data (not movies and music) you will just never fill it up in your lifetime
You can download anything like patterns/instructions and save as pdf and save a copy in your email. Even if your computer goes up in flames or you are away from it you can always go to your email from anyplace (I'm thinking a public library, college library - free computer) and have it printed out.
sharet