I keep the templates, small rulers, scissors, scotch tape, glue, notepads, sketches, etc., everything I'm using for each project in a handled wicker basket that travels from cutting table to the table where my sewing machine is. If that project uses it, it's in that basket - never have to wonder where I put something.
Old coffee mugs keep extra seam rippers, small scissors, small rulers, odd implements, right beside my sewing machine so I don't knock them off the table accidently and neither does my dog's tail.
I tape the small paper bag that prescription medicines come in from the pharmacy taped in front of the sewing machine and one on the edge of the ironing board and put all snipped threads, scrap pieces of fabric, etc. in it. When it is full I throw it away and replace with an empty bag. Keeps my floor clean.