Lockeb, I also use the three ring binders with plastic sleeves. My binders vary in size according to my interests. Since I am creating my own reference books on subjects, I tend to save articles on a subject -- rather than -- just patterns. I have some categories by subject (Amish, paper-piecing, leaves,etc.) and others by designer (Eleanor Burns, Judy Martin, Helen Thorne, Terry Atkinson,etc.) plus the brownish/red paper heavy duty expanding file envelopes to insert books by the designer.
Lately, I've been playing with arcs and curves and have purchased some templates. I've placed the book, misc. articles and specialty templates in $1.00 plastic expandable file holders from Target. I can grab a folder and take everything to my desk to start playing with the designs.