They sell a needle chart. It lists all the sizes and types of needles, then you put a pin in it for the type/size needle you are currently using. I have one and like it. Sorry, I am away from home and don't know the brand or name.

I use the tomato pincushion method, using a sharpie to write on it. I have a big stick pin, like for a corsage, that I stick in the section of the pincushion so I know what size is in my machine.

I have never put needles back in the package. I like to assume when I pull out a needle from the package that it is brand new.