I have found a way to organize my fabrics that works for me. I posted about it some time ago. I use file cabinets (I have 2 now, one letter and one legal size). I went out to make a french braid table runner a while back with 12 different fabrics and had them chosen in 30 minutes! And not other fabrics left lying around to put back! I have learned since I posted that it works best if you cut the folded part out of the hanging file and leave a couple of inches on the metal hanger instead of using the entire folder.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-101327-1.htm

Do you have any closet space?

I bought 2 sweater storage units (see below) and they, together, only take 24" of rod space.

the drawers come separately and I use them for patterns, fusible webbing, etc.......

I also bought the shoe storage hanger for FQs, works great.

I had the same problem and then bought two inexpensive book shelves and spent two days "bonding" with my fabric as I wrapped each piece around cardboard and put them in their appropriate color coded space. Love it now as I can look at the shelves and see all that I have without digging in bins.

and here is where I store my scraps for my PPing .

Every little bit helps....one never knows when one will need just a tiny piece of yellow, blue or green.

With these deli containers (Hillshire Farms, Butterball, etc.....) I can now find any color needed.....at a moment's notice.

Works great for me.

I go through my fabric pieces when looking for something specific. I don't really mind the hunt, lol, I find the search so relaxing. Love to go through and think about where the fabric came from and what it was used for originally.

Aside from my shelving (from IKEA) I keep a smaller stash in one of those 3-drawer plastic containers. They are about the size of a small nightstand. I find they are perfect for holding what I need for my WIP which allows me to keep my main stash tidy. My sewing 'nook' is open to my finished basement family room, so I'm 'obligated' to keep it looking neat and organized.

Great advice. I sort and sort and sometimes get it right, but I have 9 large bins of "stuff" including unquilted tops. I dutifully label each tub and most of the time I can find what I am looking for.

Thank you for letting me know I am not alone.

For a long long time I did not any space for fabric, but that has changed so I have lots of space now.
I would suggest to empty your tubs, sort your fabric by color. Fold evenly,set your tub on end and pack your neatly folded fabric in each tub. I think you will amazed what you can get into one tub. And, use one tub for misc. Good luck! :

Really?! THIS is the chaos?! I would LOVE to have my scraps this contained!! Of course, you need o feel comfortable, but believe me, this is not bad at all!!