Already received some good advice but one thing you asked was how to protect them.
After I retired I worked part time for an auto parts store for a few years and we had to return stuff on a pallet which was wrapped with what I'll call "Saran Wrap". You know the plastic stuff I am talking about. Well, they have "short rolls" that don't get used and the manager would allow me to get them. Now when I blast/clean/paint a smaller part I let it dry/cure and then wrap it with the Saran Wrap a few times and put it away. Has worked for me for several years and you can do a pretty good size piece.
You can but this same stuff but I don't know if its expensive or not as I get mine free.
Note: you can buy "smaller" plastic "shoe box" size containers for dirt cheap and stuff a lot of smaller parts in them and then STACK them on top of each other. Example: I have all my wheels/rivits/handles/screws/bolts for my window regulator in one. It keeps it segregated but also organized.
....you are definitely on the right track!
Alvin, First hope all is well with you and your wife. That saran wrap stuff deal is a BRILLIANT idea and just the kind of trick I am looking for! I think I may even have some it....somewhere out there...
