When I first started seed saving, I just kept the seeds in freezer bags, stored within a couple heavy-duty boxes
@Tormato style. Everything was stored together, alphabetically by name, and the boxes labeled 'A - __' accordingly. Eventually, as more boxes were added, everything became divided - first by family, then individual boxes for the more common species. Because I do a lot of exchanges, it eventually reached the point where I was spending too much time digging through what was by then 12 boxes, so I began looking for file cabinets. DW found a matching set of (5) used 4-drawer cabinets in a resale store, in good condition, for about $150... which is what I use now. Large seeds are still in freezer bags, but spread out enough to make finding something easy. Small seeds (tomatoes, peppers, etc.) are zip locks within large 8.5" X 11" labeled envelopes, stacked edgewise. Seeds yet to be grown for the first time are stored by family in gallon freezer bags (within smaller bags if quarantined).
Having had 2 computer crashes where I lost everything, I've avoided relying on spreadsheets - my record keeping is old school. I use two card files with large index cards; one box for legumes, one for everything else. The cards record the name, source data, years grown (and weight, for legumes), and the location of lots in storage. Small index cards follow lots of saved seeds continuously from collection to storage, with name, date, and location grown (to identify any future crosses).
The only reason I've considered using a spreadsheet would be to track exchanges, in the event that I ever lose all of my seed & need to replace it... or in the rare instance where I find out that something I shared was being circulated under a false name or typo. I found out in 2020 that a cowpea I had been sharing was circulating under a false name for 15+ years.
