How many performers have finished with a prop, thrown it inside your case or table on top of another prop, and then when you need it, you have to rummage through your props, a real dead wait in front of an audience.
Why does this happen?
The magician is too cheap to make or buy a decent table or case. The case is too disorganized, for all props are simply thrown inside. You can't see inside a black suitcase table to find the prop. Your memory is going! You don't know from one show to the next where a prop is.
How to overcome some of these problems?
Paint the inside of a case a light colour or use a portable light. Use dividers inside a briefcase or suitcase for each prop. I use ladies make-up bags with zippers in various colours and put the names of the props in permanent markers on each bag.
I made a ditching bag from a plastic pool rack, attaching a felt black bag to it. It attaches to the back or side of my velcro compatible table.
I use a see through folding garbage can from Ikea. (it collapses to 1" in thickness) for a mere $19.95 Canadian. It's good for larger props I can drape silk over the opening, etc.
In my show, I use a center working table and for larger shows I have side ditching tables. I also have a map of where each prop is placed and a list on each case of what is packed within. That way, for a new show, you never misplace props and your set-up time is reduced dramatically.
Some performers even pack things into the opposite end of their suitcases so that when the show is done they are packed and ready to go. Hope these ideas help you to discover that "Order is the first law of heaven"
Darryl the detail Wizard