I used a Palm handheld to keep record of my stuff for many years, and would probably still be doing that if Palm hadn't died.

About 10 years ago I started to transition everything to Microsoft Word documents, like so:

Easy to paste pictures. Easy to search for items by serial numbers, MAC addresses, and the like. Use different levels of headings (e.g. expansion cards -> PCI cards -> PCI video cards) and then Outline view to see simple lists of items.

H3nrik V! wrote on Yesterday, 21:21:

In theory, isn't all retro stuff, we do, that? 🤣

I guess you have a point. Haha. As long as you enjoy the process its not a waste of time.

I have a doc file of most of my hardware but I keep neglecting to update it. I usually impulse buy stuff or get it free and it sits for weeks, even months before I'm in the mood to tinker with it. By the time I get to something I don't remember where/how I got it and certainly won't remember to add it to the list. I kinda stopped with it for now.
I have 2 categories I'm meticulous with though, the CPU collection and the monitors. I have a thing for pre-90's monitors for some reason, especially those compact fugly hercules clones from the late 80's with the random color tubes. Whenever they turn up untested it turns into a game of "What color am I getting now?"
It's usually white but when it's amber I feel "jackpot!" So much fun.
I'm actually collecting CPUs so keeping a tight list is a must to avoid buying something multiple times and wasting money.
It's a never ending hobby.