[dansls1]

I know I've seen people who will cut out all pieces ahead of time, either outlined or entire pieces, and put them into some sort of storage container by assembly number. Ziplock bags work wonders for part storage, while I don't cut everything out ahead of time - when I get parts that are on small enough pieces of paper I start collecting them into ziplock bags.
And as stated, I spend hours (not just in the john) building my kits in my head, to try and familiarize myself for when I do sit down to actually build them.