Well. The last seasons, i've done a system. I make mules and try to name them according to the items i put on them. Not easy, but with some intelligent mind work, it can work. I.e, "HelmetmuleI", "HelmetmuleII" and so on. Where i keep magics, rares and uniques. I keep one account for set items. And separate mules for socket items.
It takes quite some diligence to setup the system. But if you do it, get 20-30 mules on 3 different accounts, you can be set for the season.
But, i have also used notepad. Just put d2 in window mode, open the mule stash, hover your mouse pointer over the item you want to write down, then write the name of the mule and the item. Start on the top left in stash, then work your way to the right, then the next row, like reading a book. When you get it down, it goes fast. Write a mule+stash in about 1-2 minutes. Write down the most essential information.
One pain about it is that you must remember to update the notepad every time you move or take out an item. But if you take that work, you will always have superior order, especially for trade as you mention, you can just open it, ctrl+f, search quick, then you know if you have it or not. I did that when i was trading before, and there was overpay threads, lol arctic set and such, 40 fg for one piece xD i remember those times. Also, hellplague for 100 fg, i'll never forget it. And i got it ^^ It was fun. Not so more anymore. Nobody trades. It's sad and boring.
Thanks for your reply I have been using notepad or excel how to I put it in windows mode I’m currently adding items by typing them in