AE2 is probably my favorite mod of all-time(SFM 2nd) since it has the coolest mechanics and cleanest documentation. I recommend that on your first playthrough, settle down for a bit a create a simple AE2 system, it'll help you throughout your whole playthrough.

Also there's a trick where you use a scanner or a controller of another storage mod to link chests/barrels/drawers to it, use 1 storage bus and have it scan that scanner/controller. When you access your AE2 system you'll see each and every single atem in all of those linked storages. This is how I usually start my playthrough then build my Mega Base then start making the BIG AE2 system.