[2019] Do you use stockpile zones or do you just have a bunch of storage crates for everything?

You can use either but containers just provide more space on one tile. Just be sure to put the zone on the container and your settlers will put stuff in them.

Ya, keep in mind some containers have better decay rates than others. And some hold more or less too.

Very welcome! The next beta update has some improvements to tooltips to help with communicating this stuff.

This week's update will have those.