building a coolidor

Trays are perfectly fine and, again in my opinion, actually ideal for singles (most guys use old empty boxes or plastic little bins) but the cedar will probably help with the humidity and add that nice smell. Basically the trays will make it easier, look nicer, and smell better but are not required. Just another add on but I have been thinking of buying some myself. I like seeing my singles as I often forget what I have haha. If they are in old boxes I forget what is in which box and end up taking all of them out and opening them when I go to get a cigar. I recently switched to bins which helps but the ones I have are awkward dimensions for the cooler and don't stack well.

No it doesn't matter too much where the beads are placed really. Some might argue it does but for me it hasn't really changed anything if I move them around inside as I play tetris with the boxes haha. They are on top of the boxes right now though right next to my singles bin and I have had no ill effects.