5 Tips for Organising Like A Pro
Family history research can be a real adventure, but it can also get a bit messy if you don't have a system! To turn all those discoveries into a proper family story, you need to get organised with how you research and keep track of everything. It's all about having a good plan and sticking to it. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
TIP 1
First things first, sort your records – both the paper ones and the digital ones. For paper stuff, think about filing by surname, and don't forget those maiden names! When you download digital records, give them clear and consistent names, and maybe create folders for different people or families.
TIP 2
Definitely scan your paper documents to make digital copies – it's a lifesaver! If you're researching online, download images of records so you've still got them even if you cancel a subscription.
TIP 3
Next up, and this is super important: always, always, always write down where you found your information. Whether it's from an old document, an online database, or even a chat with a relative, note it down! Genealogy software like Family Tree Maker or RootsMagic, and online tree builders like Ancestry or MyHeritage, have places for notes and sources – use them!
TIP 4
Before you start digging into a new branch of your family, make a research plan. Decide what you're looking for and what questions you want to answer, so you don't get distracted. Keep a research log too, where you write down what you do, what you find (or don't find!), and any ideas you have. You can do this on paper or on your computer. This log helps you avoid doing the same searches over and over and keeps track of where you've looked, including archive references and search terms.
TIP 5
Finally, and this is really important, back up your digital stuff regularly! Use cloud storage or external hard drives to keep it safe.
If you follow these tips, you'll be a much more organised and effective genealogist, and you'll get so much more out of your family history research!