Being organised supports you when you’re researching family history and makes it more enjoyable
Clear systems help you find what you need quickly, avoid duplicating research you have already done, and pick up where you left off without confusion. Your systems also grant you easy access to information that you need for your analysis or when you want to write it up.
If you’re not organised, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, lose track of what you have found, or put original documents and photographs at risk.
Organising requires a bit of planning up front to establish your systems and process, but it’s worth the effort.
Organise simply, and stay consistent
You don’t need elaborate systems to be organised. Good systems are clear, simple and consistent, and meet your needs at present and in the future.
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Family history software gives you a central place to link people, events, sources and documents together. Unique identifier numbers are assigned to each person so you can distinguish between people of the same or similar names. Use these numbers to name and organise files.
A filing system groups your files physically, by family line, surname, project or source type. A retrieval system, using tags, keywords or searchable notes, then helps you find what you need regardless of where it’s stored.
Name your files consistently: who, what, when and where. A clear file name means anyone who picks it up, including you, can tell what it is without opening it.
Organise physical items too. Original documents, photographs and heirlooms need proper conservation and storage. Make digital copies for everyday, working use, and keep the originals safe.
Being organised also means planning ahead. Consider donating a copy of your research while you are still actively researching, and include your family history assets in your estate planning.
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Articles about organising your family history
Get started with these articles. They contain links to related articles.
Organise your family history: avoid feeling overwhelmed
Use Excel to track birth, death and marriage records
What will happen to your family history after you die?
For more articles about organising, click on the Organising Family History link
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