One of the more challenging aspects of family history is keeping everything organized. Records, computer prints from online collections, and notes can quickly add up and turn into piles that threaten to take over your workspace. Nothing will bring your research to a screeching halt like not being able to locate that one piece of information you need. Let’s take a look at a few steps we can take that will lead to more productive research.

1. Devise a filing scheme. 
Whether you use file folders or binders, the most important step you can take is to have a consistent filing scheme. You may choose to keep the files for each person separate, filed alphabetically. Color-coded folders or paper can help make certain branches easy to pick out.

Perhaps your system is more family-oriented, with each family in a separate binder. When an ancestor moves out of their parents’ home, they get their own binder. Siblings and other collateral relatives get their own divided section at the back of the family’s binder. Arranging records chronologically within each section allows you to see events unfold as you page through the records.

Choose a system that will be easy for you to keep up. With folders or binders that are easily accessible, you’ll be more likely stay organized as you go along.

2. Start sorting.
If you’ve got a huge stack of papers waiting to be filed, don’t try to put everything in its place all at once. You can make your project more manageable by doing a quick pre-sort. Sort all of the papers by surname first, and then once they’re all separated, you can pick one pile and start incorporating them into your file system. You’ll only need to work with a small set of folders or binders and staying focused on one family allows you to do a little reviewing as you go along. Keep your to-do list handy because you’re sure to run across some new leads.

3. Update your electronic files. 
Once we find a record, we’ll do that little happy dance, and then put it in its proper place. But don’t overlook your electronic files. Make sure you update your electronic files at the same time that you file the physical pages. Keeping your online tree current allows you to check details quickly without having to pull out your files. Online trees have the added benefit of being an offsite back-up of your family history in case of disaster.

4. Find a home for the “maybes.” 
As you research, you’re going to stumble across other people in the areas in which your ancestors lived who may be related. Of course you don’t want to discard these “maybes,” but saving them means extra papers lying around. Find a home for them until you can prove or disprove a relationship. Start a “Maybe” or “Misc.” section at the back of a binder. Or perhaps give them a binder of their own, with dividers that separate each surname. Giving them their own place will make it easier to lay your hands on their records when you run across that detail that finally connects them to your tree.

Time for Fun
Now that you’ve organized your files, it’s time for some fun. You probably have a list of items you want to investigate, and if not, just give your newly organized files a quick review. New content continues to be added to online collections, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to dig in and start searching for those ancestors.

Other articles in the 29 June 2009 Weekly Discovery: 

> Get the Complete Picture of Your Revolutionary War Ancestors 

> Family History Tip: Writing in Old Books  

> Photo Corner