My Family Tree - Good Habits

My family tree research has been underway for a while and I have bits and pieces of information scattered around my spare room. It's time I started getting properly organized. But where do I start? What is the best method of recording and filing this important information so I can easily find it later? I have lots of information, but I can't seem to find the right document or note when I need it. What should I do? We will try to address some of these issues and help you get more organized and improve your note taking.

When I research my family tree, I follow a few simple rules that help me be as productive recording the information as possible. I'd like to say that I have always followed these simple rules. But unfortunately, I had to learn most of these things the hard way. So don't be discouraged if you have some filing to do. Use these suggestions as a guide, but develop your own system to document your research and improve your note taking skills. Use the things that work and modify the things that don't. Here are a few simple tips:

Use standard size paper - preferably 3 holed loose leaf sheets - they can easily be shuffled and re-sequenced or moved to another folder;

Use only one side of the paper on any document or when note taking (it's easier to photocopy and makes filing a breeze);

Recording the surname, location and dates on the top of each note or article;

Use a separate binder for each main family group (split them into subgroups when they get too big);

Use acid free plastic sleeves to store photocopies, newspaper articles etc.; and

Store any items that won't fit in the binder in legal size folders - they make filing and sorting easier.

Recording your sources is a must. You will need this information in the future. It is all too common to research a date or place and months later discover another document that shows a different date or place. By having your sources clearly marked you can have a better clue as to which fact is correct. Remember, if something doesn't seem to fit properly or just doesn't seem right make a note of the issue and why you are skeptical. Later you may find another piece of information that you can use to help find the truth.

Genealogy is a great hobby that can be very rewarding. However, it is just as important to properly document your research as it was to make the find in the first place. Check out the links on this website to find resources and suggestions that will help you trace and document your family tree properly. Whether note taking or recording and filing your information, doing it properly will help preserve your heritage for future generations.

For more information, visit Family History.

About The Author:

Richard Kearns is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.all-about-family-trees.com.