How I Organize my Genealogy and Save Time
Today, let’s go behind the scenes to see how I organize my genealogy to save me time and energy. Who doesn’t want that, right? I understand that there are multiple ways to organize your genealogy. Therefore, if my way doesn’t fit with your lifestyle or routines, then just brush it aside. However, if this is what you’re looking for to get started, then I’m only an email away to learn more. I do have several blog posts about specific organizing tools and I will link them in this post for you.
Organize Genealogy on my Computer
When I first start a research project I organize my computer first. I open up all of my tabs that I’ll be using for that research session. I also make sure I’m logged in and that each tab’s search page is open.
Are you wondering what tabs I use to keep me organized? I use Ancestry.com, Family Search Wiki, Find A Grave, and Google Wikipedia for basic searches. In addition, I use Norway Digital Archives, The Swedish National Archives, and the Danish National Archives for Scandinavian searches. For my personal computer programs, I use RootsMagic 7 to keep my ancestors information and Picasa 3 for storing and editing scanned documents.
In addition, I have my specific ancestor’s folder and research log open to refresh my memory. These are the programs that I use for a basic search. I have other programs depending on where my research takes me. This system saves me a lot of time up front so that I can stay in my research zone. I don’t have to stop what I’m doing and find my stuff then continue my work.
Organize Genealogy While I Search
Then I’m ready to start searching. I search by keeping everybody in family units. What that means is that I search for the records for a whole family unit not just an individual. For a basic search, I will look for the parent’s marriage record, the children’s birth records, and all census records. If there are other records that I find such as immigration records or city directories then I add them as extra information. Then I can move onto the next generation or to another individual and their family unit.
In addition, I keep my research log updated as I search. I write what I find and what I don’t find on my research log or tracking sheet. I keep it all in one place instead of having a variety of notebooks with different information scattered around the house. My post about how to become a better genealogist using a research log has further details about using them. My post about pedigree charts and family group sheets shares some more insights about genealogy organization.
The research log is by far my most important tool in saving me time. I know exactly where to pick up from my last research session and I know what I’ve already searched. In this way, I don’t have to waste time by backtracking. I love this one tool that helps me organize my genealogy better.
Organize Genealogy in my Storage
Then I’m ready to store the records that I’ve found. There are multiple ways to do this nowadays. Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org both have places where you can attach the documents to the specific individual I’m working on. I prefer to attach the records on those websites and to store them on my computer.
In addition, I make a new folder for each family unit on my computer and store all the records for that family in it. Then when the children marry, I make a new file folder for that new family unit. And so it goes…
Wrap up my Organization
Once I’ve found everything for my basic search, I put it into the family unit folder. I label the folder with the couple’s name and I store it in a bigger folder under the Surname that I’m working on. In this way, I know the surname I need to open in order to find the couple that I want to work on and find any records pertaining to them in that folder. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I stay organized and save time.
And that is how you can save time yourself! Or you can trust that your ancestors are in good hands if you decide to have me research for you.
Good luck and happy hunting!
Tiffany
P.S. If you need help with any part of your genealogy journey, then I invite you to contact me through my website www.savvygenealogy.com, Facebook page, or Instagram all under the name “Savvy Genealogy.”
P.P.S. In addition, I encourage you to sign up for my free list of all of the genealogy websites that I use in my business. Subscribers will continue to get a weekly email from me with more tips for your genealogy.
