Could You Already Have the Answer to Your Brick Wall?

Are you sure the answer to your brick wall is not hiding in your files? Maybe a little reorganization would help? What about a LOT of reorganizing? Should you reorganize everything for good measure?

Well, here’s the thing, reorganizing EVERYTHING at once can actually be a detriment. Why? We've all done this. We've completely reorganized a room or even a few cabinets and then NOT been able to find what we needed. Too much change is too much change. Plus, it can be tiring and frustrating to do a lot at once.

Because reorganizing your research can seem like a daunting task, breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps can make the process much easier. Here are three tips for reorganizing your genealogy research a little at a time:

1. Start with a plan: Write down what you hope to accomplish and how you want to reorganize your research. This can include goals like organizing your documents, updating your family tree, or reviewing your research process.

2. Update as you go: One practical way to reorganize a bit at a time is to only reorganize for the ancestor or family you’re currently researching. This will help you review your research and make gradual improvements to each file. But you’ll only be updating the files you need, so you’re not doing unnecessary work.

3. Focus on one type of file at a time: Instead of trying to tackle too much at once, focus on one type of file. For example, start with your just physical documents or only your digital files. This will allow you to make meaningful progress toward your goal without feeling overwhelmed.

You may find the answer to your toughest genealogy problems hiding in your files. But you don’t have to do it all at once. By breaking down the process into smaller, manageable steps, you can reorganize your research bit by bit. Remember, genealogy research is a lifelong journey, so updating your files is a smart investment of your time.