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Filing system

ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Scouse

Scouse Report 17 Dec 2006 16:33

Hiya, has anyone got any ideas how to store all the bits of paper I have accumilated whhilst trying to trace my family? I have got papers everywhere with names and addresses on and I can not find anything when needed. I seem to be going around in circles looking for people I have already searched. Any ideas how to sort my mess out in some order? All ideas welcome, please! Anne-Marie.

Janet in Yorkshire

Janet in Yorkshire Report 17 Dec 2006 18:56

As suggested, in a binder with dividers, by family surname. The more info you get, you will then be able to subdivide each family into generations - you might start with most recent, or furthest back in time. Gradually you will be able to break it down again, if you wish. The important thing is to keep all the info on a family group together - census, PR, civil reg etc. Eventually you will evolve your own filing method, because it has to be a system that works for YOU and helps you to quickly find what you already know and what you need to know. You might want to consider also filing under each family what you need to know and subsequent notes, especially if unsuccessful (this often helps prevent you going over the same ground a few weeks later) Jay

Anne

Anne Report 17 Dec 2006 21:14

I got a big pack of A4 folders to go in a filing cabinet, one for each family. That way I can just shove anything into them.Then I got ring binders and transparent sleeves for the 'best' stuff about each main family. The main difficulty I find is where to file the married women. For example my Granny was an ARRAND at birth and a STRUTT by marriage. Bits about her go into each folder! I don't think there is an answer to this and each of us will find our own solutions, I expect. I still find myself searching the wrong folder for the piece I'm looking for though! Anne