Three steps to get organized before you dive into the records.
Step One
Ask Yourself These Questions
What’s my goal? Decide what you want to accomplish with your research.
How much time can you realistically commit to the project?
What do I want to learn beyond names? Consider lifestyle and historical context, not just dates.
How many generations do you want to trace back?
Step Two
Getting Organized
Choose a software platform to build and manage your family tree. Ancestry.com is highly recommended — it connects with FamilySearch records and offers both free and paid options.
Establish a note-taking system using your platform’s own tools, or a spreadsheet.
Create a digital library: keep photos, scans, sources and articles in organized folders.
Make sure your data is portable by keeping GEDCOM file exports.
Step Three
Start Your Journey
Get started! With your software, notes and folders ready, begin collecting names, locations and any family stories or records you can find.
Start with yourself and add known relatives progressively.
Be selective about record matches to avoid errors from similar names.
Consult family members — they may recall details no record ever wrote down.
Be patient. Obstacles are part of the process, not a sign you’re doing it wrong.
