So, you are looking for the best tips on organising and preserving family documents? You are in the right place! Knee deep in parish records or even rediscovering old family photos in the attic, you have a treasure trove on your hands! But with great heritage comes great responsibility. How do you keep it all from turning into a chaotic pile of papers, fading photos, and unlabelled USB drives?
Family Wise | Start with a Good Old-Fashioned Sort
Before diving into any digital wizardry, get everything in one place: documents, certificates, letters, photographs, even old diaries and recipe books. Then sort them into logical piles:
- By family surname
- By generation
- By event (births, marriages, deaths, wartime service, emigration, etc.)
Pop the kettle on and take your time. It’s all part of the joy of discovery.
Choose a system (and stick with it!)
People who do Genealogy tend to fall into one of two camps: the binder brigade or the digital dynamos. Either way, consistency is key.
For physical records:
- Use labelled ring binders or archive-safe folders.
- Avoid plastic wallets (they can trap moisture).
- Store photos in acid-free albums or sleeves, never loose in a shoebox!
For digital records:
- Create named folders (e.g. “Smith Family”)
- Use consistent file naming
- Back up everything, cloud storage, USB stick, external hard drive, etc
Digitise Your Memories
Preserving your family’s legacy means making sure it survives floods, house moves, and curious toddlers.
- Scan documents and photos
- Save files for easier sharing
- Tag images with names, dates and locations
Label Like a Librarian
Imagine finding a brilliant old photo… and having no idea who anyone is. A genealogist’s worst nightmare!
- For physical items, use a pencil on the back (never a pen!) or place a note in the sleeve.
- For digital items, use metadata tags or file descriptions.
When in doubt, ask the older generation. They’re often a goldmine of information and stories to go with it.
Create a Family Archive
Why not go one step further and create a proper archive?
- Display key documents in frames (UV-protected glass is ideal).
- Store originals in a dry, dark space, think home offices, not the loft.
- Write your notes and commentary. Future generations will love the context.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are plenty of fantastic genealogy tools and websites out there, from Ancestry and FindMyPast to dedicate tree-building software like Family Historian
- Store your research online for easy sharing.
- Use DNA kits wisely (be prepared for surprises!).
- Keep a research log, you’ll thank yourself later when tyring to recall which “John Smith” was which.
Make it a Family Thing
Genealogy is far more fun when shared!
- Host a family history night, break out the old albums and stories.
- Create a “family tree newsletter” or private social media group.
- Ask relatives to write down their memories, it’s often the small details that brings stories to life.
Family Wise | How we can help
You know, I know, that genealogy is not easy. If you are struggling but want to find out more about where you originated from. Family Wise is here to help. Our team of expert researchers guarantees spot-on, professional services! Get in contact with us to receive your non-obligatory quote!
