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Spring has arrived, so it's time to do your genealogical spring cleaning. Sorting, deleting, archiving, organizing: we tell you everything!
©️Geneafinder
And to guide you in your genealogical spring cleaning, we have created the OVNIS method.
The OVNIS method, it's simple - it's a mnemonic tool to help you clean up and organize your genealogy research effectively. Whether you work on paper or computer, whether you're a beginner or (almost) a pro, this method will always be useful to you!
Use the OVNIS method to flatten your genealogy, to establish your action and research plans, to assess your needs, and above all, to get back on track... Because we can never say it enough, taking a step back is crucial in genealogy! It's a bit like stepping back to jump better, right.
You organize your research, but you can also organize your genealogical spring cleaning! Yes, to avoid getting scattered, you take stock of all the tasks to be done, from opening your genealogical databases to cleaning your computer screen.
Define what the goals of this organization are. Do you just want to clean up your database? Or maybe take stock of a very specific research project? Or improve your overall genealogical organization? In short, only you know why you're going to start this big spring cleaning. The idea behind setting goals is to help you define what your priorities will be. What tasks should you do first? What are your prerequisites or the most important tasks not to be missed.
Once your goals and priorities are set, you will be more able to project yourself into the future, because yes, organizing your genealogical tree and your entire work environment can take quite a bit of time! But it will be beneficial.
Also establish the frequency of this organization. Will you take stock once a year? Every six months? Or at the end of each month? It's up to you.
Some of our printables can help you organize your genealogical spring cleaning:
Download - Genealogy Task List
Download - Genealogy Goals List
Download - Habit Tracker Sheet
Download - Perpetual Monthly Calendar
Download - Perpetual Weekly Calendar
This time, we get to the heart of the matter! There are plenty of things to verify in your genealogy. It's even the basis of research work, verifying information, if we refer to our 5 golden rules for genealogy.
First, take stock of all the supports you want to verify: online genealogy database, genealogy software, paper documents, logbook, binders, folders, family photos, lists, etc...
Then start your verification.
Here's a small list (non-exhaustive) of everything you could verify:
- The completeness of your research by branch:
What information do you have? Is it verified? Is it validated and well organized?
What information is missing? Why is it missing? Where could you find it?
Is all the information you have properly recorded on all your work tools (paper vs. software)?
- The naming rule for your digital and paper files and folders:
Do the names of your files and folders follow your naming scheme?
Is it easy to find your way among all your genealogical finds (photos, documents, gedcom files...)?
- The update of your work tracking:
Is your work tracking up to date? Is it easy to find your way in your different research projects?
Should you group all your finds in one place to find your way more easily? If so, where?
Cleaning means sorting, correcting, or deleting some of your genealogical data.
You may need to, on your digital genealogical database, to:
- correct all typing errors and typos you can find in the names and surnames of your ancestors (after checking the act, of course)
- standardize and correct the writing of places (with or without postal code? Name of the village noted on the act or current name of the village?)
- delete duplicates (people created multiple times) from your genealogical tree
- check and then correct the links between people (do all brothers and sisters have the right parent links, for example).
But cleaning also applies to your workspace!
Clean and organize your desk, pamper your computer (don't forget the keyboard and mouse) and dust off your binders.
It's time to take stock of every piece of paper, every branch of your genealogical tree, and every digital tool you have (subscriptions, software...).
By taking inventory of your resources and information, you will be better able to improve the organization of your work.
Group, sort, and name your data appropriately to save time in your research, to find information faster, and to realize the usefulness of certain tools.
It's also a good opportunity to update your work tools! Is your software up to date? Are your binders properly stored? Are your tracking sheets useful and up to date as well?
Saving is a very important step in this big genealogical spring cleaning. It is about ensuring that no precious data is lost.
You have many paper documents (archives, family photos...)? Take the time to digitize them, name them according to a precise template, and make multiple backups (computer, cloud, USB drive...). You can also scan them to make copies that you can keep in binders (which you can share with a trusted person).
You have worked for hours on your genealogical tree? Export your gedcom file from your software to your computer and keep copies in multiple places (online genealogy sites, USB drive, cloud...). Always ensure the security and protection of your data before placing it on another medium (who will have access? What data exactly? Are they sensitive?).
Now you have many keys in hand to successfully complete your genealogical spring cleaning (and not only)!