Research Binder and Organization

When I first started researching my family, I had notes EVERYWHERE! I was completely disorganized.  Sources weren't with their documents.  Surnames were with my philosophy homework.  It was a mess.  I decided to keep everything in one central location--a research binder.  It was around this time that I also decided to start using a genealogy program, Legacy Family Tree.  The biggest thing I liked about Legacy was that it allowed you to print out family group sheets (though I'm sure other genealogy programs allow you to do that as well).  These sheets were then placed into my research binder, along with a document for US Censuses.

Now, the only thing that goes into my research binder are things that are definite for the families.  When I'm trying to figure out a family connection, I keep the information in file folders (one for each surname) and a notebook.  For example, right now I'm working on Hartranft.  I have some people that may be related, but I do not have proof or a source to confirm so I keep the information in the Hartranft file folder and continue my search.

This system might not work for everyone, but it keeps me VERY organized now.  Try folders, notebooks, binders, etc. and just see what works for YOU.  That's all for this time.