I know it's a little early to be talking about "Spring Cleaning," but as I write this, the temperature is 65 degrees and the windows open to give my house a breath of fresh air. I am hoping the sun will come out and dry things up so I can attack my yard tomorrow. Today, however, it is raining, and I am going to turn my energies toward doing a little "spring cleaning" on my desk. (Besides, I have a feeling this is going to take until next spring!)

Filing Tasks
My first task will be to re-file any papers that I have pulled out and not returned to their proper home, thus eliminating those annoying "piles" that seem to proliferate during those late-night research sessions. (Somehow, my commitment to "re-file them in the morning," doesn't always come to pass!)

Organizing Odds and Ends
Next I will go through my collection of tidbits that didn't quite fit when I found them, but may come into play later. This is a good time to review this file and see if previously insignificant information, in the light of new discoveries, has now taken on a new meaning. Back in the days before computer genealogy, my mother started a file of these tidbits on index cards, organized alphabetically by surname. One of my tasks for this spring (which will probably take me until next spring!) is to transfer these cards into Clooz (available in the E-Store at:
http://shop.myfamily.com/ancestrycatalog
/product.asp?pf%5Fid=108611&dept%5Fi d=20102000).

Inventory
I am also putting together an inventory of the documentation we have for each individual in my family tree. With my mother and I both working on the same lines, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of what the other has. I am creating a form that we can use to identify and catalog what documents we have, and where they are. Once my mother and I complete our lists, we will combine them and create a master inventory list.

Input Recent Findings into Software
I also want to make sure that the information in my genealogy software is current by inputting any recent finds. As I enter various documents, I will make a little note on my inventory sheet so that I can tell at a glance what still needs to be entered into my software.

Make a Wish List
As I am going through my files, this is a perfect time to compile a list of the blanks that need to be filled in. I use a blank research log and title it "[Family name] To Do List" and file it in the notebook that I take with me on research outings. This log won't be as detailed as the logs that I use to document the steps that I have taken (i.e. records requests sent, searches performed, publications consulted, etc.), but instead may read like "Need birth date for Thomas TOBIN." Once my organizational tasks are complete, I will go into more detail, seeking sources that I can use to find this information. With my documentation inventory complete, I will consult the records I have for him, looking for clues in the data that I already have, and making a list of possible places I can search to find this information.

Updating My Research Notebook
Now that my files are in good order, with documentation cross-referenced and entered into my genealogical software, I will make sure that the charts I keep in my research notebook are all current. My notebook contains:

---- Pedigree charts (sometimes called "ancestral charts"--see the downloadable example at:
(http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/ancchart.htm)
---- Family Group sheets
(http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/familysheet.htm)
---- Inventory sheets (see above or use the downloadable Source Summary form at:
(http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/sourcesum.htm)
----- Wish list (also above)

Research Log
I will also want to go through my research log (http://www.ancestry.com/save/charts/researchcal.htm) and follow-up on any requests that I have sent, but have not received a response to (allowing a reasonable time frame--and in cases of government agency requests even longer!). As I send out requests, I try to note how long the request is expected to take to be processed in my research log, making it easy to see what requests are overdue. This information can often be found on the Web site of the repository in question. The follow-up is always polite and understanding of the workloads of the people in the facility, and never demanding. As grandma always said, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!"

Filing Periodicals
I have accumulated quite a collection of periodicals that I just can't bear to part with. Right now I am using that all-too-familiar "pile" method of organization, making it hard to find what I need. I recently went out to my local office supply company and found "Magazine/Catalog Organizers." These strips of plastic allow for you to slip the magazine onto the strip and have three holes so that they can be stored in three-ring binders. This not only allows you to organize the magazines chronologically so that they can be found easily (and keeps them that way), it also protects them from the hazards of the "pile" method (torn and ragged edges, etc.). When I come to a dead end in my research, I often browse through these magazines for ideas.

Summation
As I look over this list, I am sure I will probably find more things to do as I go along, but as a work-at-home mother, with a fulltime job and a very energetic four-year old daughter, this is going to keep me busy for quite a while. And if I do manage to get this office clean, I will have to put a sign on the door so my husband doesn't think he is in the wrong house!