One of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of family history research is that there’s always more to find. Just when you think you’ve hit a stopping point, a new name pops up, a DNA match surprises you, or you stumble onto a collection of records you never knew existed. Before you know it, your once-manageable family tree has exploded into an unwieldy mess of names, dates, and relationships.
So, what do you do when your family tree starts to feel like it’s taking over? Here are a few strategies to help keep things organized without losing the excitement of discovery.
1. Break It Down
Instead of trying to cram everything into one massive tree, consider working in sections. Choose a specific line, a single branch, or even just one ancestor to focus on at a time. This is the same philosophy behind keeping family history books manageable—no one wants to read a thousand-page epic about your 9th great-grandparents and all their descendants in one sitting.
2. Make a System for Extra Generations
If you’re lucky enough to have research stretching beyond your 4th great-grandparents, you might find that standard templates or charts don’t have space for everyone. That’s okay! You can either expand your index (I have an add-on for that if you're using Family Tree Notebooks) or start a new book dedicated to that line. Just be sure to leave breadcrumbs in your original notes so you can easily connect the pieces.
3. Put Faces to Names
A tree full of names and dates is great, but adding photos and personal details makes your ancestors feel real. Group photos can be especially useful, but they come with their own challenges—like figuring out who’s who. I like to create labeled outlines of group photos so that every face gets the recognition it deserves. It’s a simple trick, but it helps you slow down and see each person as an individual rather than just part of a crowd.
4. Use the Right Tools for You
Some people love working with PDFs, while others prefer a more flexible digital format. If you find yourself frustrated by your current system, it might be worth trying something different. (For example, I originally designed my genealogy pages as PDFs, but I’ve been loving how easy it is to customize and print books using Canva templates.) The best tool is the one that keeps you using it.
5. Remember: It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
You don’t have to document everything all at once. Family history research is a long-term project, and no matter how much you uncover, there will always be more to find. The goal isn’t to finish—it’s to keep exploring, learning, and preserving stories in a way that future generations will actually want to read.
So, if your tree is feeling overwhelming, take a deep breath and break it into smaller pieces. Your ancestors aren’t going anywhere—but the more you organize your research now, the easier it will be to share their stories later.