Nearly 10 years ago, I created the first version of our Indianapolis Donation Guide. The list has grown over the years and yet, I’m still learning about new-to-me organizations who are doing so much good. Most recently connected with Indy Hygiene Hub at a volunteer fair organized by Zionsville Presbyterian Church. I had heard of them over the years, but hadn’t had an opportunity to learn the full impact of their organization.

I was fortunate enough to connect with their founder, Christina Huffines, and Bayley Petre, their Operations Director to learn about all of the ways that we can support their organization through physical and monetary donations as well as volunteer opportunities to help their organization have an even bigger impact.

And I feel so lucky to help share their mission with you.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerOctober 7, 2026Donation Resources, DonateComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Lynne Smiley

Back in 2022, The Baer Minimalist was invited to participate in the St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Showhouse in Indianapolis. This happens to be the longest running showhouse in the country, transforming a historic home by way of 20+ Indiana-based interior designers and landscape architects each taking on a space. And this year, the location is moving North to….ZIONSVILLE!! Yahoo!

The showhouse has introduced our team to many designers that we continue to partner with years later and the most selfless group of women who invest their time, energy and talent into the St. Margaret’s Guild. Lynne Smiley was one of the first guild members that I met and she immediately welcomed me into the fold with open arms. She is always smiling, is a true problem-solver and is incredibly invested in our tying the design community and the greater community together.

This year she is taking the reigns as President of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild this year as they continue to raise money for Eskenazi Health. Since 1907, they’ve raised over $14 million and counting.

If you are a long-time supporter of the annual Decorators’ Showhouse or are only learning about it for the first time now, this is an annual tradition that takes places every April/May (and yet today is the day designers tour through to kick off the project). It is a true labor of love and I’ve felt so fortunate to put the TBM stamp on several spaces throughout the years.

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerSeptember 14, 2026Indy Women Creating Space Comments

Indy Women Creating Space // Lindsay Martin

Meet the most creative spirit I have the pleasure of knowing…Lindsay Martin of Southern Sky Photography. We met through Women for Riley years ago and have grown our businesses, dreams and families side by side over the last several years. Lindsay is the trusted photographer for some of the coolest brands and events in Indianapolis and can now add State Fair Award winner to her list of accomplishments after entering some of her pieces into this year’s photography competition.

And she’s constantly putting herself out there like that. Whether it be learning a new skill, advocating for causes she believes in or quietly capturing moments that deserve to be framed. I feel so lucky to call her a friend and am beyond excited for you to meet her too!

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerAugust 17, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

Lessons Learned from Managing 55,000 Sq Ft of Moves this Summer

If you would have asked me back in January what summer would feel like for TBM, I would have said that it might be on the slow side. You see, when the kids are home from school, we find that organizing projects get put on hold. And as moms ourselves, we totally get it.

So when we started getting calls for concierge moves in April, May and June, I polled the team’s availability and we jumped at the chance to help these families.

As construction pushed two back and one forward, we ended up having three moves in three weeks. And then a few more after that.

Needless to say, it was time to get our best practices dialed in and our running shoes laced up, because this was an absolute marathon of a summer. Over the course of 5 moves, we unpacked 55,000 sq ft of belongings.

And we learned so much about what it takes to execute a flawless move (or five flawless moves in our case). So why not spill all of the secrets to you, internet friends??

Organized | RESOURCES, Organized | SPACESMaria BaerJuly 20, 2026New HomeComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Cali Ahern

Meet Cali! Her reputation for adorable, thoughtful and creative events may proceed her…and if this is your first time learning about Cali and Make Merry Indy, you are in for such a treat (think a gorgeous slice of cake with themed candles on top).

We had kids at the same preschool and yet didn’t meet until our kids were entering Kindergarten at Eagle Elementary. She is the gal you wish you had leading your big PTO fundraiser, has the kindest heart and loves to serve her clients going above and beyond and knocking every event out of the park.

We’ve grown our businesses here in Zionsville over the last several years and are lucky enough to share some incredible clients.

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerJuly 6, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Jessica Green

I’m giddy to introduce you to Jessica Green! She showed up unannounced into my inbox in late 2024, interested in collaborating on the entertaining pantry I had chosen as my space for the 2025 Decorators’ Showhouse & Gardens. We met at Starbucks and she brought my most favorite idea to the (literal) table that we were meeting at.

….”What if we put teeny tiny framed paintings in the pantry?”

And if you had an opportunity to see this space last year in person or photos, you’ll realize that these little paintings stole the show. They were unexpected, relatable and the perfect amount of fancy in a space otherwise reserved for storage. And then there was the large, commissioned piece that she created based on the mood board for the entire space that greeted guests upon entering. It was an “ooh, ahh” moment for sure.

Jessica was a delight to work with throughout the entire process and I felt so grateful that we walked out of the experience friends.

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerJune 12, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Megan Mioduski

Several years ago, I was wrapping up my time volunteering with Women for Riley when I crossed paths with incoming member, Megan Mioduski. Her infectious smile and contagious hype-girl energy had me confident that she would do incredible things in the organization. And fast forward a few years, she is wrapping up a year serving as Women for Riley President.

Megan is a do-er, she dreams big and then gets to executing. She is an absolute joy to be around, and I can’t wait for you to meet her!

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerMay 22, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

A Clutter-Free Dorm // Hacks for Small Spaces

As someone who has always been obsessed with organization, moving into my Freshman year dorm felt like this incredible opportunity to test my chops at optimizing a small space. I shared a room with my sister growing up, but having my living/dining/sleeping quarters all combined into one room was definitely a new challenge.

And fast forward 20+ years, OMG have dorm rooms changed. Not the size (unfortunately), but the level of decor and style that goes into them. I am totally in awe at the way students are transforming these spaces (and can’t believe that there will come a day when I have two kids (potentially) heading to college at the same time).

In honor of all of the young adults beginning to prep for their new spaces come Fall, we wanted to share our favorite hacks for optimizing your “tiny home.”

And our words of advice begin with remembering that the best spaces aren’t filled with more, they’re built with purpose. Do I sound like a mom, or what?! :)

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Kristin Patrick

I had the absolute privilege of connecting with today’s guest, Kristin Patrick, after sitting down with Jona Wells on the Indy Women Who Inspire podcast. When we wrapped recording, Jona handed me a delicious bottle of N/A Bubbles from Orangily as a thank you gift. And with one sip, I just knew I needed to get to know Kristin, who co-owns Orangily, a wellness bottle shop with locations in Indianapolis and Carmel, with her sister, Andee Simpson. Hear their founder story here.

And boy, could we chat and laugh all day. With a Masters in Library Science, an affection for organization and instructional design, and a passion for lifting women up, I found a kindred spirit. She also introduced me to MOTW in Carmel where I fell in love with their Spanish Latte. A true treat.

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerMay 1, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Indiana Diaper Bank

Our Indianapolis Donation Guide has been our favorite local resource to share over the years, and we love the full circle moments when we can help amplify the stories behind the donation needs. We always find that having a specific use case for how an organization is putting our client’s items straight into the hands of those in need makes the letting go process so much easier.

We loved having the chance to sit down with Dani Wilson, Development Manager for the Indiana Diaper Bank, to talk about the great need for diapers throughout the state, how they distribute millions of diapers on an annual basis and how YOU can help support their efforts.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerApril 17, 2026Donation Resources, IndianapolisComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Jona Wells

If you haven’t crossed paths with Jona Wells, you are in for such a treat! We met last year when she reached out to interview me on her podcast, Indy Women Who Inspire. Since our conversation, I have listened to nearly all of the episodes of Season 1 + 2 as I drive to and from client projects and I would encourage you to add a few to your podcast queue too.

Jona created a platform to share these stories and does it with the ease and curiosity of a dear friend, even if you have only just met for the first time. What I love the most about her podcast is that it brings the human side to light of the women behind some of the most incredible organizations, businesses and non-profits in Indianapolis.

I am delighted to share this inspiring conversation with Jona!

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerApril 10, 2026Indy Women Creating SpaceComment

Our Handy Dandy Organizing Printables

If we’ve ever worked together, than today’s resource probably looks familiar! Whenever we work on a project with a client, we pull out our trusty side kick. These organizing printables will help keep your organized projects…well…organized.

If you have the space, consider dedicating a portion of your garage for donations, or a spare closet for items that you intend to sell. Recyclables and trash can be dealt with as you go. And for those items that you wish to keep, take care of them! Put them on display, use them for more than a special occasion, tell stories about the items to your kids. Don’t let them collect dust or be boxed away for another time. Your future self with thank you!!

Download your copy HERE!

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMarch 27, 2026Organizing Tips, Organization, organize, New HomeComment

The Baer Minimalist® Blog -- Tips, Tricks and Hacks on living a more ORGANIZED + STYLIZED Life

Download your copy HERE!