Pack Smart, Return Calm // Minimalist Travel Tips You'll Actually Use

Happy March, friends!

If spring is whispering “adventure!” in your ear (as it is in mine), it must be time to dish on all things travel organization! The kind that actually saves time, sanity, and suitcase space so your only tough decision is where to book your next flight. Seriously, where are we traveling next??

Traveling should feel like a breath of fresh air, not a panic "what did I forget?!” scramble at the airport. Between years of organizing client closets and spaces, packing for family vacations, and lovingly helping others prep for moves and trips, I’ve gathered some tried-and-true travel hacks that are simple, but magic.

Let’s go!

Organized | SPACESMaria BaerMarch 6, 2026The Baer Minimalist, LLCTravel TipsComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Christie Congdon

We are so excited to share another Indy Woman Creating Space and ohmygoodness, prepare to be inspired.

Christie joined The Baer Minimalist team two years ago and brings such an incredible eye for clothing, styling and organization to our team. Outside of organizing, she continues to WOW with her love of Vintage and thrift fashion and her ability to find diamonds in the rough to sell on her Instagram channel, @wise.thrifts.

She has this incredible ability to pull clothing and housewares together in the most effortless way and I just needed to know how she does it. She’s giving away all of her secrets below (and in these reveal all posts on thrifting here and here).

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerFebruary 27, 2026The Baer Minimalist, LLCIndy Women Creating SpaceComment

Roses Are Red, Clutter Is Not: 14 Tips to Love Your Home

Around here, we believe that loving your home is possible, when you fill it with intention. Sometimes it is tricky to get to this place though. It takes time, focus and often, a helping hand. (And of course, we would love to be that helping hand).

Creating a home you love isn’t about perfection or Pinterest-worthy spaces (although we love being inspired by those images). It’s about intentional systems, breathing room, and highlighting your story in ways that allow your home to be a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Let’s dig into 14 Tips to LOVE Your Home:

Organized | SPACESMaria BaerFebruary 13, 2026The Baer MinimalistOrganizing Tips, OrganizationComment

Indy Women Creating Space // Meet Maura Malloy

After being interviewed on Jona Wells’ podcast, Indy Women Who Inspire, it made me pause and think about all of the wonderful women I’ve met through my entrepreneurial journey over the last nine years. From clients to fellow business owners to passionate philanthropists who are working tirelessly to shape our city, I wanted to help share their stories.

Enter The Signature Series, Indy Women Creating Space, celebrating Indy women who are intentionally designing, organizing, creating, and elevating our community in their own unique ways. Think of it as a fun, inspiring, uplifting spotlight on the women who make Indianapolis feel connected and full of possibility.

I feel honored to call these women friends and to introduce you to them!

I am so excited to introduce you to Maura Malloy! Maura and I first connected on Instagram due to a mutual love of Indy, organization + minimalism. It didn’t take long to become IRL friends and business confidants. She is the only person I trust to create keepsake albums of my kid’s art and the absolute coolest thing was the works of art that she created in collaboration with Meghan Barich of my and Tyler’s childhood art (featured in last year’s Decorators’ Showhouse). I know you are going to love her as much as I do.

Organized | INDY WOMENMaria BaerFebruary 6, 2026The Baer Minimalist, LLCIndy Women Creating SpaceComment

31 Unassuming Areas to Declutter // A New Years Challenge

Happy New Year, aspiring Minimalists! Let’s Make 2026 Your Most Organized Year Yet (or maybe just slightly more organized than last year).

I don’t know about you, but 2026 feels like a fresh planner page, a crisp label on a to-die-for basket, a drawer that’s finally going to stay organized (…right?!). If the tail end of last year had you shoving closets full and saying “I’ll deal with it in January,” well friends, the time has come.

2025 // Our Year in Review

Maria BaerDecember 31, 2025The Baer Minimalist, LLCComment

Your 2025 Anti-Clutter Gift Guide

I’ve got Christmas music on blast and am so excited to share our top picks for this year’s Anti-Clutter Gift Guide. We’ve got ideas for kids, adults, friends and heck, even yourself.

I have been lucky enough to experience the creativity and talent from each of these businesses over the past several years, so take my word for it…anything from these local businesses would be a hit for those on your gift list. And remember, support local this holiday season. There are so many small businesses that are so deserving of your support!

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 25, 2025The Baer Minimalist, LLCholidays, Gift GuideComment

Simplify the Season // Five Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday

In my quest to simplify my life, I thought it was time for a round-up of tips that can help make the hustle and bustle of the holiday season less so.

1) Ask your kids what traditions they love and choose one or two to continue. Sometimes we cram in so many activities thinking that the more, the merrier, but in reality I’ve found that it just means I’m dragging tired kids from one thing to the next.

This year I asked my kids which traditions or activities they loved the most and we are going to table the rest for future years. It is a beautiful reminder that not every activity has to become a tradition.

And in case you’re curious, Luna’s favorite tradition is “HOT DOG CHRISTMAS” which we coined after she asked Santa for a hotdog to eat in 2021 (the year she was two). Ever since we’ve made gourmet dogs for our Christmas meal. :)

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 17, 2025The Baer Minimalist, LLCholidays, Gift Guide, KidsComment

Demystifying Consignment Shopping // Tips on Knowing When and Where to Consign Various Items

HAPPY NEW YEAR, friends!!

We are back with Christie Congdon from Wise Thrifts, as she gives away all of her inside knowledge for having a positive experience when selling items on consignment. In November, Christie shared such valuable tips and strategies for shopping secondhand here. But now the focus is on how to MAKE money by selling items secondhand, versus just spending your hard-earned pennies.

What is the general process for consigning items? Are there steps that sellers should expect before, during, and after consigning?

Generally, consignment stores like for your items to be on hangers or neatly folded. Loose items like shoes, jewelry or handbags can be placed in a small tote or in a cart they provide, depending on their intake process. Before you begin consigning with a store you will want to check out their website and read about their specific criteria.

PRO TIP: Organizing your clothing by style and color is very helpful when presenting it to the store. I find that if my items are orderly and easy for them to view, they are more likely to accept them.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJanuary 30, 2025The Baer Minimalist, LLCconsignment, clothing, For SaleComment

2024 // Our Year in Review

It is so hard to believe that another year has come and gone! I love how the end of the year provides an opportunity to reflect back on the ups and downs of the year along with time to prepare for what lies ahead. On a personal note, 2024 brought more milestone celebrations than I ever could imagine in a single year - my sister-in-law’s wedding (which I was lucky enough to officiate), Tyler’s 40th Birthday, the twin’s 5th birthdays, my 40th, our 15-year wedding anniversary and milestone birthdays and anniversaries for our parents. Phew….it was A LOT of celebrating!!

Of course, no year passes without loss, setbacks and challenges. Walking through these moments with a supportive family and team at TBM has me feeling infinitely grateful for the relationships I hold close. I hope your year had more special moments than setbacks and that you have a (big) spark of excitement for what 2025 holds.

Organized | LIFEMaria BaerDecember 31, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCHighlights, Year in ReviewComment

Less is More // Your 2024 Guide to Meaningful Gifting

We believe the most meaningful gifts aren't always the ones wrapped in bows—they're the ones that create lasting memories or bring joy in simple ways. This holiday season, we’re focusing on experiences over things, quality over quantity, and highlighting some incredible local businesses we love. Whether you're treating yourself or surprising someone special, this guide offers a range of thoughtful gifts to make your holidays more memorable, without adding clutter.

I have been lucky enough to experience the creativity and talent from each of these businesses over the past several years, so take my word for it…anything from these local businesses would be a hit for those on your gift list. But to make the season of giving even more fun, each of these small businesses has a special offering for you, TBM friends! Enjoy and support local this holiday season.

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 25, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCHolidays, Gift GuideComment

20 Days of Giving // Your Clutter-Clearing Kindness Roadmap

As National Gratitude Month unfolds, we're reminded that true abundance isn't about what we have – it's about what we share. This holiday season, we're excited to bring back our beloved 20 Days of Giving Checklist with a fresh twist for 2024.

Think of it as your roadmap to meaningful decluttering: a chance to lighten your load while lifting up our Indianapolis community. Before the holiday whirlwind sweeps in (and brings more stuff with it!), let's create space for what really matters.

We've updated our comprehensive guide to make your giving journey even easier. Click the image below to download your own copy. Whether you have old tech gathering dust or a former professional wardrobe holding memories, there's a local organization ready to transform your excess into impact.

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 21, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCholidays, Checklist, Donate, Donation ResourcesComment

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