DONATION RESOURCE // Give Back Box

For those that may not be local to Indianapolis, or those with a random assortment of goods, it may be difficult to make individual drop-offs at all sorts of different locations. I hear you and knew there had to be something out there to make this process easier.

Enter Give Back Box. Have you heard of this concept yet?

Read More
The Container Store
Wait, Wait, Don't Throw Me!

Have you ever been this close to pitching something when it suddenly hits you that it would be the perfect vessal to hold all of your {insert any random collection of items here}? I love it when this happens - giving a second life to something that would otherwise be tossed just FEELS good. 

So, without further ado, I'm sharing a few of my favorite items to hack into a new type of storage container below. 

Read More
The Container Store
VIDEO // Pantry Organization Tips

When my friends at California Closets asked if I'd like to visit their gorgeous showroom and produce a monthly video series sharing organizing tips, I couldn't get to Downtown Carmel fast enough. 

Our goal was to tackle some of the obstacles that might prevent YOU from attaining all of your organizational dreams. So of course, our first order of business had to be that pesky kitchen pantry! One day you've got it looking fab and the next...well, we've all been there.

Pantries are probably the most trafficked space in every home, so its time we showed this area a bit of love. 

Read More
The Container Store
5 Organizing Rules to Live By in 2018

Hello, hello! In honor of "Get Organized Month" it's time I let you in on a few secrets that can help you get your space in check. 

RULE 1: Organize First, Shop Second

One of the most fun parts of organizing is making that trip to the Container Store! It's so easy to get lost wandering the aisles and even easier to fill your cart to the brim with all of their amazing solutions. However, I always focus on decluttering first. Once you see what you are left with, try and utilize items on hand, even if they may not be conventional storage solutions. Once you've done that, then take that well-deserved trip to the store and choose products that will finish off the space, like my favorites here

Read More
The Container Store
The Baer Minimalist's Favorite Organizing Products

As we settle into the new year, I'm sure many of you have made resolutions that include things like decluttering your house, spending more time with family and friends or just being more organized/on top of things in general. 

By starting small, with a single closet or space, you might be surprised at the motivation this causes in other areas of your life.

I recently had a friend reach out as she was stumped with how to organize her hall closet which needed to house everything from linens to beach towels to medicine for her family of four. She was several states away, so this was my first time tackling a virtual organization job and it was so fun to see the progress after a shopping trip on her end and about one hour of time organizing the closet. 

Which leads me to sharing a few of my favorite products for organization (many of which I recommended in her space).

Read More
The Container Store
PROJECT // Kitchen Pantries Before + Afters

Oh Pantries! How I love organizing these little (and sometimes big) spaces!! 

It always starts the same way...checking those handy expiration dates. It's amazing how many items are hidden inside the pantry that expired one, two, sometimes eight years ago. Once we've cleared the clutter, it's time to get things in order. 

No matter what the space looks like, my goal is to create zones on the shelves that fit the family's lifestyle. These could be anything from beverages, to breakfast, to baking, to grab-and-go snacks. 

Pantries are also probably the space in your home that are replenished most often, so labeling is uber-important. My favorite markers for labeling are these chalk markers that come in such vibrant colors and work on tons of different surfaces. White and black are certainly the go-tos, but adding a pop of color is so fun, especially when kiddos are using the space. 

Read More
The Container Store
Where to Donate Just About Everything in Indianapolis

This summer I was chatting with a woman who used to sell Creative Memories scrapbooking kits. She had boxes and boxes filling an entire walk-in closet and portion of a guest bedroom (and they'd been there for years). She no longer wanted or needed these items, but because of the large investment she made, she just couldn't bear the idea of dropping items off at a spot where items would be resold. 

I made a few calls and discovered that she could bring these items down to Riley Children's Hospital. Craft supplies would be used for kids in the Child Life Zone, and the journals and scrapbooking kits would be placed in a closet that parents with little ones in to NICU would have access to, so they can document their time at the hospital. 

Read More
The Container Store
Indy Business Owners’ Tips for an Organized Holiday

Last month, I joined forces with five other female business owners in Indianapolis to chat about our favorite online tools over on Kahunify's Blog

This month, we are coming together to share our tips for staying focused and organized during the busiest season of the year. I could talk about organizational hacks all day long and learned so much from each of these ladies as we shared our tips. Enjoy and Happy Holidays from the Business Bloggers of Indy!

Read More
The Container Store
The Makings of a Party Kit

Dreaming up a perfect theme to suite the guest(s) of honor, crafting a menu that keeps everyone gathered around the table and working to create an experience that puts everyone at ease are just a few of the reasons why I LOVE planning parties! 

Several years ago, I worked for a company that planned corporate meetings, mainly in the pharmaceutical world. Gathering RSVPs, managing travel plans for attendees and drafting up agendas were a big part of that world. It certainly played to my love of organization and list-making, but it didn't neccesarily allow for a ton of creativity. 

As I mapped out my service offerings for The Baer Minimalist, I wanted to offer people a way to have memorable parties without all of the stress. Enter Party Kits! 

Read More
The Container Store
Treat Yourself...A Consumable Gift Guide

Making a list and checking it twice...I love finding the perfect gift for my family and friends whether they are naughty or nice.  However, as I get older, I find that consumable gifts have become a favorite to give and receive as they can still be super indulgent and fun without adding to the clutter.  Here are my top clutter-free gifts (with a hint of local flare).

Read More
The Container Store
PROJECT // Polished Family Room for Four

A few months back, I was tasked with helping a family of (almost) four style their family room. They wanted a cozy, comfortable vibe, but also felt like it was time to upgrade furniture that had been moving from house to house with them since college! 

Could I help pull together this room? Shop on their behalf? Style the bookshelves? 

Um....yes please! 

Here is a sneak peek from my very first visit - it was time to say goodbye to the maroon chair + ottoman and pull this room together!

Read More
The Container Store
The Baer Minimalist's Pre-Vacation Organization Tips

With all sorts of travel scheduled in the coming weeks, I wanted to share a couple of tips for getting ORGANIZED prior to vacation. I’m all about ENJOYING every minute of a vacation, and for me, that means not having to worry about things at home while I’m away.

My husband and I LOVE to travel! Our relationship has taken us to six continents together, starting by meeting 13 years ago studying abroad in Wellington, New Zealand. See if you can spot us from that time period below - shouldn't be too tough! 

With each of these trips, we seem to hone in on ways to ease the stress of getting out the door on vacation.

Read More
The Container Store