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

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

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.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJanuary 5, 2026Declutter, Donate, Before/After, Checklist, Organizing Tips, OrganizationComment

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, 2025consignment, clothing, For SaleComment

Meet Afterglow Market

Many moons ago, I briefly met Rachel Mirabella. She owned and operated an adorable shop that was the perfect backdrop for a bachelorette shower circa 2009. It was a magical evening shared with friends.

And then 15 years went by.

And Rachel popped back into my world, when my mom and dad dropped by her new shop, Afterglow Market. They called me gushing about how I needed to connect with this incredible female business owner. And worlds collided once again.

I am so excited to introduce you to Afterglow Market, the impact they are making on circular + sustainable fashion, along with the way they are changing the fashion landscape here in Indianapolis. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy my conversation with Rachel!

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMarch 13, 2024sustainable, Clothing Rental, FashionComment

DO GOOD RESOURCE // Seeds of Caring

Earlier this year a new organization came to town that our family was oh so very excited about. Seeds of Caring is a non-profit dedicated to creating little do-gooders (ages 2 - 12) by providing easily digestible service projects for kids and parents alike. Their Anywhere Projects can be done…you guessed it, anywhere, and their larger service projects are a beautiful way to get involved in the great community.

I was so excited to connect with Blair Everett, the Indianapolis Program Manager and am even MORE EXCITED to share their mission and ways to get involved through the following conversation.

We are big Seeds of Caring fans and originally heard about it from friends in Columbus, where it originated. What need did you see in Indianapolis that prompted you to start a second outpost?

When we realized we were ready to expand, our Board of Directors dove deep into data to figure out which city had a growing population of young families who wanted to give back as well as plenty of opportunity to help meet real community needs. Hard data led us to Indy but since getting to know the city, our hearts agree that this is a kind community where Seeds of Caring will thrive!

Organized | RESOURCES, Organized | PARENTHOODMaria BaerAugust 31, 2023Kids, Donate, do good, communtiyComment

Composting 101 // Meet Indy Go Green

A few years back, Audra Boarman joined The Baer Minimalist team. When she’s not organizing, she runs Indy Go Green and Club Compost, which are incredible organizations that everyone should know about.

Over the course of more months than I’d care to admit, she slowly nudged me to give composting a go. In January of this year, we finally bit the bullet. The composting bucket sat our counter while I put off reading what could and couldn’t be composted. And then finally one evening I decided “why not start tomorrow.”

And I’m so glad we did. It has been so fun to get the kids involved, to learn more about the full cycle of growing and composting food, and working to eliminate food waste going into the trash can.

I wanted her to share a bit about her minimalist philosophy and why composting is a big piece of it. So here’s Audra, taking over the blog for the day.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJuly 19, 2023Compost, MinimalismComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Random Acts of Flowers

In every home we organize, there is that one cabinet (generally high up above the fridge) where vases go to live for eternity. When we find their forgotten hiding place, I’m always quick to mention Random Acts of Flowers (RAF) to clients, as there is such a HUGE need for vases to support their mission.

For years RAF has graced our donation guide, but we’ve never had the chance to share their story here. Thank you to Meggie Dials, Board Chair (and all around amazing steward of Indianapolis) for sharing her experience with RAF below.

What need did you see in the community that led you to get involved with Random Acts of Flowers (RAF)?

Many years ago, I started an organization called The Sussy Project where I took nominations for deserving people, and would "surprise someone with kindness" by sending them a "sussy" (defined as a gift given for no reason). The gift was not large in monetary value, but it showed that person that someone was thinking of them and felt they could use a smile. As life got busier for myself, the organization dissolved but my passion for random acts of kindness did not. When I was approached about a board position for Random Acts of Flowers, it felt like a natural fit. What a simple mission! And 5+ years later, I am finishing up my second year as Board President and truly just love what we do.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerJune 6, 2023Donation Resources, DonateComment

DONATION RESOURCE // 91 Place

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Karynn Adamowicz, Development & Communications for 91 Place, after being introduced by a mutual friend/client/supporter. After bonding over our commonly mispronounced names (“Maria pronounced Mariah” and “Karynn not Karen”), the conversation flowed right into the incredible work that 91 Place is doing inside of the Indianapolis community.

If you aren’t familiar with 91 Place (or even if you are), I encourage you to read the following post because this organization is doing so. much. good. It is amazing to see what can happen when a passionate individual has an incredible idea and gets to work making great things happen.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerMay 30, 2023Donation Resources, DonateComment

No Spend January

Hi dear readers!

It is hard to believe that another year is wrapping up. And what a year it has been - both from a growth perspective with our business, but to the transformations we have witnessed in our clients homes, and all of the local organizations that we’ve been able to benefit with donations in the process of editing + organizing.

I’m certainly inspired to kick off the new year on a positive note and decided that I wanted to jump on board with a “No Spend” January, after seeing a few minimalist accounts share the challenge.

Well, after posting on Instagram, we now how a group of almost 90 members and I feel like this will certainly hold me accountable in the 31 days to come.

In true “organizer” fashion, I’ve put together an accountability guide/tracker for each of you. And if you’d like to join our group for additional inspiration and resources, just shoot @thebaerminimalist a message on Instagram.

Cheers to 2023! May it be your most organized year yet…and if you need a little help, we are just a phone consult away.

Organized | EVENTS, Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerDecember 31, 2022organize, Minimalism, holidaysComment

20 Days of Giving // A Printable Checklist

In honor of National Gratitude Month, we wanted to share our guide to Donate + Do Good this holiday season. Because after all, isn’t that a huge part of what this season is about?

Doing yourself the favor of decluttering your space before the gifting season gets underway, while benefiting our community in the process is something that is near and dear to our hearts.

We’ve created a printable guide (click on the image below to download your very own copy) and would love to hear all of the little ways you impact local in the coming weeks.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves this holiday season and work to give back while we also take notice of the bounty that each of us is fortunate enough to have.

Organized | RESOURCESMaria BaerNovember 10, 2022Donate, Holidays, DeclutterComment

DONATION RESOURCE // Wishing Wings Boutique

Who remembers that feeling as a teen wanting to pick out just the right outfit for a special occasion? And that magical feeling when you nailed the look from head to toe?

In an effort to provide that experience for teens within the foster care system, Ginger Summer launched the Wishing Wings Boutique in Lebanon, Indiana.

Ginger has been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) since 2017 which has given her the insight that youth within the system face many challenges. She said, “ I have seen kids go to new homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back or a trash bag full of ill-fitting odds and ends. Going to a new home without proper resources can be stressful and scary even for older kids who are often forgotten when it comes to donations, relocation needs, and other support.” This led her to open Wishing Wings Boutique so that all children have access to essential resources and give them a sense of dignity. Ginger shares a little more about Wishing Wings Boutique and how the community can lend a helping hand.

Organized | RESOURCESGracie GrouzardSeptember 14, 2022Donation Resources, Kids, Closets, Recycling, DeclutterComment

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

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