Demystifying Consignment Shopping // A Guide to Uncovering Secondhand Treasures

We have a team of incredibly talented organizers and I’m so excited to introduce you to one of them today. When Christie Congdon isn’t organizing for The Baer Minimalist, she also owns and operates an incredible vintage + secondhand fashion resale business called Wise Thrifts.

If you are aspiring to become a more conscious consumer when it comes to shopping and filling your closets, you might be wanting to step into the world of consignment and vintage fashion. But it can be a little overwhelming.

Lucky for us, Christie is an absolute expert and was oh so willing to break it down for us.

Organized | LIFEChristie CongdonNovember 12, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCconsignment, secondhand, fashion, clothing, thriftingComment

Organization Ideas to Free Up Space in Your Garage

Garages often become the catch-all for everything we don’t have space for inside our homes. From tools and sports equipment to holiday decorations and random items, the clutter can quickly take over, leaving little room for what a garage is meant for—parking your car. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, some creativity, and a few smart investments, you can transform your garage into a well-organized space that not only fits your car but also keeps everything in order.

In this article, we’ll explore practical and efficient garage organization ideas that will help you free up space, making your garage functional and tidy. Whether you’re dealing with a small garage or simply need to declutter, these tips are designed to meet a variety of needs.

The Importance of Garage Organization

Before jumping into the specific organization ideas, it's crucial to understand why garage organization matters. A cluttered garage can lead to unnecessary stress, safety hazards, and wasted time searching for items. When your garage is organized, everything has its place, making it easier to find what you need, when you need it.

Organized | SPACESMaria BaerSeptember 3, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCOrganizing Tips, Organization, garageComment

Dorm Room Organizing Essentials

Another summer is coming to a close and many of you are in the midst of moving your kiddos off to college. So, I turned to an expert on dorm room organizing hacks, our summer intern, Jolie Guyette. While she has now upgraded to an apartment of her own for senior year, her dorm days are still fresh and she had incredible ideas for how to make the most of a small space.

Without further ado, let me pass the mic to Jolie!

Organized | SPACESMaria BaerJuly 29, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCsmall spaces, Organizing Tips, collegeComment

The Big Reveal // Our 2024 Decorators' Showhouse Designs

We are honored to be part of the 2024 Decorators’ Showhouse & Gardens presented by the St. Margaret’s Guild, benefiting Eskenazi Health’s mental health initiatives.

The St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Showhouse is the longest running showhouse of its kind in the entire country. When we were approached in 2021 to be a part of the event, it was a true pinch me moment. I’ve spent a gorgeous Sunday (and a few rainy ones) touring past showhouses with my husband’s stepmother since I moved here in 2006. The designers that participate have huge hearts donating their time, talents and effort to transform a home into a true work of art, all in a matter of months. To be among them is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Year One I partnered with Erin Moore with California Closets to turn a primary closet into a space we affectionately called “Brass Monkey.” Last year, I took over a teeny tiny telephone room transforming it into a retreat for mom. Now that’s what I want for Mother’s Day!

Organized | SPACESMaria BaerApril 24, 2024The Baer Minimalistshowhouse, Design Comments

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, 2024The Baer Minimalist, LLCsustainable, Clothing Rental, FashionComment

Let's Tory Brunch | The Luxe Edit Launch

Nothing like a Tory Brunch to celebrate a very Luxe Launch!

Earlier this month, Style Riot and The Baer Minimalist launched our new joint service, affectionately called The Luxe Edit.

After finding ourselves in many of the same client closets, we wanted to create a custom package merging our brands for clients who are ready to revamp both their personal style and the closet that their clothing calls home.

Learn all of the fun details behind this service here: STYLE RIOT x THE BAER MINIMALIST.

Organized | EVENTSMaria BaerNovember 16, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCstyle riot, the luxe edit, soiree, closet, Closets, 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, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCKids, 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, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCCompost, 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, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation 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, 2023The Baer Minimalist, LLCDonation 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, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCorganize, Minimalism, holidaysComment

Our 2022 Gift Guide

Gahhhh….it’s time for one of our favorite (and let’s be honest, only) blog posts of the year. Each year, we LOVE pulling together a list of intentional + thoughtful gifts for those gracing your list, many of which will add zero clutter to the recipient’s home.

This year we’ve broken it down into categories, and honestly, think there is something for just about anyone that you might have on your list (parents, kids, spouses, friends,…the dreaded minimalist).

Organized | HOLIDAYSMaria BaerNovember 22, 2022The Baer Minimalist, LLCGift Guide, HolidaysComment

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

The Importance of Garage Organization