You've Tidied, Now What?

For many of us, spring signifies a fresh start! We set to surveying our belongings, decluttering items, re-organizing what is left and finally figuring out what to do with all that unused stuff.

As a professional organizer, I find clients struggle with getting rid of items because they feel a sense of guilt – maybe you spent too much money and never used it, it was a gift from a loved one, or carries special memories for your family. The following options may help ease the burden of letting those items go.

DONATE TO A WORTHY CAUSE

There are many organizations throughout the Indianapolis area where your items can be placed directly in the hands of someone in need. Hop on over to our homepage and download the Indianapolis Donation Guide (available here when you sign up for The Minimal-List monthly newsletter).

5 Resources for Expectant Moms that Make All the Difference!

Finding out you are expecting marks a pretty monumental day in a person’s life - possibly the most monumental. It can also be slightly, okay super, overwhelming as you think about all of the changes coming your way.

As an organized person by nature, I wanted to find some shortcuts to make me feel on top of it throughout the upcoming nine months. I uncovered some great resources that made all of the difference and am so pumped to share them with you!

More than anything, I’ve found that people are so helpful - with advice, hand-me-downs and so much support. Entering into this parenthood tribe is pretty cool, in my book!

Here are five resources and services that have allowed me to enjoy each and every day of my pregnancy and took a ton of the guesswork of my plate:

4 Online Tools that Will Seriously Decrease Your Paper Clutter

Ugh….paper. It is everywhere and is likely coming in your home quicker than you can review and toss! I’m a big believer in making decisions about paper the minute it enters my home (recycle, shred or needs action), but sometimes if we don’t have an alternative in place, those items turn into a mound on the kitchen island.

No more. I’m sharing my three favorite online tools for decreasing paper clutter and would love to hear all about your experience or solutions for managing paper in your own home in the comments.

PINTEREST

I’ve raved about Pinterest again and again, but I use it to organize just about everything! As a result it has truly minimized the amount of sticky notes floating around OR the amount of catalogs that are piling up with dog-eared pages.

DONATION RESOURCE // Project Purse Indianapolis

If you've ever crossed paths with Chelsea Marburger, founder of Project Purse Indianapolis, you instantly feel a connection. She is making a huge difference in the Indianapolis community by gathering donated purses, toiletries and stationary to spread to some of the most deserving individuals all through the #PowerOfThePurse.

I've shared bits about Project Purse often but wanted to highlight their donation drive taking place this month. Old National Bank is hosting a donation drive at each of their 20+ Indianapolis locations, providing you the perfect chance to declutter your purse collection or pass off those travel size toiletries that have been gathering dust. You can drop your items off at any of their locations through April 25!

DONATION RESOURCE // The Gifted Gown

Last fall I worked with a client who had an amazing collection of formal wear - everything from bridesmaids dresses to prom to a pretty swanky collection of accessories. She wanted to donate every last bit of it if I could find a spot that was local and gave the items directly to the community. Challenge accepted...and very quickly, mission accomplished.

The Gifted Gown, founded by Julia Rutland, provides our community with free formal wear for some of the most magical days in life (prom and weddings).

Over coffee last Fall, I learned the backstory and mission of The Gifted Gown from Julia and knew that I needed to share all of the goodness they are doing with you. Because chances are, you've got a dress or two that just might be gathering dust in the closet and could change someones life if given a second chance.

UPDATE // Where To Donate Just About Everything in Indianapolis Guide

March is the month that inspires so many to dust off the cobwebs, sort through the clutter, and make way for an organized SPRING! Hallelujah!!

In order to do my part, I wanted to get an updated "Where To Donate Just About Everything in Indianapolis" Guide in your hands.

When I released my "Where to Donate Just About Everything in Indianapolis" guide in December, it was clear that this was a valuable asset for homeowners looking to declutter all the while supporting the mission of different organizations around town.

So many new charities and non-profits were brought to my attention and I couldn't wait to share them with you. Round two is also easier to print and includes hyperlinks if you are viewing on a screen.

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?

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.

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).

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.

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

DONATE TO A WORTHY CAUSE

PINTEREST