GON Reader Question 1
“I collect vintage suitcases. They’re stacked in a corner of my guest room and look cute, but I don’t use them. Thoughts?”
-- Francine from Athens, GA
Maria's Response
If you love them, let them stay—but make them work! Use each one to store something different—gift wrap, out-of-season linens, photo albums. Slip a little tag on the handle with the contents. Now your collection is both charming and functional.
GON Reader Question 2
“I keep buying pretty baskets thinking they’ll help me get organized. Now I just have a pile of empty baskets in my closet. What do I do?”
--Cal from Boise, ID
Maria's Response
It’s like buying a treadmill for motivation…then using it as a
clothes rack. Happens to the best of us. Lay them all out. Assign one purpose to each—maybe scarves, pet toys, cleaning cloths. Donate any that don’t earn a job. No freeloaders!
GON Reader Question #3
“My husband wants to keep every phone charger we’ve ever owned. Some don’t even go to anything anymore. How do I win this one?”
-- Jaden from San Diego, CA
Maria's
Response
Ah, the tangled drawer of cable mystery. Work together and try the "plug test." Anything that doesn’t work with a current device goes in a "holding box." Agree, if you must, to hold onto that box for a month...put a date on the box. If a cord hasn't been retrieved from that box by the time that date rolls around, it gets
donated.
GON Reader Question #4
“I feel guilty giving away expensive makeup I never liked. But I’ll never use it. What now?”
-- Elena from Rochester, NY
Maria's Response
Permission granted to let go—guilt-free. Expensive
doesn't mean permanent. If it’s unused and within the expiration window, see if a women’s shelter or charity will take it. Otherwise, toss it and count it as a lesson learned.
GON Reader Question #5
“I organize the junk drawer weekly. It’s always a mess again two days later. Should I just give up?”
—Marnie from Tallahassee, FL
Maria's Response
Never surrender the junk drawer! Put dividers in there. Give every pen, battery, and paperclip a parking spot.
P.S. On another note...
Whether you're nurturing herbs on a sunny windowsill or harvesting ripe tomatoes from backyard rows, my For the Love of Gardening curated collection is designed for anyone who delights in the gardening life—and wants to make it simpler and more rewarding. 
