Do those tall stacks of magazines represent a collection, or are they a symptom of something else? Should clutter be a concern? The Owen Sound Community Fund is hosting a talk on to help you answer the question – is it clutter or is it hoarding? Professional organizers will be at St. George's Hall Saturday, May 14 at 2 p.m. just in time to provide some insight before spring cleaning season.

Pauline Hoffman, a professional organizer from Just in Time Solutions, says it has only been a few years since hoarding was determined to be a sign of mental illness. She says it is important to recognize the signs and to know what you can do to help.

"Often people think, 'I just thought she was lazy,' or 'I guess he just likes to keep things'.

Talking about it openly, she says, will help us break the stigma and understand that hoarding is not a joke.

In the question and answer after the short talk, tips for decluttering your space and ideas for keeping on top of clutter will be part of the conversation.

Admission is by donation – everything goes to the Owen Sound Community Fund.

The Community Foundation of Grey Bruce accepts donations, invests the money, then grants the income earned to not-for-profit organizations. Owen Sound Community Fund, within the Community Foundation, supports projects within our city.

source: media release: Community Foundation of Grey Bruce