We all hold on to things that tie us to our past -- a way to cherish a memory, a moment or an event. But many of us have a difficult time letting go of anything.

"Absolutely everything has value -- there's no question about it --- a single slip of paper has value," says Tom Moore, recovering hoarder.

Value that may seem foolish to some -- a form of desperation to others.

"It's very painful it's very painful it's very debilitating," says Moore. "It's very much more common than most people realize and one of the reasons for that is it's an addiction that can be hidden."

Tom Moore is coping with the addiction.

"From a medical point of view -- cluttering is referred to as hoarding and hoarding is a sub-set of obsessive compulsive disorder," says Moore. "There are even medications that some people are put on to help them with this problem."

"Most clutterers do -- hide their clutter."

When we asked Moore if we could see his home his response was simple.

"No," he said.

It's an answer consistent with others coping.

Moore says, "stuff just keeps flowing in -- it's like a river -- you've got to paddle against it -- magazines, newspapers junk mail you know stuff you buy -- and if you're not throwing it out of the balloon faster than it's coming in -- you're going to sink."

Moore believes Hawaii's booming storage industry is a sign many can't let go. Unfortunately their secrets can lead to tragedy.

"It's life and death -- absolutely. There's not only last night's example sad as it is -- there was an example on the east coast several years ago where a guy apparently small apartment had stacked magazines and newspapers floor to ceiling earthquake I don't know -- it shifted and buried the guy and he nearly smothered to death."

It's cases like these that inspired Moore and a friend to start up a support group to deal with the disorder.

"It's difficult without some sort of support mechanism -- to maintain that attention."

In several years hundreds have joined the support system.

"Most costly in terms of relationships -- because it really does create a barrier between you and people you love."

"There's no mess that can't be overcome."

For more information on clutterstompers, including a schedule of monthly meetings click here.