If you're anything like me, there is nothing to calm the nerves quite like retail therapy. And by "anything like me", I mean "most of America". And that's all well and good. We all love a good impulse buy rustic candleholder, phone accessory, and pawn store prowl. But what if I told you that there existed a different life? A different perspective altogether, that ditched the binding weight of your heavy, capitalist restraints?

Well, weary traveler, there is! And it's a beautiful little notion called minimalism. It's a common word in our modern age, both as a popular design aesthetic and as a lifestyle choice. That's all well and good, but it's hard to adapt your life to a "design aesthetic" without 1. having to understand every facet of said aesthetic and 2. sounding like a big ol' ball of pretense. Quite simply, minimalism can just mean streamlining your physical world down to what you truly need and value. Sort of like spring cleaning, but more deep, both literally and figuratively. So grab that recycling bin, pull out those old shipping boxes, and blast some montage music, because we're going to get AMPED.

Here's a quick step-by-step to get you started on your path to lighten-ment. (Haha! Get it? I hate myself)

1. CONSIDER WHAT YOU GENUINELY NEED

When first sorting through my stuff, the first things to go are those without sentimental value or current purpose. It's truly difficult to figure out what you do and don't need, though; everyday things are obvious, but it's tempting to nag yourself with "I could use this someday". Be realistic. You have priorities and a daily grind to consider. Simply ask yourself "Am I actually using this in my daily life?", or "Why the hell did I buy a meat grinder from 1952?", and make your decisions from there.

2. THE DIGITAL WORLD IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

If you can't seem to toss all 80,000 old birthday cards you've saved over the years, fear not. Try scanning them into your computer, or even just taking photos of them. It's a tedious process to be sure, but worth it to free up three cardboard boxes of space. Also, old pieces of clothing can be photographed, along with other things you want to remember but don't have space for. It feels a little clinical at first, but you can take as many photos as you want, so don't limit yourself. If you've got the gigabytes, go crazy with nostalgia.

3. DON'T TOSS WHAT YOU REALLY LOVE

If you find yourself truly unable to let go of that old stuffed animal, don't toss it. Minimalism is great, but some objects are healthier when kept around. Humans get attached to stuff, so if you really find yourself struggling to throw something away, make yourself happier and keep it. You can always toss it later if you find yourself unattached. Unless it's that dinette set I lent you three years ago, Dave. I'm still waiting.

4. FIND SOME FREEDOM IN IT

I've never truly bought into the quasi-spirituality of stuff like Western yoga or Feng Shui, but there really is something spirituality freeing about getting rid of stuff.

Going through everything you own forces you to analyze what you truly value, and after you've sorted through enough it becomes clearer to you what actually matters to you.

So celebrate! Condense the stuff you have left down to smaller containers, donate the stuff you're tossing to Goodwill or something of the like, and enjoy finally knowing where everything in your house is.

5. USE THE FREED SPACE FOR SOMETHING COOL, I GUESS

I don't know, a treadmill desk? I think they make those. A shrine to Jeff Goldblum? I mean, it's your life, dude.