Minimalism. For some, it’s a lifestyle fad, but for others, it’s a vital tool in living a happy and healthy life. Minimalism is generally defined as the practice of living with less material items than the average person but it’s not limited to just that. Some people believe that in order to be minimalist you can’t have a traditional job, a car, or furniture.

It doesn’t have to be that extreme if you don’t want it to be. The benefits of living life with less are virtually endless. Spending less money, being able to live in a smaller space, and being able to clean your space easier are just a few reasons from Becoming Minimalist. If this is something that might be beneficial to you, take small steps. Here are seven ways how.

1. Toss extras.

You don’t need 5 white shirts or 17 shot glasses. Donate, sell, or give away extras of anything you own.

2. Don't keep a junk drawer.

Or a junk counter or container. Throw away all that mail and all those catalogs that you’re never going to look at. Everything else can be put in a more appropriate place.

3. Keep grocery hauls small.

And before you go, inventory what you do and don’t need and throw away anything that’s gone bad. When you get to shopping, only buy what you know you can finish without it spoiling.

4. Tackle your closet.

Most of us don’t wear a fraction of our closet or even know what’s in it! Toss useless clothing items that are too small or big, that you don’t wear, or that have sentimental value but no practical value.

5. Don't buy spontaneously.

We’re all guilty of going to the store for milk and coming out with a full cart. Or going to the mall for one product and coming out with 4 bags. Overcome the temptation to get more stuff and think about purchases at least 24 hours before making them.

6. Don't collect things.

It can be fun to have a mug from every city you’ve ever been to, but you can’t possibly NEED 103 mugs. You just don’t. Pick 5 you’re absolutely in love with and donate the rest.

7. One in, one out.

If you simply must buy that new whatever put the very popular one in, one out rule to use. For every item you add to your home, one must go. New sweater? Goodbye book with dust on it that you haven’t opened since you read it 4 years ago.