Let’s face it—clutter is exhausting. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and even financially. We’re often told that success looks like more stuff: a house packed with gadgets, closets overflowing with clothes, and sheds full of tools we barely touch. But minimalism offers another path—one that’s simpler, smarter, and surprisingly liberating. At Knocknock, we believe you don’t need to own everything to have everything you need. You just need access. And that’s where the magic happens.

What Is Minimalism, Really? Minimalism isn’t about living with nothing. It’s about living with intention. It’s the idea that by reducing the excess, we make space for what truly matters—experiences, stories, relationships, and personal growth. According to Millburn and Nicodemus (2016), minimalism is “a tool to rid yourself of life’s excess in favor of focusing on what’s important—so you can find happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.” That means you can absolutely still drill a hole in the wall, whip up a cake for a birthday, or go camping for the weekend… without owning a power drill, a stand mixer, or a tent.

Why Owning Less Makes You Happier? Let’s get academic for a second: research consistently shows that material possessions don’t equate to long-term happiness. A landmark study by Van Boven and Gilovich (2003) found that people derive more enduring satisfaction from experiences than from material goods. More recently, Caprariello and Reis (2013) confirmed that access to experiences leads to stronger relationships and deeper life satisfaction, especially when compared to accumulating things. So, why own when you can access and share?

Access > Ownership: Enter the Sharing Economy. The sharing economy, or collaborative consumption, is the perfect partner for minimalist living. It lets you borrow instead of buy, rent instead of hoard, and share instead of stockpile. Botsman and Rogers (2010) introduced the concept of collaborative consumption as a “reinvention of traditional market behaviors—renting, lending, swapping, sharing, and bartering—through technology.” This shift challenges the assumption that ownership equals value. In fact, what we’re really after is the utility of an item, not its possession. And that’s exactly where Knocknock steps in.

How Knocknock Supports a Minimalist Lifestyle. Knocknock helps you live more with less by giving you access to the everyday items you only need occasionally: Need a steam cleaner once every 6 months? Borrow one. Hosting a dinner party and need extra chairs or serving platters? Rent them for the night. Kids want to try paddleboarding this weekend? Find a board in your neighborhood. By connecting locals who have stuff with those who need it, Knocknock eliminates the need to purchase, store, and maintain items that are rarely used. You’re free to declutter your home and still live fully—on your own terms.

Less Stuff = More Life. Minimalism isn’t deprivation—it’s liberation. It’s about owning your choices instead of being owned by your belongings. And by using Knocknock, you’re not just embracing a minimalist lifestyle—you’re also helping build a more sustainable and connected community. So next time you think you “need” to buy something new, ask yourself: Could I just Knocknock it instead?

References

  • Botsman, R., & Rogers, R. (2010). What’s Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption. Harper Business.

  • Caprariello, P. A., & Reis, H. T. (2013). “To do, to have, or to share? Valuing experiences over material possessions depends on the involvement of others.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(2), 199–215.

  • Millburn, J. F., & Nicodemus, R. (2016). Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life. Asymmetrical Press.

  • Van Boven, L., & Gilovich, T. (2003). “To do or to have? That is the question.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85(6), 1193–1202.