In today’s fast-paced world, managing a busy family schedule can feel like a daunting feat. With kids involved in sports, parties, and other activities, coordinating logistics often requires meticulous planning. One child might have soccer practice while another has a playdate across town. Meanwhile, my partner might need to catch up on work, and I could be looking to grab coffee with a friend. And let’s not forget about the endless errands and the never-ending laundry pile!
Gone are the days of leisurely weekend brunches and lazy afternoons. We’re busy, just like everyone else. However, what makes our chaotic weekends even trickier is the fact that we only have one car.
Our choice to maintain a single vehicle has been both a conscious decision and a matter of circumstance. We’ve always had just one car, and it was rarely an issue—especially when we lived in a city where parking was a nightmare and traffic was unbearable. Back then, opting for one car was a no-brainer.
But as our children, now 8 and 10, have grown and developed their own social lives and commitments, things have become a tad more complicated. Since moving to the suburbs, my partner takes the train to work, while my commute consists of walking from my bedroom to my workspace. Yet, we still encounter hiccups. Sometimes one of us has to travel for work while the other manages the kids’ schedules. Our youngest may have a baseball game that coincides with his brother’s event, or our trusty old minivan could unexpectedly need repairs.
Occasionally, my partner suggests that we should consider getting another car. “Maybe it’s time…,” he starts before I cut him off with a firm “Absolutely not!”
I’ll admit, the temptation is there. Coordinating carpools can be a hassle, and we often find ourselves more focused on logistics than on enjoying family activities. Plus, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy when a neighbor shows off their new ride or when someone shares a photo of their latest birthday gift—a shiny new SUV.
But here’s the thing: I’m not a car person. While some view vehicles as status symbols or technological wonders, I see them as costly machines that require a lot of time and money to maintain. I struggle just to keep up with our current minivan, which is paid off, thank you very much. I really don’t want to deal with the added stress of keeping another vehicle in tip-top shape.
Cars can be incredibly expensive. A car payment can easily run into the hundreds each month, not to mention the costs of gas, insurance, parking, and depreciation. According to a 2015 AAA study, the average cost of owning a minivan is around $535 monthly. That’s a significant chunk of change that I’d rather invest in something more enjoyable, like home decor, new shoes, or even contributing to my kids’ education funds.
Cars also come with their own set of headaches. They demand gas and regular maintenance, which can be burdensome. I don’t want to spend my time nagging my kids about keeping the car clean or worrying about the crumbs from their snacks. I already have enough to manage with the clutter around the house!
Additionally, cars aren’t exactly friendly to the environment. They contribute significantly to air pollution, with traditional vehicles being responsible for about a third of all U.S. emissions. The environmental toll from gas extraction and oil transport isn’t something I can overlook.
I understand that for many families, having multiple cars is a necessity or even a luxury worth the expense. However, that’s not the case for us—at least for now. We make it work through carpooling, walking, biking, and taking public transportation. We also use rideshare services when needed, such as when one of us has to catch a flight.
Being a one-car family has its advantages. We save money, avoid clutter in the garage (though it’s already a one-car space), and do our part for the environment. While having multiple vehicles may be the norm for some, I’m proud to stick with our reliable old minivan, which carries the distinctive scent of coffee, snacks, and kid chaos.
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In summary, being a one-car family is not only possible but can be a manageable and even beneficial lifestyle choice. By prioritizing our commitments, we’ve found a rhythm that works for us while saving money and being environmentally conscious.