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Thriving as a One-Car Family
Absolutely, it’s feasible to thrive as a one-car family without completely losing your sanity.
In today’s fast-paced world, managing a busy family life is akin to juggling flaming swords. With kids involved in various activities — one might have soccer practice while another is invited to a birthday party across town — meticulous planning is essential. My partner, Alex, often needs to catch up on work, and I’m eager to meet a friend for lunch. Plus, let’s not forget the never-ending list of errands and, oh my gosh, the laundry is a whole other beast!
Gone are the leisurely weekend brunches and lazy afternoons. Our schedules are packed, just like everyone else’s, but the one thing that adds to the complexity is our single vehicle.
Choosing to remain a one-car family has been both a deliberate choice and a matter of circumstance. We’ve always had just one car, and up until recently, it rarely posed an issue. In fact, living in the city, owning a car felt like more of a hassle than a convenience. Between expensive parking fees, traffic congestion, and the stress of driving, having one vehicle was a no-brainer.
As the years have passed, however, things have gotten a tad trickier. Our children, now 8 and 10, are developing their own social lives and schedules — often needing to be in different places simultaneously. We’ve relocated to the suburbs, where Alex takes the train to work, while my commute is merely a stroll from the bed to the office. However, challenges do arise. Sometimes one of us has to travel for work, leaving the other on kid duty. Occasionally, our younger son has a game at the same time as his older brother. And then there are moments when our trusty old minivan needs some repairs.
Every so often, Alex suggests we should get a second car. “I think we should consider…,” he begins, but I quickly interject with a firm “Absolutely not!”
I won’t deny that the temptation can be strong. Coordinating carpools can be a real puzzle, and there are times when we have to call in favors from friends. The time we spend orchestrating our schedules sometimes eclipses the actual enjoyment of the events. Plus, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy when a neighbor posts about their shiny new SUV on social media.
However, I’m not a fan of cars. While they may be viewed by many as sleek technological wonders or status symbols, I see them as massive hunks of metal that demand too much money and time for upkeep. Managing the one we have is already a chore; I don’t want to add another to the mix.
Cars are incredibly costly. A monthly car payment can easily drain a family’s budget. This doesn’t even factor in the expenses of fuel, parking, insurance, and depreciation. According to AAA’s 2015 Your Driving Costs report, owning a minivan costs approximately $535 a month. That’s a significant chunk of change! I’d much prefer to allocate those funds toward throw pillows from Target, new shoes, or even boosting my kids’ 529 plans if I’m feeling generous.
Moreover, cars can be quite the hassle. They require constant maintenance, fuel, and care. Driving around in our old, paid-off minivan alleviates some pressure to keep it in immaculate condition. I’d rather not have to remind my kids to clean their dirty sports gear before getting in or to keep the backseat tidy. I already spend enough time reminding them to pick up their socks and underwear scattered throughout the house.
From an environmental standpoint, cars are not exactly a friend to Mother Nature. Aside from hybrids and electric vehicles, traditional cars contribute significantly to air pollution, accounting for about one-third of the total emissions in the U.S. The fuel they require also has detrimental effects on ecosystems during the extraction and transportation processes.
Of course, for some families, having multiple vehicles is a necessity or a luxury worth the expense. However, that’s not the case for us at the moment. We make it work by carpooling, walking, biking, and taking the train. We often try to engage in activities together rather than going in separate directions. If one of us needs to get to the airport, we might use Uber or rent a car as needed.
Living as a one-car family mostly suits us. We save money, create more space in our garage (which, let’s be honest, is just a one-car garage anyway), and contribute positively to the environment (climate change is real, after all).
While many may opt for three-car garages and luxury vehicles, I’m committed to my one faithful minivan — a slightly battered vehicle that carries the lingering scents of coffee, cheese, and, yes, feet.
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In summary, maintaining a one-car lifestyle can be manageable and even beneficial for families looking to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.