According to the AAA, the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle is more than $9000 dollars annually! Added to the cost of the vehicle, there’s insurance, parking fees, maintenance, and even many time fines. Sometimes, that’s just so expensive.
Apart from this, a car-free lifestyle is less stressful. It’s also good for the environment. A car-free lifestyle can also very easily become a healthy lifestyle, given that you will be walking more often now. Considering all this and more, many Millennials are choosing to opt for a car-free lifestyle nowadays.
If you just had your car repossessed, then a car-free lifestyle is more of a necessity for you than a choice. If that’s so, then follow these steps for credit repair, before reading how to manage your life without a car.
7 Tips To A Car-Free Lifestyle
A car-free lifestyle might seem daunting at first, especially if you have had a car all your life. But once you start appreciating the benefits of a car-free lifestyle, you might even wonder why you even had a car. Here’s how you can manage a car-free lifestyle:
Get To Know Public Transit
Everyone knows that public transit is cheap. Most countries usually have a very well-connected public transit. Even people who have cars often opt for public transit because it’s often hassle-free and takes off the stress of driving on busy streets.
Get access to your public transport network. Google Maps can be a life saver when it comes to public transit. If you don’t already have it on your cell, you should download it now. Before travelling, search for directions and toggle over to the public transit tab. Google Maps gives you the time and the best route to your destination.
If you plan on using public transit more often, get a monthly pass or a card. That will be even less cheap and will save you time too.
Walking Is a Healthier Alternative
If you can, consider walking. Or invest in a good cycle. It will be good for your body and will keep you in top shape. Your car might have been the reason you couldn’t get rid of those muffin top. Walking is also one of the top ways to relieve stress. Explore your neighborhood. Look for alternatives for your favorite stores.
There’s Uber or Rent A Car
If walking or public transit is not an option, then you still have Uber. Download the Uber app. Look for discounts and referrals to save more bucks.
If you need a car for the day, you can also rent a car. This way you can get access to a car without having to pay maintenance or insurance. You can even set aside a day every month or a week to visit all the far-away places. Rent a car for the day and get the maximum mileage out of the car.
Carpooling
If your colleagues live close-by, a good option is to request carpooling. You can pitch in with gas or agree on a monthly payment for sharing the car. You’d be surprised how often most people are willing to carpool if given the option. Apart from saving cost, many people find it safer to share a journey. Plus, if the colleague is a friend, you will also be having a great time along the way.
My only advice here is to choose your carpooling partner carefully. They will probably be the first and last person you’ll be meeting for the day, apart from your family.
Work From Home
If it’s possible in your industry, consider working from home. The Internet is making it possible for almost all industries to manage their work from home. If yours is an internet-friendly industry, consider working from home. Go Freelance. I’m not suggesting you quit your job today, but work towards it. Even if you plan on getting a car later on, working from home can be a real stress buster.
Make Friends Nearby
While you can always use public transport or rent a car, without a car you might feel like you are cutting back on your socializing. You might think it will save you money or time, initially. But everyone needs to socialize. Living a car-free lifestyle doesn’t equal to a friend-free lifestyle. Make friends from your neighborhood. Visit the local parks, coffee shop or gym or other social avenues to meet new people.
Shopping For Groceries
Here is another way the internet will come to your rescue. Sit at home and get your groceries delivered to your home. This will also cut back on your spontaneous purchases. It’s also the best way to compare prices and brands. Plus, you won’t have to lug bags from the store to your car and from your car to your apartment. It’s so convenient, you’ll wonder why you every stepped outside to get your groceries in the first place.
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