How to enjoy life without a car
Life without a car can be very tough. That said (or written), jettisoning a car out of your busy life is doable – you just need the discipline and the courage to jump into the idea with two feet.
Why are you giving her up?
You need to determine why you’re even considering giving up your car. For many of us it’s due to the environment, for others it’s about health or financial reasons. At times it can be about freedom and not being tied down by the responsibilities of owning and maintaining a car. Above all the decision is a wallet-friendly one, especially for city dwellers who have to contend with parking.
Test drive the idea
While it may be tempting to just sell the damned thing immediately and wash your hands of all responsibility, it’s actually worth keeping hold of your car for a bit. Test-drive your new lifestyle, work through all the kinks for several months and wean yourself off the motor until you don’t touch it. At that point, you’re completely ready to let go and make a bit of money back in the process.
Public transport
If you live in an area with many methods of public transport then make good use of it. Research your local bus routes, tube stations or overground stations, bookmark your usual journey to work by train. Look into a monthly or periodic travel card as well as identifying cheap times of the day to travel.
Grab convenience by the horns
If you live in a city, chances are you already live within walking or biking distance to all your usual haunts, and maybe even your place of work. Bikes can be dangerous in area of high traffic but they can also get you where you want to quicker and much cheaper than if you were sat in your car getting frustrated over the traffic. There was a time when cars meant convenience but there are now many other ways of getting from A to B that are far less stressful. Cars only really come into their own for rural locations or longer impromptu trips.
Career change?
You could take things a step further by trying to find a more conveniently located job as many people often choose housing that is near their place of work. If it’s possible, you can avoid the commute altogether by working very near (or from) your home, so it’s worth looking into the possibility of telecommuting for a few days a week or staggering your hours to avoid sitting in slow-moving traffic.
Other two-wheeled options
If you can’t live without the sound of a motor and the smell of diesel in your nostrils, why not ditch the car for a scooter or motorcycle? These can be quick, enjoyable ways of getting around, but remember to get watertight insurance and root out motorbike accident advice before taking the plunge. You aren’t guaranteed to be in an accident, but the chances are greater. If you are unfortunate, find a reputable firm like injury lawyers4u for advice and representation.