Like many families juggling hectic schedules, maintaining a semblance of order requires significant logistical coordination. Just picture it: one child has soccer practice while another is invited to a birthday bash clear across town. My partner might need a few hours to catch up on work, while I’m trying to squeeze in a lunch date with a friend. We each have a long list of errands to tackle, not to mention the incessant mountain of laundry. Seriously, the laundry!
The days of leisurely weekend brunches and afternoon naps are long gone. We’re busier than ever—just like everyone else. Adding to the chaos of our already hectic weekends is our decision to rely on a single vehicle.
Our choice to maintain just one car stems from both necessity and intention. We’ve always had just one car, and it rarely posed a challenge—especially during our time in the city, where owning a vehicle felt more like a burden. Parking was a nightmare, traffic was unbearable, and driving often left me frustrated. Sticking to one car seemed like a no-brainer.
However, as our children, now ages 7 and 9, have begun to develop their own social lives and activities, things have become slightly more complicated. We’ve moved to the suburbs, where my husband commutes by train, and my work-at-home schedule simply involves a stroll from my bed to my desk. But there are still bumps in the road.
One of us may travel for work while the other juggles kid transportation duties. Our younger son’s baseball game may coincide with his older brother’s event. Plus, there are those times when our aging minivan needs repairs, leaving us temporarily without wheels.
Occasionally, my husband will suggest that it might be time to add another vehicle to our family. “Maybe we should think about getting another car…” he’ll begin, but I swiftly interrupt with a definitive “Absolutely not!”
I won’t lie; the temptation can be strong. Coordinating carpools can be a headache, and we often find ourselves calling in favors just to get everyone where they need to be. It’s frustrating to spend more time planning logistics than actually enjoying the activities. Plus, the envy creeps in when a neighbor drives home in a shiny new SUV or someone posts a photo of their latest birthday gift—a glossy black Jeep.
But here’s the thing: I’m not particularly fond of cars. Where some see sleek machines or status symbols, I view them as massive metal boxes that drain our finances and time. I can barely keep up with maintaining the car we do own, so why would I want to take on another?
Cars are exorbitantly expensive. Beyond the monthly payment—which can easily soar into the hundreds—there are costs for gas, insurance, parking, and depreciation. According to a study by AAA, the average cost of owning a minivan is around $535 monthly, with sedans being slightly less and SUVs a bit more. That’s a significant chunk of change I’d prefer to allocate towards home décor, new shoes, or even contributing to my kids’ educational funds if I’m feeling generous.
Moreover, cars are a hassle. As I mentioned, I’m not a fan. They require gas, regular maintenance, and constant upkeep. Driving around in our ancient minivan—thankfully paid off—takes the pressure off keeping it spotless. I’d rather not nag my kids about muddy shoes or clutter from fast food meals. They already leave enough mess around the house.
Then there’s the environmental impact. Cars are not only costly and burdensome; they also contribute to significant air pollution. Traditional vehicles are responsible for about one-third of the U.S. air pollution, and the gasoline they consume causes various environmental issues, from ecosystem damage during extraction to the risks involved in transporting oil globally.
I understand that for some families, having multiple cars may be a necessity or a luxury worth the expense. However, that’s not the case for us—at least not right now. We make it work by carpooling, walking, biking, and taking public transportation. We often opt for Uber or car rentals when one of us needs to reach the airport.
Being a one-car family suits us well. It saves us money, creates more space in our garage (not that there’s much to spare with our single-car setup), and allows us to contribute positively to the environment (climate change is a serious issue).
Though many may favor three-car garages and extra vehicles, I’m committed to sticking with our trusty old minivan, which carries the lingering scents of coffee, snacks, and, yes, a bit of foot odor.
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In summary, embracing the one-car lifestyle isn’t just feasible; it can be rewarding, both financially and environmentally. It requires coordination and creativity, but it’s a choice that works for us and helps us navigate our busy lives with a bit of sanity intact.