How to Manage Without a Car

It can be difficult to live without a vehicle, especially if you live in an area where public transportation is limited. Whether you are considering life without a car for financial, health or environmental reasons, it can be achieved with a few lifestyle changes that will lead to significant cost savings.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bicycle
• Taxi cabs
• Public transportation

1. Think about how you currently use your vehicle. Is it your ride to work? Do you rely on it for errands, weekend trips, entertainment and other uses?

2. Devise an alternate plan for each use you have listed. Figure out how you will get from point A to point B on a daily basis in each instance.

3. Stop using your car completely, keeping it as a backup as you test out this new lifestyle.

4. Walk, use public transportation, catch rides with friends, take cabs or ride a bicycle to get where you want to go.

5. Sell your car after a month or two, once you've determined that this new lifestyle is for you.

6. Opt to use your car less, but still keep it on hand, if you find there are some activities you absolutely require a car for.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are able to completely stop using your car, the savings will be tremendous. No car payment, insurance payment, gas or repair expenses will be in your future.
• Use the Internet to minimize errands such as paying pills and shopping.
• If necessary, consider moving to a more central location, or an area of denser population where it is often easier to live without a car.
• If you give up driving your car, you will also lose your insurance history. If you decide to drive again, you will incur the same higher costs as any new driver.