I’m scared. Over the last two or three weeks, I’ve been biking everywhere — sort of as a test. I barely drove my car over the last three weeks, and most of the driving could’ve been avoided. It was clear: I needed to sell my car. Today, I say goodbye to “Blue Blazer.” Yes, my slick coupe is going into safe hands, but parting ways never feels easy.
See, even though I’m on this frugal journey, I feel frightened to say goodbye to my car. It’s a total extra and creature comfort in my city, but it’s hard letting go. A bunch of what if questions seep into my head. What if I need a car? What if I need to get somewhere fast? What if…?
Today, we part ways like old friends. Ol’ Blue brought me to Iowa safely when I moved. We saw a few girlfriends and took great road trips. There’s history between us. In a weird, consumeristic way, a car is comparable to a relationship. When you spend years with something, it’s hard not to feel attached (even if you cannot communicate with that inanimate object).
Well, in a couple hours, I hand over the keys. It’ll be bittersweet. Many good memories. I’ll miss the wild independence that comes with the possibility to jump in my car and drive off to… Wherever. The idea of a momentary craziness where I just drive off into the sunset must fade; at least, for a little while.
There’s a cliche that every goodbye is a new beginning. That’s helped me part ways with my car. See, selling my car opens me up to new opportunities. I’m officially joining the sharing economy.
Essentially, the sharing economy asserts that we no longer need to be burdened with individual ownership. Rather, people can come together and share what they have. Everyone won’t need a car, drill, ladder, or lawn mower. Everything from RelayRides, ZipCar, Airbnb, TaskRabbit, Craigslist, and CouchSurfing offer the ability to share with others. Everything is more affordable this way.
Without a car, I’ll be entering a new world where I’ll need to rely on the sharers — corporate or personal. But American society emphasizes a fierce independence and control — one without reliance on others. That always seems to be the end goal for wealth, too. Make enough money and you’ll never need to rely on another person — you can own whatever you need. Buy the house, fill the garage, park the two cars out front. That’s not going to be my life.
For all my concerns and worries, there’s an excitement for the unknown. I don’t know what it will feel like to be without a car — maybe a little naked at first. But I do know I’ll stay out of lengthy DMV lines, stop worrying about insurance, depreciation, and completely remove my gas expenditures.
As much as I worry about losing my freedom by not having a car, I’m now freed to save, travel, and stay out of debt.
I couldn’t be happier.
I never in my life had a drivers licence. I am so extremely happy I live in the Netherlands.
That’s fantastic! I’ve been biking everywhere for the past 1.5 years except when I go home (100 miles away). If it wasn’t for that, I would likely be right there with you.
I don’t own a car and probably never will. To begin with, I don’t know how to drive. Be that as it may, I get to places (fast when needed or slow as the time permits) through available public transportation — and by using my bike! Yes, you will get by too and will be healthier and fitter too. Yay!
Yeah for carsharing! (I helped found Hourcar in the Twin Cities, Minnesota and a small carshare co-op in the community where I live now.)
Great choice that I fully support. In one year from now you will likely be more in shape, with an heavier pocket and (I wish you) much more happier and relaxed.
Good luck with this transition! I look forward to hearing about how it goes.
Congratulations, Sam! I would LOVE to sell my car and bike everywhere. I’ve been told that I need to bite the bullet and get a better bike, though. My vintage Schwinn cruiser isn’t much of a road bike and make the commute to work take way longer than it should.
You see, Sam? There is a whole world of support for what you’re doing. We’ll look out for the ol’ blue blazer!
I wish we could get rid of our van. I used to love to drive. I used to love long road trips. Such freedom. But life changes, and I just don’t have that passion anymore. If it wasn’t for my husband’s job, I think it would be gone. He uses it to haul furnaces and air conditioners. There’s no other way. My son, however, got rid of his car when we moved into the city, and he couldn’t be happier. He walks everywhere. Miles and miles each week. He loves not having to maintain a car, gas up the car, the DMV lines – all the things you look forward to ditching. Now that is true freedom! Happy trails to you Sam! 🙂
I think that’s great, Sam! I tried to pitch that idea to my husband the other day, going down to one car and he wasn’t a fan. He has memories of driving me to work everyday for 1.5 years. Gee, I thought it was quality chat time – go figure! I’ll keep working on him. I’ve been working from home a lot lately so it really makes me wonder if we need the second car.
Wow, kudos to you! This is a big step and I look forward to hearing about your experience with the sharing economy. I love the concept but I’m afraid I’m too independent — relying on someone else for transportation makes me anxious. I also live about 10 miles outside the city and the bike lanes are not wide enough for me to feel safe. If I lived in the city, I’d like to think I’d bike more to get around. Also, I totally understand the bittersweetness you feel toward your car. I totaled my Saturn en route to my husband’s house in NM and cried when we left it for good. So many memories!
Car sharing is great! We use it as a second car – we only need it a few times a year, but it is so helpful to have it!
I haven’t owned a car since 2011. I didn’t realized how easy it is to get around. There is definitely some adjustments to be made but my life hasn’t been as negatively impacted as I originally thought. Good luck and excited to see how you continue on this journey.
Jason,
That’s really inspirational! Thanks for sharing your words of encouragement. So far so good! Had some phantom car syndrome — thought I could just ride somewhere — but otherwise I’m feeling pretty good. 🙂
Sam