Keely Smith, an experienced interior design expert and artist, highlights the importance of decluttering not just our living spaces, but also our lives. One significant choice she made in decluttering her life was going car-less. Smith believes that owning a car is expensive, with transportation costs easily consuming a large portion of our income. In the past, Smith spent over $500 each month on car-related expenses, which started to bother her as she constantly reevaluated and redesigned spaces.

Choosing to go car-less, Smith began using public transit more actively, despite the challenges she initially faced. However, the decision came with several benefits. She found that by using public transit, she felt more connected to the city’s vibrancy and felt inspired by the people and change in seasons. Carpooling with clients and suppliers not only saved costs but also fostered interesting conversations and stronger relationships. Additionally, utilizing HOV lanes saved her a significant amount of time.

Smith’s decision to go car-less was also driven by her desire to be more sustainably-minded. By reducing her environmental footprint, Smith felt that she was making a positive contribution to the planet. She emphasized that if more people made this choice, the collective impact would be significant. Furthermore, fewer miles on a vehicle result in longer-lasting cars, reducing production demand and waste.

While going car-less had its challenges, such as adjusting to planning trips in advance and relying on public transit, Smith believes that the benefits outweigh the growing pains. She advises others considering going car-less to evaluate their transportation needs, crunch the numbers to assess potential cost savings, research available public transit options, explore alternative transportation methods like biking or ridesharing, and consider any necessary lifestyle changes.

In conclusion, going car-less may be a viable option for some urban-dwellers, but it is essential to evaluate individual needs and considerations before making the decision. In suburban or rural areas, going car-less may not be practical. However, for those who can make the transition, it can lead to financial savings, a reduced environmental impact, and opportunities for personal growth and connection.

Sources: Home Stratosphere, GOBankingRates