How to Become a One-Car Household

Part of the American Dream has been the idea of a two-car garage, and implied in that ideal is the fact that a couple or family would have at least two cars.

However, many couples and families are transitioning from multiple vehicles to just one for a variety of reasons, including financial, lifestyle (simplified logistics), work changes (remote work) and environmental benefits. 

Financial benefits of owning and using one car

• Lower monthly costs: Fewer car payments, insurance premiums, and registration fees.
• Reduced fuel costs: One vehicle means fewer fill-ups and less overall fuel consumption.
• Cheaper vehicle maintenance: Maintenance and repairs for one car cost significantly less than for multiple vehicles.
• Parking savings: Reduced need for parking permits, garage space, or metered parking each month.

Lifestyle benefits of a one-vehicle family

• Simplified life: Less to manage—fewer inspections, registrations, and responsibilities.
• More intentional planning: Encourages better coordination of schedules and errands.
• Healthier habits: With fewer options to drive, it encourages more walking or biking, which boosts physical activity.
• Less clutter: Frees up garage or driveway space for other uses. More space for kids to play inside and outside.

Work changes that benefit a one-car household

• Remote work: Fewer commutes mean less need for a second vehicle. Many couples and families can coordinate a shared use since one or both people are at home more often.
• Flexible or gig work: More people are working part-time or on a customized work schedule. Coordinating car use becomes easier when there’s not a rigid 9-to-5 work requirement.
• Sabbaticals or career breaks: With one or more people in a household temporarily out of the workforce, the need for more than one vehicle drops, opening the door for a cost-saving asset if the other vehicle is sold.

Environmental benefits of owning one car

•  Lower carbon footprint: Fewer emissions help reduce your household’s environmental impact.
• Less urban congestion: Contributing to less traffic and more efficient mobility.
• Encourages use of alternatives: More likely to walk, bike, or use public transportation.

Ready for one car only? Assess your needs

Are you thinking about becoming a one-car household? Whether you’re motivated by cost savings, environmental concerns, or lifestyle changes, transitioning from two vehicles to one is a big decision that requires thoughtful planning. 

Every household is different, so it’s important to assess your unique needs, routines, and available resources before making the switch. The following steps can help you evaluate whether a one-car lifestyle is a realistic, rewarding and the right choice for you and your family.

1. Evaluate daily routines and driving habits

Start by tracking your household’s typical weekly vehicle use—note who drives, where they go and what times of day the trips occur. Pay attention to any patterns, such as recurring errands or commutes that overlap and could potentially be combined. Consider how often both vehicles are used simultaneously and whether it’s feasible to manage with just one.

2. Identify non-negotiable transportation needs

Make a list of essential transportation needs that occur on a regular basis. This could include work commutes, school drop-offs, medical appointments and weekly errands like grocery shopping. Prioritize these trips by frequency and time sensitivity to understand which transportation obligations require reliable access to a vehicle.

3. Explore alternative transportation/Consider your home base

Evaluate public transit options in your area, such as buses, commuter trains or park-and-ride lots. If you're in an urban or suburban area, walking and biking might be realistic alternatives for short errands or commutes. 

Rideshare apps, car-sharing services like Zipcar or even e-bikes can also provide flexibility when a second car isn’t available. Your location will heavily influence what alternatives make sense—city dwellers may find car ownership less necessary, while rural residents may need more creative solutions.

4. Coordinate schedules as a couple or household

If you’re considering moving to one car, household coordination becomes essential. Try holding a weekly planning session to review everyone’s transportation needs and identify potential scheduling conflicts. Shared calendars, whether digital or physical, can help visualize who needs the car and when. In some cases, flexible work hours or shifting errands to off-peak times can make car sharing easier.

5. Trial period: Test out before you go all in

Before officially transitioning to a one-car household, consider doing a test run. Park one car for a week or two and rely solely on the remaining vehicle. Pay attention to any logistical issues, unexpected benefits, or moments of stress. This trial period can reveal whether downsizing to one car is truly manageable and highlight areas where alternative solutions or schedule changes may be needed.

Take our quiz to see if you're ready to be a one-car household

The quiz below will give you an idea of where you and your family or partner stand when it comes to the idea of being a one-car household.

You’ve decided! Transition with confidence

No matter your stage of life, transitioning to a one-car household is easier with the right strategies in place. Here are helpful tips tailored for young couples, older adults and families alike:

• Coordinate schedules using shared digital calendars to minimize conflicts and make the most of your vehicle.
• Leverage alternative transportation such as biking, walking, ridesharing, or public transit for local trips and commutes.
• Make the most of remote work or hybrid work arrangements to reduce the need for daily driving.
• Carpool with friends, neighbors, or coworkers for events, school drop-offs or errands.
• Combine errands and appointments into fewer trips to maximize efficiency, especially helpful for older adults or busy families.
• Take advantage of delivery services like groceries or meal kits to reduce time on the road.

With thoughtful planning, a one-car household can lead to lower costs, greater simplicity and a meaningful environmental impact. Many families find that life becomes not only manageable but also more intentional and rewarding with fewer cars to maintain. Make the leap and enjoy the freedom of driving less!