Home is Where Your Car Is

The sunrise driving home to Ohio from Indianapolis, IN (taken January of 2016).

Years ago, I moved to Minnesota from Ohio. I grew up there and called it home for over 20 years. My wife on the other hand grew up in Minnesota. After meeting her, being in a long-distance relationship for 2 years, I proposed. At that point, I made the bittersweet decision to leave Ohio and make my residence in Minnesota. Is this a love story? Well, sure, but it's not the point. Let's back up a bit.

During my mid-teens my Dad let me drive his 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. I wasn't the only kid in my family driving, but you could say that car was "designated" as "Zech's car." A couple years after driving it, I wanted something better and so bought a car of my own--a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta--and I LOVED it. I drove it for 3 years to and from work, church, and through the rest of college. I took naps, ate lunches, dinners, had late-night phone-calls with my girlfriend (now wife), cried, and road-tripped in it. All that to say, it saw me through a lot, and it became my version of "Man's best friend." It became an extension of my physical home, my home away from home--my 2nd home. 

So, when I moved to Minnesota years ago, I took a piece of my home in Ohio with me--and little did I know--I needed that. I believe it helped me adjust to my new life 750 miles away from where I grew up.

Maybe you've had something that has brought you comfort in the past, or currently does. Maybe your car right now means more to you than you realize, or maybe you're shopping around for the right fit. I'm here to tell you that, yes, cars can be your home away from home--and that's a good thing! I for one, love home, so being able to take a piece of home with me every day to say, work, or an errand, or activity--it's reassuring. Because have you ever sat down in your car after a rough day at work, just to take a deep breath and reset your mind? Or have you ever taken a nap in your car? Your car is a place of comfort, security, and peace. Hopefully that’s what your home is too. And your car is your home away from home.

Or think about it this way—your car is an extension of your house. Your car takes you almost everywhere you or your family need or want to go along with your belongings. Your car transports you and your loved ones safely to your destination with some of your creature comforts from home that you don’t want to go without. You just drove off with a piece of your home, something that is always at home when you are.

What else is there that can do all those things and feel like home away from home? I can’t think of anything.

What’s my point in ALL of this?

Drive a car that feels like home. If you can swing it in the budget when you’re car shopping, buy a few luxuries, things that help you enjoy your car even more and make it feel like home.

Like what? Maybe it’s Apple CarPlay, push-button-start/keyless entry, or memory seats if you share a car with someone. Or maybe it’s having adaptive cruise, auto-brake hold, or remote start. If it’s going to make your life easier, you love having that feature or it makes you feel safer, do your best to buy a car that has that.

Remember, you’re likely going to drive this car for years to come—you want to feel physically safe and comfortable—as if you were still at home. A car may not be a financial investment eventually gaining value, but it’s a different kind of life investment that you should give A LOT of thought to before buying just anything.

Not sure what things you should consider for your next car? We have a guide that will help you with just that. Check it out and see how it will help you.

Do you have a car from the past that meant a lot to you? What was it? What are you looking for in your next car? We'd love to hear about it! Comment below.

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