If you live in California, you know that your commute to and from work can often be the most challenging part of your day. Sitting in traffic is stressful and it takes away from time that you could be doing other things. Commuting is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. Depending upon where in California that you live, your commute times may vary from city to city. There are things that you can do both in the long term and the short term in order to keep your commute time to a minimum.
Look At Your Options
You should first ask yourself if you really need to drive to work. Many cities have decent public transportation that allow you to save money on gas and car expenses. Using public transport allows you to relax, get ready for the work day, and focus on anything other than driving while you get to and from work.
Maybe your work has a carpool program, or you could start one. There are plenty of creative ways to get around your commute. If your office offers an opportunity for workers to get the job done at home a few days a week, this can also take the curse off of your commute.
If you find that you still need to drive to work, be sure that you keep your car in good working order. It will only add to your stress if your car breaks down or is always on the verge of collapse. Get your car serviced regularly. If you feel something is off with the vehicle, get it to the mechanic promptly.
There’s also nothing worse than driving a commute that you dislike in a car that’s less than reliable. Comfort is also important in your vehicle the longer your commute is. You don’t want to be spending two plus hours in a car per day only to be feeling uncomfortable in your car. If you can afford it, consider upgrading a dated vehicle.
No matter what kind of car you drive, it’s also important to keep your vehicle clean. There’s nothing more stressful than clutter. The same way that junk in our homes can stress us out, clutter in our cars can cause undue stress as well.
If All Else Fails, Move
If you have run out of options and are frustrated with your work commute, it may be time to consider moving closer to work for your convenience and sanity. It may cost you a bit more to move depending on the neighborhoods that you’re looking at, but it could be worth the price. If you can save hours a week on your commute time by moving closer to work and are able to search, it’s time to call your California real estate agent. They can help you find a home that will cut your commute time that falls within your budget. Don’t waste any more time commuting further than you have to, make your move soon!
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