Walking with stuff: how to carry what you need

Carrying stuff is the most overstated walking barrier. Most things people assume require a car can be carried on foot with the right setup. For the rest, there are still good options. Here's what works.

1. A rolling cart is the unsung hero.

A folding utility cart (sometimes called a "granny cart") holds 50+ pounds of groceries, pulls easily on sidewalks, and folds flat at home. They cost $30-60 and have changed the game for plenty of car-free families. Ikea, Amazon, and most hardware stores carry them.

2. A backpack and a few foldable bags cover most everyday loads.

A backpack is hands-free and distributes weight; foldable bags tucked inside mean you're never caught short for a bigger haul. For groceries specifically, two reusable totes (one in each hand) carry weight more comfortably than one giant bag and let you rebalance as you go.

3. For loads beyond walking, an e-cargo bike covers the middle ground.

An e-cargo bike handles a Costco run, a beach-day load, a trip to the lumber yard — most of what people assume requires a car. You don't have to buy one to find out; see *What you can do with an e-cargo bike* for the rental and library options that let you try one for a weekend.

4. Use delivery for the truly bulky.

A 12-pack of paper towels or a case of sparkling water is more of a delivery problem than a walking or biking one. Most grocery stores in Greater Boston offer delivery, and one delivery a week handles what's left.

5. Schedule around it.

Two smaller walking trips a week often work better than one big haul. Smaller loads, more steps, less of a production.

Putting it together

A rolling cart, an e-cargo bike, and a delivery subscription cover almost any load people typically drive for.