Fueled by a desire to escape rent payments and embrace adventure, one woman traded traditional housing for life on the open road, transforming a school bus into a fully renovated home.

Danielle, who asked that her last name be withheld, recalls nurturing the dream of a nomadic lifestyle since childhood. “I hadn’t moved out yet because I didn’t want to get caught in the cycle of paying rent,”.

By May 2021, fresh out of college and still living with her mother, Danielle was determined to find a way to pursue her lifelong dream without being tethered to conventional housing expenses. Her solution: a school bus she could convert into a cozy, mobile home.

After months of searching, she discovered the perfect mini school bus in September 2021, launching a three-and-a-half-year renovation project that would cost $35,000 and transform the vehicle into a fully functional home on whe

“I knew that if I were going to live in a vehicle, I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible,” the 26-year-old Danielle explains. “That’s why I chose a bus—it offers more space than a van and more opportunities to customize it exactly how I wanted, compared with an RV.”

She specifically sought a shorter bus to reduce conversion time and costs, while improving drivability. Danielle also prioritized a vehicle with fewer than 200,000 miles and a straight roof, which would simplify the interior build and provide a flat surface perfect for stargazing.

“I ended up spending somewhere between $25,000 and $35,000 on the renovation, including the cost of the bus,” she reveals. Among the largest expenses were solar panels for electricity, which cost nearly $3,000 for materials and installation.

“The second most expensive element was the spray foam insulation,” Danielle adds. “I installed it myself, but the kit alone cost $900.”

Danielle renovating a school bus into a home.@dani.danielion/tiktok

Danielle tackled the bulk of the conversion herself, estimating that she completed roughly 85% of the work independently.

For tasks outside her expertise—like removing the bus seats—she enlisted outside help. “I didn’t know where to begin,” she admits. A friend assisted sporadically with demolition, but when it came to installing the solar panels, Danielle turned to a handyman she found on Craigslist, named Marco.

During periods of burnout, she would bring Marco in once a week or every other week for about five months. After that, Danielle managed the remainder of the renovation entirely on her own.

Danielle completed the bus conversion in March 2025 and has been living comfortably on the road for the past five months.

“My friends think it’s a really cool lifestyle. I’ve taken a few trips with them in the bus,” she shares. “My family initially thought it was just a phase until I actually bought the bus. Now, they’re very proud, though still a little concerned about safety.”

Previously employed in solar sales, Danielle is currently living off her savings while taking on occasional odd jobs. Ultimately, she hopes to secure a remote position that would offer her even greater freedom on the road.

Danielle’s kitchen and bathroom.

While life on the road has suited Danielle so far, she stresses that living in a bus isn’t for everyone.

“Anyone considering a nomadic lifestyle—or even living stationary in a bus—has to be comfortable without all the luxuries of a traditional home,” she explains. “That includes tasks like sourcing your own water and managing waste.”

When traveling, Danielle typically parks at truck stops, Walmart lots, national parks, or campgrounds. She notes that her bus is better suited for colder climates, so during hot seasons, she moves to cooler areas to stay comfortable.

Danielle renovating a school bus into a home.

“This lifestyle is for someone who is comfortable with change and accepting that things don’t always go as planned,” Danielle adds. “People often see the romanticized version, but it’s important to understand the less glamorous aspects and decide if this way of life truly suits you.”

Despite the challenges, she encourages others not to let uncertainty hold them back. “I learned everything along the way. Don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your dreams,” Danielle says.