Woman Spends $35K Renovating School Bus to Avoid Paying Rent (Exclusive)

Woman Converts School Bus into Home to Escape Rent Payments

A young woman has chosen a unique path to avoid the burden of rental payments by converting a mini school bus into a comfortable and mobile living space over a three-and-a-half-year renovation period. Danielle, a 26-year-old who preferred to keep her last name anonymous, shared her exclusive journey with PEOPLE, detailing her decision to lead a nomadic lifestyle while fulfilling her childhood dream of constant adventure.

Danielle’s desire to steer clear of the cycle of rent payments led her on a quest to find a suitable bus for her unconventional living arrangement. In September 2021, after graduating from college and still residing with her mother, she seized the opportunity to transform a mini school bus into a cosy home on wheels. Embracing the challenge of converting a bus into a liveable space, she set out to customise it according to her preferences, opting for a bus for its spaciousness and flexibility compared to traditional housing options.

The meticulous planning and execution of the renovation project saw Danielle investing between $25,000 and $35,000, inclusive of the bus purchase. Notable expenses included the acquisition and installation of solar panels for electricity, costing nearly $3,000, as well as the spray foam insulation kit, amounting to $900. Despite the hefty budget, Danielle persevered through the renovation process, executing around 85% of the work solo, with occasional assistance for unfamiliar tasks from acquaintances and hired hands.

The completion of the bus renovation in March 2025 marked the beginning of Danielle’s nomadic lifestyle, allowing her the freedom to travel and explore at her own pace. Utilising her previous experience in solar sales and supplementing her income with odd jobs, she now resides comfortably in her mobile abode, occasionally embarking on road trips with friends to share her unique way of life. While her family initially expressed concerns for her safety, they have since embraced and supported her unconventional living choices.

Adapting to life on the road, Danielle strategically parks her bus at various locations, including truck rest stops, Walmart parking lots, national parks, and campgrounds. She acknowledges the challenges of limited amenities typically found in traditional homes, such as the sourcing of water and waste disposal, emphasising the need for adaptability and resourcefulness when embracing a nomadic lifestyle. For Danielle, the key to navigating uncertainties lies in pursuing one’s dreams without letting fear hinder the pursuit of unconventional paths.

Despite the romanticised perception of nomadic living, Danielle stresses the importance of acknowledging the less glamorous aspects and conducting thorough research before embarking on a similar journey. Her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the willingness to break away from societal norms to carve out a life that aligns with personal values and aspirations. As she continues to embrace her mobile lifestyle, Danielle encourages others to seize opportunities, learn along the way, and not allow fear to impede the pursuit of unconventional dreams.