When people imagine life in a converted school bus, they often picture compromise—tight quarters, rough finishes, and a temporary way of living. But the reality, as these three Skoolies show, can be something very different. With time, intention, and a clear sense of what “home” really means, a bus can become a deeply comfortable, highly personal space that supports long-term living on the road.
Ahead, we’re revisiting three Skoolie conversions previously featured on Living in a Shoebox. Each one takes a distinct approach, shaped by different budgets, timelines, and life goals, yet all arrive at the same conclusion: mobile living doesn’t have to mean settling. From a professionally built, house-like interior to a resourceful DIY build made largely from reclaimed materials, these buses prove that life on wheels can be thoughtful, durable, and genuinely livable.
Jonathan’s Luxurious Mobile Home
Jonathan Perera’s bus conversion began in early 2020, when he purchased a flat-nose Bluebird school bus in Florida for $7,000. With minimal rust and a rare combination of a 36-foot length and short wheelbase, it offered an ideal foundation for a long-term home on wheels. Rather than converting it alone, Jonathan partnered with professional bus builders at Skoolie.com in North Carolina, with the build starting in January 2020.
Just months into the project, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and drove up material costs, stretching what was meant to be an eight-month build into a two-year process. While challenging, the delays gave Jonathan time to refine his vision, drawing inspiration from travel experiences, personal heritage, and a desire to create a home that felt permanent rather than temporary.
The transformation was extensive. The interior was stripped back, the roof was cut off and raised by 20 inches, and all original windows were replaced. New steel walls, framing, and insulation turned the bus into a solid, house-like shell, finished with arched hallways, exposed beams, and warm, earthy materials inspired by places Jonathan had stayed, including a villa on Holbox Island.
Today, the bus is a fully functional off-grid home, with a full-size kitchen, flexible guest seating, a split bathroom, and a lofted bedroom with integrated storage. Heated floors, a wood stove, and solar power make it comfortable year-round. Now lived in full-time, the bus reflects a patient, collaborative build process and a deeply personal approach to life on the road. Take the full tour of Jonathan Perera’s stunning home on wheels.
A Clever School Bus Home Built With Reclaimed Materials
After spending six months converting a retired school bus into a home on wheels, Tanya Nestoruk and Arya Touserkani set off to explore the United States, Canada, and Mexico in a space they built together from the ground up. Already experienced in life on the road after traveling and working remotely from a 55-square-foot van, the couple knew they loved the lifestyle—but wanted more room to live comfortably.
Their search led them to a 2003 International school bus in Vancouver, purchased for $7,200 as it was being retired from service. From the start, Tanya, an environmental educator, and Arya, a photographer, committed to building their 215-square-foot Skoolie using recycled and secondhand materials wherever possible. They funded much of the build by selling everything they removed from the bus, from seats and luggage racks to scrap metal and wood, while sourcing appliances and fixtures through Facebook Marketplace.
The process was challenging and, at times, overwhelming. When money ran out, they took on extra work and relied on help from friends and family. After gutting the bus, raising sections of the roof for skylights, insulating the shell, and rebuilding the interior, the project finally came together.
Finished in November 2022 at a total cost of around $40,000, their Skoolie is now a bright, functional, and thoughtfully designed home that supports full-time travel—proof that persistence, creativity, and resourcefulness can turn a simple school bus into a life on the road.
Take the full tour of Tanya Nestoruk and Arya Touserkani’s stunning home
This Boho School Bus Was Built on a $45K Budget
Allison and Nick knew they wanted to live a tiny, travel-focused lifestyle long before they left college. Drawn to freedom from traditional nine-to-five routines, the Colorado couple spent years saving, researching, and attending tiny house festivals to be sure it was the right path. Then, after watching Expedition Happiness, they made a bold move—placing a $5,000 bid on a 40-foot 2006 International school bus the very same night. They won, and their plans quickly shifted from someday to now.
With limited help and a lot of determination, Allison and Nick spent the next two and a half years converting the bus themselves to suit life on the road with their two dogs. Working largely hands-on and on a tight budget, they completed the build for around $45,000. Along the way, the project reshaped how they live, pushing them toward debt-free, lower-impact living and a greater focus on simplicity and intention.
Today, the finished bus reflects that mindset. The interior balances comfort and practicality, with defined living zones, dedicated workspaces, and a spacious bathroom—features that make full-time living not just possible, but enjoyable. A wood-burning stove anchors the space, while thoughtful storage solutions and flexible furniture support everyday life on the move.
Now living full-time in their converted school bus, Allison and Nick enjoy the freedom they once dreamed about in college. Their home on wheels is the result of patience, persistence, and a shared commitment to designing a life that prioritizes time, mobility, and independence over square footage.
Take a full tour of Allison and Nick’s Bus Conversion