A young couple named Chris and Kelly felt that their lives were headed down a path that didn’t appeal to them. “Although we were ways away from any permanent damage, we started to dread the idea of becoming stuck in the stuff-filled world of so many Americans drowning in debt,” their website says. So – they made a major change.
Chris and Kelly ditched traditional living, bought a bus for $5,500, and transformed it into their dream home for a total cost of around $15-17,000.
The ambitious couple started a website after taking on their bus conversion, and it’s aptly titled ‘Just Right Bus.’ They document their journey, as well as provide information on other fellow bus conversions.
“There were some that doubted us or questioned sanity but we had this to say to them: It may be too small for you, it may be too strange for you, it may be too much work for you, it may be too crazy for you. All we can say to that is, it’s Just Right for us,” they say on their site.
Chris, Kelly, and their two dogs live in 200-square-feet of living space that was completed with the help of family and friends.
The bus-turned-dream home features galley-style living. Upon entering the bus, you can see the living space that flows into the kitchen, the bathroom, and a bedroom in the rear. Windows alongside the length of the bus let in lots of natural light.
Opposite the sofa is a small dining table and workspace.
When asked if they needed a special driver’s license, the couple says that since it’s technically a motorhome, there are no special requirements. They also insure the bus just like any other vehicle or RV.
It took the couple around six months to complete the project, including the fully-functional kitchen.
To cook meals, Chris and Kelly have an alcohol burner stove with oven, butcher block countertops, and a full-size refrigerator. They also have an outdoor grill that they utilize when the weather permits.
Next to the kitchen is their one-of-a-kind trough tub.
“We have a water trough bathtub with a claw foot tub handheld shower nozzle which we use for sitting showers. You can read more about our trough including a pro and con list in this article,” they state on their website.
Their home can go fully off-the-grid, which means they have a composting toilet.
“We have designed our electrical system to allow for future solar power add-ons and hope to do this in the next few years. We also have a 70-gallon fresh water tank and water pump, an on-demand L10 Eccotemp hot water heater and use a composting toilet to eliminate black water,” the couple says about their eco-friendly capabilities.
The bus has closets on either side of the hallway, allowing for plenty of storage.
One of the closets features cubbies and shelves, while the other has a curtain rod for hanging clothing. For just two people, it’s really all the space the couple needs. The clothing closet could also be converted into a laundry room if they wanted, however, since they currently have access to one – it’s not needed.
In the rear of the school bus, you’ll find Chris and Kelly’s bright and welcoming bedroom.
“We never feel claustrophobic in the bus but we do get agitated if it’s messy. It’s a good incentive to keep it clean and clean up after every project. Also, we do get “cabin fever” if we spend too many days at home without going out into the world, but who doesn’t?”
Although the couple no longer lives in the bus permanently, they plan on keeping it for road trips around the country. Learn more about their inspiring project at Just Right Bus.
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