Renovated School Bus Becomes Home for Family of 6 (PHOTOS)
Many of us talk about downsizing, about simplifying, about selling all our stuff and living in a tiny space. But could you really do it? The Nelson family did and they are a family of six. Parents Nina and Ian and their four kids bought an old school bus they called Skoolie and transformed it in the place they call home. Take look inside.
It took months to renovate Skoolie, but once completed it became one of the coolest homes on wheels. Plus, it allowed the Nelsons to travel all over the country in their mobile home. What an adventure!
Would you and your family be able to live in the space of Skoolie?
Image via Nina Nelson/Flickr
Gutting the bus
The bus was purchased in 2012, and it needed to be gutted to open up the 275 square feet of living space. Obviously, the 40-foot long bus needed everything. Their budget was $8,500 for the purchase and renovation of the bus, and they managed a near complete conversion for that amount.
Shalom Y'all
This really is a darling kitchen with a nod to Nina's blog Shalom Mama. The sign on the countertop reads "Shalom Y'all." When the stove isn't in use, the countertop extends over it for more space.
The Nelson family
Isaiah, Ella, Eva, Issac, and parents Ian and Nina in their home. They lived in Skoolie for one year -- they traveled and the kids were homeschooled (bus-schooled technically or should we say Skoolie-schooled?). What an incredible experience. The Nelsons had to find a stationary residence when Ian took a new job.
Nina shared that this adventure brought her family closer and they all spent more time outside -- which is exactly what we all need. She also said the downsizing helped with valuing the things she does have and of course, less to clean! Less to clean means more time outside and with the family.
They are now settled into a home and rent out Skoolie as a B&B. And of course it's on standby for when they want to take their next adventure on wheels.
Learn more about Nina at Shalom Mama.