Transforming a School Bus into a Cozy Home

Christine Saldana and Kathy Mariscal have embarked on a unique lifestyle, converting a vintage school bus into their permanent residence, affectionately named “Adelita.” This remarkable transformation showcases how to blend modern style with comfort in a surprisingly spacious setting.

The Journey to a Mobile Home

While planning their wedding and the purchase of their first home, Christine and Kathy recognized that rent was their largest monthly expense, totaling $4500 across two apartments. Instead of maintaining this financial burden, they decided to streamline their living situation by moving into one apartment and exploring bus options for a home. “We purchased Adelita for $7500 and began to remove all the seats. We hired a general contractor to build our plumbing, electrical and water systems, framing walls, propane gas lines, and all necessary infrastructure,” Kathy shared.

Transforming Adelita

The initial transformation phase took six weeks, while the couple worked with a custom furniture company to install the interior features. The total project cost reached $50,000 once completed. Now, they reside in Houston, Texas, where their monthly expenses total $800. “We relocated from Los Angeles due to my job transfer. Since we now lot-dock, we found a fantastic RV resort in Houston that offers excellent amenities. It honestly feels like we live in an apartment building, but we return to our own home on wheels. We maintain our normal lives in a tiny home,” Kathy added.

Advice for Aspiring Tiny Home Movers

For those considering a similar lifestyle change, Kathy emphasizes the importance of upfront planning. “Research is critical. Understand what you want from your conversion—will you travel full-time, or are you aiming for tiny home living? Based on your specific needs, design your bus around that. Our goal was to live full-time but not constantly travel, as both of us hold full-time jobs. Therefore, our floor plan was meticulously crafted to meet our needs. We wanted a space that felt like a house, even while living in a bus. Throughout the process, positive thinking and manifestation played crucial roles. Whenever we faced obstacles, we confronted them head-on and found solutions.”

Adventures on the Road

After relocating, Christine and Kathy took a seven-day scenic road trip, exploring Arizona and New Mexico before arriving in Texas. “We spent delightful moments at Picacho State Park and White Sands National Park. Traveling was an exciting experience! We eagerly anticipate taking time off work this summer to visit more national parks. Looking toward the future, we plan to live on the bus until we purchase our own home. We have no intention of parting with Adelita; it will always be our ‘first home,’ and we look forward to enjoying retirement on the road. Adelita will be both our first and last home.”