A WOMAN has given a glimpse into her life in a converted school bus which she transformed into a cozy home for her and her cat.
Van lifer Renae shared her story with Bob from the CheapRVLiving YouTube channel, including how she saved big on the build by doing most of it herself.
YouTubeVan lifer Renae has been on the road for around a year and a half[/caption]
YouTubeShe spent 11 months transforming her school bus, named Gladys, into a mobile home[/caption]
Renae introduced viewers to her beloved bus “Gladys”, which she has lived in for about a year and a half following an 11-month conversion process.
She revealed that the bus was named for one of her grandmothers, while her other grandma is represented by a sign reading “Joni’s roadhouse” inside.
This was a particularly meaningful tribute as Renae credited grandma Joni with instilling the love of camping and the outdoors in her as a young girl.
Discussing the cost of making the move to the van life, Renae explained that she managed to pick up Gladys for just £4,700 before getting to work transforming it.
She added: “I actually thought that I might want a tiny home, but I couldn’t afford one.
“Schoolies were less expensive than vans and I didn’t want an RV.
“I wanted something that was unique to me.
“[People] asked why I didn’t just get an RV, but it’s just not personal. It’s not fun.”
A short video tour of the van revealed several mod cons, including a wood-burning fireplace which Renae said was essential to making the bus feel like a home.
The main body of the bus was filled on one side by a large sofa and on the other by a spacious kitchen unit, including a working sink, fridge, gas hob and even a spice rack.
The rear portion had been converted into a bedroom, with a king-sized mattress wedged in.
A rainbow-coloured hammock at the other end of the vehicle provided an alternative sleeping option in a pinch.
The front end was largely preserved, allowing Renae to take her home on the road whenever she likes – it even has cruise control.
And Renae made sure to install cat beds hanging in cages outside a window on each side to allow her beloved pet to catch some sun before coming inside to sleep at night.
Social media commenters loved the unique home, with one calling it “very impressive”.
Another added: “What a great build, Renae. I love all the design elements and repurposed items you’ve incorporated to make a homey, personalized space.”
And a third said: “By far my favourite bus build.”
YouTubeInside, she has a fully stocked kitchen unit, king-sized bed and large sofa[/caption]
YouTubeThere’s even a special space made for her beloved cat[/caption]