INSIDERINSIDER
The writer in a selfie wearing a red hat with her partner behind her holding a coffee mug and the interior of their bus home with gray benches, wooden walls, and white cabinets
Pooja and Kumar converted a school bus into a home and have traveled across the country since 2021.Pooja Shah
  • The couple transformed a school bus into a home after they lost their jobs.

  • Plumbing, solar power, wiring, and water tanks were incorporated into the bus.

  • They have traveled to more than 10 different states and worked from their bus.

The idea to convert and live in a school bus was sparked when Kumar and Pooja decided to look for alternative living arrangements after their corporate workplace went remote.

Kumar said that they used to travel two hours each way from their local area to change things up. How can we keep going?

The couple bought a bus and began their journey across the US.

They chose a bus for its affordability and overall safety

A green bus on a gravel road with mountain range in the background
The coupled passed on an RV for a more affordable school bus.Pooja Shah

A friend who owned a bus helped the couple research and purchase their own vehicle.

The couple said their bus cost about $10,000, plus additional spending to build the necessary requirements and personalize it, and it can range from $35,000 to $300,000.

We wanted something that could be tailored to our needs and we can also be off-grid with our solar system, but it was not possible with current RVs.

Proper planning and preparation can make a school bus safer.

School buses are made of steel and laminated glass and have windows. The fiberglass cover and aluminum frame of a typical RV are less durable than other materials.

The couple put a lot of thought and deliberation into transforming their mobile home

Front area of bus with doors open, black driver's seat, and black steering wheel
Front area of bus with doors open, black driver's seat, and black steering wheel
The two wanted their new home to be functional but still have some homey touches.Pooja Shah

After purchasing a bus and giving up their apartment,Kumar andPooja spent weeks transforming the vehicle into a sustainable mobile home.

Wooden shelves and drawers and black refrigerator with view of white cabinets and driver's area in front of businside redesigned school bus
The couple spent months planning how they would transform the bus into their dream home.Pooja Shah

Kumar told Insider that they were in a bit of shock after making the purchase.

Inside of re-designed bus with gray seating, wood panelling, green curtains, and white ceiling
Pooja made sure to incorporate touches like curtains and decorations into the school bus.Pooja Shah

With the functional aspects out of the way, the next step was to make it feel like home with lighting, curtains, pictures of friends and family, sentimental frames, and candles.

They started their journey without a plan but ended up in beautiful locations

School bus on road with carved out tunnel on side of mountain in background
School bus on road with carved out tunnel on side of mountain in background
The couple has traveled across the US for almost a year.Pooja Shah

They began their journey in June 2021.

They have visited Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, and North California.

A woman sits in front driver's eat of school bus and smiles with blue sky and desert area in background
Between the two of them, Pooja does most of the driving.Pooja Shah

She has driven over 7,000 miles on this journey, and it was always her goal to be the sole driver.

Green school bus next to giant redwood trees in forest
The couple is currently living in California.Pooja Shah

The couple said they wear masks around others while traveling during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The couple redefined the term 'work-life balance'

Inside of redesigned bus with gray seating, wood panelling, and white ceiling
Inside of redesigned bus with gray seating, wood panelling, and white ceiling
The two have remote jobs, so they work from their bus.Pooja Shah

They learned how to balance their careers and exploration time.

Kumar said they make sure to line up their work hours. We arrange key travel days and keep certain times during the day open to enjoy where we are, whether it is a long lunch break or getting up very early before work to get a hike in.

Man sits on top of green school bus with built-on ladder on left side of bus
Kumar emphasizes the need for a work-life balance in which the couple can do their jobs but still have time to enjoy nature.Pooja Shah

Kumar said a key part of working from the road is always having three internet options. They try to find out where they can work in advance.

The couple doesn't yet have an end date for their journey, but are aware of when their bodies or schedules require them to slow down or change course.

They said their goal is to wake up in places they have dreamed of.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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