DIY bus home lets renter dodge rising rents, go mobile and live rent-free on the road

A woman has turned a yellow school bus into a fully functional mobile home and is living rent-free on the road after purchasing the bus on Facebook Marketplace and completing a lengthy DIY renovation.

Dani Danielion spent months searching for the right bus to convert and spent more than three years on the project, stripping out the interior to create a blank space for her design. She laid out a floor plan with her double bed at the back and a kitchen and bathroom behind the driver’s seat. The kitchen houses an induction hob, a sink, a fridge, and cupboards, while the bathroom includes a shower and a hidden toilet. The goal was to create a home that felt cozy yet practical, with fairy lights around the bed and a skylight to make stargazing part of daily life. Solar panels were installed on the roof to provide energy wherever she travels, and a DIY spray-foam insulation keeps the interior warm in winter. The renovation was done largely by Danielion herself, and after three years she says she now lives comfortably on the road in her dream home.

Danielion documented the transformation in a series of TikTok posts, which have amassed millions of views and likes. A video highlighting the build has drawn significant attention, and viewers have filled the comments with praise for her expertise. “Okay, miss architect, engineer, electrician, plumber, and interior decorator you did that!!!” one commenter wrote, while another asked, “Damn girl, what can’t you do?” The online response reflects a growing interest in vehicle-based livability and DIY renovations, though Danielion emphasizes the project was driven by practicality as much as aesthetics.

The bus turn is part of a broader trend in which people seek more affordable, flexible housing options as rent costs rise in many markets. Danielion’s experience showcases how a blank canvas can be repurposed into a livable space with off-grid capabilities, including solar energy and insulation that helps maintain a comfortable temperature regardless of location. Her experience also underscores the mounting popularity of DIY, self-built homes that can be relocated as needed, providing a portable solution for those looking to reduce housing expenses or embrace travel without a traditional lease.

Danielion’s narrative has drawn attention beyond the design details. She has framed the project as a practical solution that enables mobility and independence: a way to live comfortably while avoiding rent obligations and staying self-reliant on energy. Her story also highlights the creative possibilities of tiny-house living, where interior spaces are reimagined to maximize function within a compact footprint. The TikTok series continues to resonate with viewers who admire the level of planning and execution that went into the build, including the meticulous approach to insulation, energy supply, and durable, space-saving design.

As Danielion travels the country in her yellow bus, she has become a recognizable figure in DIY culture, described by some fans as the “Mrs. Frizzle of DIY” for turning a traditional school bus into a modern, livable home. The project illustrates how digital platforms can amplify niche home-renovation efforts and bring broader attention to creative, off-grid living. While not everyone may pursue a similar path, Danielion’s experience provides insight into the practicalities and potential rewards of long-term, self-driven home projects, as well as the realities of maintaining a mobile residence on the road.