Canada Couple Transforms Bus Into Apartment To Cut Down On Expenses

Inflation has led to an enormous rise in the cost of renting a house, making homeownership seem unattainable to people with limited means. As a result, people around the world are gravitating towards a simpler lifestyle and embracing minimalism. One such story is that of Mandy and her husband Ritomo, both 32. They are teachers from Japan and are residing in Canada. They took the initiative to construct their own living space by converting an old school bus into a cosy home for themselves and their dog, Oscar. They purchased the bus for Rs 15,000 and documented their progress on social media, revealing the entire process despite having no previous DIY experience.

They have been living inside the bus for three years now. During the pandemic, they both lost their jobs and realised they needed both income and housing. The place where they lived in Canada had a rent of up to Rs 1.8 lakh. Due to these circumstances, they purchased an old school bus and began customising it to suit their needs. Mandy expressed that completing the project required “a lot of sweat, blood, and tears.” They not only had to learn many tasks themselves but also relied on favours from their loved ones whenever possible. It took them approximately two years to fully renovate the bus, and they have now been living in it for three years. They ensured every comfort was addressed in the bus, from beds to toilets, and from kitchens to a solar panel that powers the bus.

What is remarkable is that neither of them had prior renovation experience, yet they designed most of the interior themselves, with assistance from friends and family. A cousin skilled in electrical work helped with wiring the bus. While their needs are largely met in the bus, bathing poses a challenge due to Canada’s cold climate — they cannot install an external water tank as it might freeze. Instead, they use a propane water heater and bathe outdoors in forested areas near the bus.

After spending considerable time in the bus, the couple has decided to sell it and purchase a smaller vehicle to convert into a home. They feel that navigating and parking a bus at various tourist spots can be challenging. They’ve opted for a van that is already partially renovated. They’ve listed their bus for sale at Rs 40 lakh and have posted photos of it on Facebook Marketplace.