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    Categories: DIY

Six-Person Family Converts Old School Bus Into Home


Tiny-homes are trending all over the globe. It makes sense. Comfortable living in an efficient, convenient, and affordable space? Yes, please.

People from all walks of life are learning to appreciate the simplicity that small-space living brings, particularly regarding their quality of life.

One thing most tiny-homes don’t do, though, is travel.

One family believed they could change that, and embark with their home on the journey of a lifetime!

Source: Simply B Photos/Amy Earle

Meet the Earle family! The lively clan that decided they wanted to have the best of both worlds and made it happen with the purchase of a big blue bus!

After finding out he would be unemployed for 6 months while transitioning from the Coast Guard to the Air National Guard, Jake Earle decided he wanted to spend that time traveling with his family.

He also wanted to bring their home with them.

Talk about having your work cut out for you!

Source: Simply B Photos/Amy Earle

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The Earle’s had precisely one week to get their bus in a livable condition before they had to embark on their 5,000-mile trek from Florida to Canada.

That included gutting the bus of its outdated seats covered in black, blue and purple fabric, and replacing them with comfortable wrap-around seating.

After all, you’ll need a lot of leg room when you’re creating a living space on a bus for SIX people!

In the end, the Earle tribe really proves what a little forward thinking and a lot of hard work can accomplish in just a small amount of time.

Source: Simply B Photos/Amy Earle

The white interior of the bus combined with the light that pours in from the 25 windows running all around it creates an incredibly open, spacious feel.

The navy blue and hints of fire engine red draw the eye and give the tour bus a modern decor charm while keeping a clean appearance.

very desirable trait in any traveling home.

Source: Simply B Photos/Amy Earle

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All of the shelves, cubbies, and storage spaces keep the bus looking tidy and organized, so that clutter never becomes a problem.

The family thought of everything, including a suitable kitchen area!

Every nook and cranny of space on the bus is wisely utilized for maximum functionality.

Jake and his sons built in a kitchen counter and partitioned the spaces beneath with shelving so they can easily store all of their food items and appliances in one place.

Source: Simply B Photos/Amy Earle

To save themselves the burden of installing a workable stove on a limited time-frame, the family keeps it simple by using an electric skillet/grill, a crock-pot, and a griddle to prepare all of their cooked foods.

The family hasn’t installed any plumbing yet, and so Amy, the mother of the Earle family, makes things easy on herself by using crock-pot liners for easy clean-up.

When traveling, they have a portable toilet with biodegradeable liners for emergencies or midnight calls.

The Earle’s make good use of rest areas and campsite facilities for a more “full service” bathroom experience, such as showers and hygiene.

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Source: Vimeo/Amy Earle

Between the bench seating and back of the bus there are four bunks neatly nestled into both sides, so there is always a cozy place to catch a snooz.

Beyond the aisle bunks, there is a small desk and chair for a calm workspace when needed.

Source: Vimeo/Amy Earle

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The end of the bus is Where Amy and Jake sleep on their fluffy, comfy looking queen-sized bed.

Just above the end of the bed where they lay their feet is a 5th bunk. Though much smaller, it is perfect for the littlest of the Earle family, lovingly known as Miss-B.

This family found a way to take their home on their adventures and make priceless memories along the way!

It just goes to prove that if you’re willing to make a couple sacrifices and dedicate time and elbow-grease, nothing can stop you!

Source: Amy Earle/Simply B Photos