Caleb, Emily, and their three daughters sold their suburban house to live full-time in a remodeled 40-foot retired school bus, embarking on a journey that blends family, travel, and simplicity.
- Converted a 2006 school bus into a spacious skoolie home
- Chose the lifestyle to gain more family time and flexibility
- Traveling full-time, homeschooling, and working remotely
What happened
Caleb and Emily, along with their three daughters, decided to leave their comfortable suburban home and embrace a nomadic lifestyle inside a remodeled school bus known as a skoolie. They purchased a 40-foot, 2006 Thomas school bus and transformed it into a livable space complete with bunk beds and a kitchen. This change allowed them to break free from overworked schedules and high housing costs.
Starting their new life in August 2025, the family now combines homeschooling and remote work while traveling across the country. Their adventures have taken them to stunning natural spots like Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and Antelope Island in Utah, focusing on exploring together and slowing down to enjoy family moments.
Why it feels good
The switch from a traditional home to a skoolie offers this family more daily quality time. Caleb, who once worked 60-70 hours per week, now spends meaningful moments with his daughters, getting to know them better and reconnecting on a deeper level. Moving at their own pace and sharing new experiences has strengthened their bonds.
Beyond the emotional benefits, the skoolie lifestyle is cost-effective compared to homeownership or buying an RV while offering more space than typical van life options. The durable bus frame and powerful diesel engine provide both safety and freedom, creating an ideal mobile home for a family of five.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those curious about the skoolie lifestyle, the family has shared detailed tours of their bus on popular platforms such as the YouTube channel Tiny House Giant Journey. Their story highlights not only the physical conversion of the bus but also insights into day-to-day life on the road and the supportive community that comes with this lifestyle.
If you’re inspired by adventures and alternative living, consider exploring other family skoolie builds and travel vlogs online. These stories showcase how people balance work, education, and exploration in unique and heartwarming ways while connecting with a like-minded traveling community.