VANTASTIC
I didn’t want to pay expensive rent so moved into a £2.5k school bus – I got my furniture for free & did it up with DIY
Alexa shared how much she spent on her school bus renovation
MANY people dream of travelling the world and escaping the rat race, and that is exactly what one adventurous woman did, by moving into a £2,500 school bus.
Alexa Berrong had been working as a flight attendant and living in New York, when the pandemic hit and she was forced to move back home to Georgia.
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Speaking to Fabulous, Alexa, 33, said: “I moved back to my parent’s house in Georgia while the world as we knew it began to crumble.”
During this time, Alexa rediscovered her passion for art, which she had studied at college but never pursued professionally.
She continued: “My mama always said that I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil and that I was drawing in the womb.
“Ultimately, I made the mistake of changing my major to Criminal Justice so I could ‘get a real job and do my art on the side.’
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“Like many artists, I was always told that I could not make a living doing my art.”
While the prospect of paying for a bricks-and-mortar art gallery was expensive, Alexa came up with a more affordable and exciting option - getting a “studio on wheels.”
After speaking with her dad, they looked on Craigslist and found an old school bus that was listed for just $4,000 (£3,100).
They were immediately sold and even haggled the price down to $3,300 (£2,500) when they picked it up.
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Alexa added: “It was a steal! I did not know that I would spend the next nine months on leave, building the coolest art project of my life so far.
“My dad knows how to do everything. He can build, fix, and fabricate anything.
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“So, he was the muscle behind my ideas. He helped bring my dreams to reality.
“The original plan of having an art studio on wheels morphed into also having a home on wheels.
“I figured I could live in it too.
“I did everything as cheaply as possible. I am really frugal, so I used a lot of recycled wood and shelving board.”
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The budding artist set about transforming the bus into her dream home and gallery, and this involved naming it ‘Lady Lavender’ and painting it a pretty purple colour.
Speaking of the transformation process, she shared: “I converted a dresser from a thrift store into my sink and range station.
“For my counter and desktop, I used two pieces of live edge wood from the same tree on my parent’s property.
“I wanted a bathtub instead of a shower and recycled old vintage subway tiles from my granny’s bathroom.
Is it legal to live in a van?
IF you are looking to live in a van to save money or travel, you'll be pleased to know that there are no UK laws stopping you.
However, you must ensure your vehicle has passed its MOT and is fully road legal.
There could also be restrictions on where you can park up and sleep in your van.
For example, local authorities place restrictions on certain streets or lay-bys, and you could be fined if you spend the night there.
It could also be unsafe to spend the night in some locations (particularly at night time).
Check the for guidance.
“I have a simple composting toilet that goes under my desk.
“I have a 2.5-gallon water heater tank. I learned to take baths quickly to preserve warm water. “For air conditioning, we installed a mini split unit that I ordered for $538 (£423) from eBay.
“It also has a heat pump. It works amazingly, and I would recommend it to anyone converting a school bus. The outside unit is mounted under the bus.
“The bus plugs into an outlet using shore power, just like an RV.
“A water hose also plugs into the side of the bus, just like an RV.”
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Alexa spent a further £3,500 doing the school bus up, bringing her total (including the bus purchase) to £6,000.
Although it was hard work, the artist said the renovation gave her some precious memories with her dad.
She added: “The time we spent together building was very special, and I will always treasure those moments.”
Her new bus has enabled her to pursue her art, and top up her funds doing welding jobs, and she’s visited locations such as Georgia and Florida.
You either find a way or make an excuse. You create the life you want
Alexa Berrong
Alexa, who runs an art and channel, sells her work on her website - - and also teaches in a studio in Florida.
Eventually she hopes to travel to art festivals to sell her work there.
She added: “I am now fortunate enough to be able to focus on my art full-time and fulfil my destiny of being the artist that I am.
“It is never too late to follow your dreams.
“When people see my skoolie, they say, ‘I wanted to do that! And I say, ‘Do it!’
“Set the excuses aside and do what you feel you’re meant to do.
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“You have one life in your current body. Make the most of it.
“You either find a way or make an excuse. You create the life you want.”
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