Seven years ago, if you’d told me we’d trade our spacious 2,800 sq. ft. home for life on a 40-foot school bus, I would’ve laughed. But that decision—why we sold our house for bus life—changed everything for our family.
Back then, we were settling into what we thought was our forever home on Wildflower Way. It was winter in Bozeman—temperatures in the double-digit negatives. Still, we were cozy in a big house with a “garagemahal” for Glaucio’s projects, and an acre lot facing a 12-acre park. We had everything we thought we wanted.
Then came the school bus.
Four years ago, Glaucio walked out of the bathroom with one of his wild ideas—to buy an old school bus and convert it into a skoolie. At first, it seemed like a fun side project. We imagined long road trips, new adventures, and then returning home to Bozeman. But that plan didn’t last long.
After our first nine-month journey across the country, everything changed. What started as an adventure turned into something much bigger—a new way of life. We realized that while we loved our house, what we craved more was time, freedom, and experiences. The mortgage, the upkeep, and the never-ending to-do lists started to feel more like a burden than a blessing.
So, after years of discussion, planning, and second-guessing ourselves, we made the leap. We listed our home, downsized our belongings, and committed to a lifestyle that prioritized experiences over possessions. It wasn’t an easy decision—but it was the right one for us.
This post is a look into how we made that shift—the emotional and logistical challenges of downsizing, and how we’re making this new life work for our family.
Why We Sold Our House for Bus Life
When people ask us why we sold our house for bus life, the short answer is freedom. We were craving more time together, fewer responsibilities, and a slower pace of life. What started as a fun travel experiment with our skoolie, quickly showed us how much more connected and intentional life could be. The house was beautiful, but the lifestyle no longer fit the kind of family we were becoming.
Why We Decided to Sell Our Montana Home
Deciding to sell our home in Montana was anything but easy. It took us three years to fully commit, and even then, we set our sights on selling the following spring.
When we purchased this house seven years ago, we thought it was our forever home. I was born and raised in Bozeman, and after my husband and I started dating, we made it our home base. We had our children here, built strong friendships, and were surrounded by family.
In fact, we fell in love with the neighborhood long before we bought the house. It was a charming, older part of Bozeman on the south side of town. Each lot was an acre, and a sprawling 12-acre park sat at the heart of the community—a perfect place for kids to ride their bikes and people to walk their dogs. When a family friend told us a neighbor might be selling, we knew it was a rare opportunity.
Glaucio went to meet the couple, and everything clicked. He instantly fell in love with the home. When he brought me back to see it, I felt the same way. It wasn’t flashy or new, but the location was unbeatable, the home was solidly built and well-maintained, and the layout was perfect for our family. It was the ideal blank canvas for us to make our own.
Selling it was heart-wrenching. We truly loved that home. But after nine months of skoolie travel and years of dreaming about something different, our priorities had shifted. When people ask us why we sold our house for bus life, this is where it started—realizing we wanted time, freedom, and a different kind of connection. And honestly, after too many long Montana winters, we were ready for a change. The idea of chasing sunshine and spending more time outdoors started sounding better than shoveling snow and scraping ice.
THE PROCESS OF SELLING WHILE DOWNSIZING
They say moving is one of the most stressful events in life—and I would agree. But moving while simultaneously downsizing and renovating an old school bus? That tops my list as one of the most overwhelming experiences we’ve ever gone through.
As soon as we decided to sell, we dove headfirst into a never-ending to-do list. We wanted to maximize our investment in the house while also making final upgrades to the bus before moving in full-time. The next year became a cycle of house projects, bus projects, and decluttering—constantly decluttering.
I lost track of how many times I went through each room, listing items for sale, donating things, and still feeling like the house was just as full as before. I love organization, and I’m good at it. But still, every time I thought we were done, there was more.
The emotional weight of leaving our home was another layer. We stayed so busy with tasks that we didn’t really process what it meant to say goodbye. The reality hit me after returning from a 4th of July bus trip—just weeks before closing. Our bus had broken down in the middle of Yellowstone National Park. While Glaucio stayed behind to fix it, I returned home with the kids and animals.
Walking through the front door, the magnitude of what we were doing hit me like a ton of bricks. There was still more to declutter, sentimental items to pack, and an overwhelming number of things left to sell. But it wasn’t just the physical work—it was the emotional weight of leaving behind a life we had poured everything into. This was the home we thought we’d raise our kids in. We had spent countless hours on projects, making it our own, and building a community around us. Saying goodbye to that—to family nearby, to neighbors who had become family, and to friendships that had grown over years—was unexpectedly hard. And to top it off, Glaucio had to leave for a last-minute work trip—leaving me to wrap it all up alone with just five days before closing.
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Tips for Selling Your Home While Downsizing
- Start Early: It always takes longer than you think. Give yourself months, not weeks.
- Declutter in Layers: Go through each room multiple times. You’ll surprise yourself.
- Maximize Home Value: Small upgrades like paint, fixtures, and landscaping go a long way.
- Prepare for the Emotional Rollercoaster: Take breaks, ask for help, and remind yourself why you started.
How We Let Go of 2,800 Sq. Ft. of Stuff
Letting go of 2,800 sq. ft. of belongings to fit into a 40-foot bus was no small task. We had filled our home with furniture, kids’ toys, tools, and keepsakes—things that felt essential to our life. But moving into a skoolie meant rethinking everything.
We evaluated every item with fresh eyes: Do we really use this? Do we need it? Will it work in a tiny space?
At first, it felt like too much. But the more we let go, the lighter we felt. The less we owned, the more space we had—not just physically, but mentally. It wasn’t just about fitting into the bus.
👉 One of the biggest reasons why we sold our house for bus life was to pursue that simplicity—to stop maintaining a lifestyle that no longer aligned with what we truly valued.
Tips for Downsizing for a Tiny Living Space
- Sort with Intention: Keep, donate, sell, store. Be ruthless.
- Prioritize Multi-Use Items: Every item needs to earn its place.
- Digitize When Possible: Photos, papers, and documents can be stored digitally—or kept all in one place using a physical system like my Emergency Binder (the exact binder we used to organize our important papers during our move).
- Create a Storage Plan: Use a small unit or ask family to hold what truly matters.
Adjusting to 320 Sq. Ft. of Skoolie Living
Moving from a full-sized house into 320 sq. ft. brought challenges we didn’t fully anticipate. At first, everything felt tight—there was no escaping each other, every inch needed to be functional, and clutter accumulated fast.
But over the last four years, we found a rhythm. The key was realizing that tiny living isn’t about giving things up—it’s about being intentional and designing systems that actually work.
Tips for Transitioning to Small Space Living
- Maximize Vertical Storage: Shelves, hooks, and wall-mounted organizers are your best friends.
- Designate Personal Spaces: Everyone needs a spot that’s theirs—even if it’s small.
- Create a Daily Reset Routine: A quick 10-minute clean-up at the end of the day keeps chaos at bay.
- Choose Flexible, Multi-Use Furniture: Think hidden storage and items that fold or collapse.
- Be Intentional About New Purchases: Ask: Where will it go? Do we really need it?
How We Prepared Our Kids for the Move
One of the reasons our transition worked so well is that we eased into it over time. Our first big bus trip lasted nine months, and it gave us the opportunity to figure out how to live in a small space, communicate effectively, and identify what we needed to adjust.
After that, we took the bus out for every vacation, weekend, and chance we got. Those years helped us refine our setup, build confidence, and get our kids genuinely excited.
We also gave our kids ownership in the process. They help choose destinations, research fun places to visit, and feel like part of the adventure—not just along for the ride.
Tips for Helping Kids Adjust to Full-Time Travel
- Take Trial Runs: If possible, spend extended time in your new tiny space before making the permanent move.
- Encourage Open Conversations: Let kids share their concerns and excitement about the transition.
- Give Them Responsibility: Allow them to help plan trips and choose destinations.
- Gradually Downsize: Slowly adjust to having fewer belongings so the shift isn’t overwhelming. We also kept a small storage unit—not because we couldn’t part with everything, but because it gave our kids a sense of security. Knowing their special items were still theirs, even if not in the bus, made a big difference emotionally. Each year, we revisit the unit together so they can reevaluate what still matters. It was something they asked for—and we felt it was a fair and important part of helping them feel heard and supported through the transition.
- Keep a Few Familiar Comforts: Favorite blankets, books, or toys can help maintain a sense of stability.
Unexpected Lessons from Downsizing
This transition has been filled with unexpected lessons—some challenging, others amazing.
One of the biggest? How little we truly need.
We also learned how to function as a family in a small space. Communication, patience, and flexibility became essential.
And we discovered how powerful it is to expand our space outdoors. With the use of our portable MoonShade awning, an outdoor rug, this small outdoor table, chairs for both us and the kids, and inflatable couches, we’ve almost doubled our living space. These simple additions transform our setup into an inviting outdoor living space where we can eat, relax, and unwind together.
Tips for Navigating the Transition to Skoolie Life
- Embrace Minimalism: Be honest about what you truly need. Letting go of excess makes tiny living easier and more enjoyable.
- Create Functional Spaces: Everything in a skoolie must serve a purpose. Use storage solutions that maximize space without adding clutter.
- Communicate and Adapt: Living in close quarters requires patience. Regular check-ins as a family can help navigate challenges before they become overwhelming.
- Be Flexible: Things will go wrong—whether it’s mechanical issues, weather delays, or unexpected detours. Accepting change as part of the journey will make the experience much smoother.
- Expand Your Living Space Outdoors: Invest in portable outdoor gear to make your setup feel bigger and more comfortable.
Despite the difficulties, the rewards of simplifying our lives and embracing adventure have been immeasurable. We’ve gained a deeper appreciation for experiences over possessions, strengthened our family bond, and discovered a lifestyle that aligns with our values. The road hasn’t always been easy, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Freedom and Benefits of Full-Time Bus Life
Living full-time in a skoolie has changed our lives in ways we never imagined. The financial freedom alone has been a game-changer. Without a mortgage, utility bills, high property taxes, and unnecessary expenses, we’ve been able to allocate our money toward experiences rather than possessions. The flexibility to choose where we wake up each morning is something we’ll never take for granted. Whether it’s a quiet desert, a beachfront campsite, nestled in the mountains, or a truck stop, our backyard is always changing.
Beyond the financial and logistical benefits, skoolie life has brought unexpected joys. The sense of community among fellow travelers is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced—whether we’re meeting other bus families, swapping stories around a campfire, learning from those who’ve been on the road longer than us, or simply knowing we’re not doing this alone. More than anything, this journey has allowed us to spend more quality time together as a family. Without the distractions of traditional home life, we’ve deepened our relationships, created lasting memories, and embraced a slower, more intentional way of living.
Why We Love Full-Time Bus Life:
- Financial Freedom: No mortgage, fewer bills, more adventures.
- Flexibility: We go where we want, when we want.
- Closer Family Bonds: Shared spaces = more connection.
- Supportive Community: The skoolie and van life community is one of a kind.
- Intentional Living: Less stuff. More life.
What’s Next for Us?
The adventure is far from over.
We’re currently exploring Baja, Mexico—soaking up the warmth, culture, and stunning coastlines. After that, we’ll head back through the U.S. with plans to visit every state and as many national and state parks as possible.
But our story doesn’t stop there. We have big dreams on the horizon—ones that will take our nomadic lifestyle to a whole new level. We’re not quite ready to share the details, but we promise it’s something worth sticking around for.
Let’s Stay Connected
Our journey from a house to skoolie life has changed everything. We’ve traded square footage for freedom, possessions for purpose, and busy schedules for slower, intentional days.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to do something radically different—to simplify, to explore, to build something unconventional from the ground up—we’re here to say: it’s possible. And it’s worth it.
👉 Curious about why we sold our house for bus life or how to start your own journey? Drop a comment below or follow us at Flying Circus Bus and TidyMo.com for behind-the-scenes stories, practical tips, and the real life of full-time bus living.
XO,
Morgan
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