Woman converts bus into tiny home, debt-free lifestyle

A woman named Rita has turned a £7,000 van into her ideal tiny home. She lives in a 2001 Ford Shuttle bus called Wilbur with her dog. Rita has put a lot of effort into crafting a cozy and functional space. Rita feels free after leaving behind traditional career and housing pressures. She fondly remembers road trips with her grandfather, which inspired her to choose van life. Using her DIY skills, she has created a unique living environment. With help from her uncle, Rita built kitchen cabinets. She also creatively reused materials from her grandmother’s old kitchen. To avoid plumbing complications, she uses an iced tea container as a tap and a bucket for washing dishes. Storage is limited in her van, but Rita has developed innovative solutions. She has shelves for herbs and spices and uses netting for food. As an artist, she has even made room for a fold-out art table. Living in a van is legal in the UK, but there are rules. The vehicle must pass inspection, and parking rules vary by location. Rita stores her clothes in cabinets made from donated scraps. Instead of a shower, she washes in rivers or at the gym and has a compost toilet for emergencies. Rita finds empowerment in fixing her van herself. She believes this experience has shown her how capable she really is.