Family-of-six save £20k in two years by moving into double-decker bus

A family-of-six has ingeniously transformed a double-decker bus into their home, resulting in savings of £20,000 since they took up residence.

Conrad Kirk, 32, along with his partner Nicole McCarthy, also 32, acquired a 1978 Rod-Bodied Daimler Fleetline double-decker bus for £2,000 back in September 2021.

Initially, the duo aimed to turn the bus into a plush holiday abode to avoid hotel costs during family getaways. However, once the refurbishment was complete, Conrad and Nicole chose to leave their three-bedroom rental property in Rotherham which cost them £1,300 monthly.

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The couple, with their daughters Luna, six, Poppy, eight, Summer, eight, and Phoebe, ten, embraced life on the bus full-time. Since settling into the bus in October 2021, Conrad has reported that the family has pocketed £20k by cutting out expenses on gas, electricity, water, and council tax.

They channel these savings into family jaunts in the bus and have recently snapped up a double-decker coach for £5,000, previously owned by rock band The Darkness, with plans to revamp it for additional living space.

Media business owner Conrad shared: "We have saved a lot of money in terms of not having to pay gas, electric, water, council tax and rent. We have been saving around £2,000 a month, which has allowed us to improve our family lifestyle and give us financial freedom."

Adding: "Since moving onto the bus full time we have saved £20k." He said residing on the bus has significantly enhanced their way of life. Conrad said: "We have been able to improve our family lifestyle."

He also expressed the relief that comes with their new way of life: "It has given us financial freedom, I am not having to work a million hours to pay the bills."

Conrad highlighted the positive change in his work-life balance: "I don't feel like I am working for nothing now." He went on to describe the benefits since they made the move onto the double-decker bus: "I feel healthier, my kids are happier and I am not as stressed as I used to be."

Conrad also mentioned the significant reduction in financial worries: "I don't have to worry about bills. I am self-employed, if I have a bad month I used to worry about bills but now if I have a bad month it doesn't matter."

The family's financial situation has seen a turnaround: "We've built up a bank of money now - we have reserves." This marks a stark contrast to their previous circumstances, adding: "We used to live day to day and now we're not." Conrad and Nicole have used some of their savings to buy a larger former tour bus which belonged to the rock band The Darkness earlier this month - which they want to renovate themselves.

They are optimistic about the renovation costs and living arrangements. The couple hope they will be able to renovate the coach for under £5k and live on it while they are renovating. Conrad explained the need for more space, adding: "The new coach will be 45ft which is 15ft longer than what we have now."

Addressing the needs of their growing children, he said: "We spoke to the girls about how they are finding it and if they want to go back into the house." He acknowledged the importance of considering their daughters' space requirements: "Four girls getting to a certain age - there needs to be more space."

Finally, Conrad shared his enthusiasm for the project: "It's a nice coach but we're going to do it up. We think we can do it in a year and we want to get it to a stage where we can live on and convert it whilst we're moving."

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