A family of 4 downsized to a 1-bedroom home so they could live rent-free. Storage hacks help them make the most of the space.

The Johnson family downsized to save money for their future.

Mckayle Buckley Kallschmidt/Ashley Johnson

• The Johnsons, a family of four, moved into a one-bedroom, one-bathroom house in January 2025.
• They downsized to save money, as they get to live in the home rent-free.
• Ashley Johnson maximizes the space with creative storage solutions, such as a Murphy bed.

Sometimes, less really is more.

At least, it has been for Ashley Johnson and her family.

In January...