“D” is for Downsizing

Since  the 1950’s the average square footage of American homes has more than doubled!  Having a large home has become a status symbol of a successful life.  What most families have ended up with is a huge home with three or four rooms that are used on a daily basis.  In recent years however, families have begun to decrease the size of their homes.  Many families are eliminating formal dining and living rooms, opting instead for larger common areas with multiple uses.  By building or purchasing smaller homes families have smaller mortgage payments, as well as lower upkeep, and utility costs.  This article Home Downsizing on About.com discusses the Pros and Cons of downsizing your home.

Once you make the decision to downsize your home.  This article from Bob Vila Rethink Your Space and How You Use It is filled with ideas of how to fit your life into a smaller space.

Is the American perception of “bigger is better” changing?  Is our current economic situation driving this downsizing trend?  Or is it something else?  We welcome your opinions and input.