Home Downsizing

Home downsizing is the new, smarter paradigm of the American Dream. Modern amenities, homeownership, a wide range of building materials, custom furniture—it’s all there, in a much more efficiently sized package. Plus, modern small homes can mean smaller budgets without forgoing accommodations of homeowners’ lifestyles.

The demand for smaller homes is on an unprecedented upswing. The median square footage of new homes has dropped 9 percent from a peak of 2,300 square feet in the third quarter of 2006 to 2,100 square feet in the July-September period of 2009, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders. The median floor area of new homes dropped from 2,309 square feet in the first quarter of 2007 to 2,169 square feet in the second quarter of 2010, according to analysis of the latest U.S. Census data.

Home downsizing comes in many shapes and sizes, and from many demographics. Elderly homeowners may find that their houses are too big for their needs, and the stairs may prove too difficult to navigate. Middle-age, dual-income couples may find a larger home’s upkeep too much of a hassle. Busy, young families may find that a smaller home closer to the kids’ school district and sport facilities is the way to go.

Currently, the spearhead for opting for a more compact living arrangement is attributed to first-time homebuyers with less to spend. No big surprise, as the Great Recession’s effects linger. Affordability relates to efficiency, and that is related to size. The response among home builders includes smaller designs with features that create a spacious feel, such as large windows. Home designs are also coming with options that allow buyers to customize certain models.

But the trend toward downsizing homes goes beyond tough economic times. Yes, a growing number of homeowners in the United States are downsizing to save money—smaller electric bills and less yard work for starters—but they are also minimizing energy use and reducing their carbon footprint. This is seen even initially with the reduced use of raw materials for the actual construction of the smaller home. Nearly 40 percent of the raw materials consumed by humans are used in home and building construction.

Some people consider the prospect of moving into a smaller home closer to an urban area very much worth the effort. Trading off a larger home and possibly a yard or a garden to cut down on the commute to downtown is a big win. Instead of enduring traffic for 30 minutes a day, a 10-minute trip with no freeway can make for much less stressful work day.

Another, perhaps less tangible benefit of home downsizing is living a simpler life and having more free time. This comes as a result of eliminating maintenance of excessive unused space. Those who downsize usually find that their houses meet all their domestic needs without demanding much in return. In fact, downsizing presents a need for a solution for most Americans—the need to de-clutter. Studies have shown that living without clutter leads to higher levels of contentment, and not just with where you live—with life in general.

Home downsizing comes with numerous benefits, with no need to sacrifice location, quality or a spacious open feel. The smaller home is now part of the new American Dream.


Want to learn more about downsizing your home? Visit my website at http://www.thesmallerhome.com to learn all about how to make life easier by simplifying and downsizing!

Andrzej Kozlowski has written numerous articles on topics ranging from home downsizing to simple living. He is also editor and co-author of the book, "Living Smart: The Money Saving, Eco-Friendly Guide to Downsizing Your Home and Belongings."