When we think of downsizing we think of corporations cutting thousands of jobs in order to maintain some level of profit (and apparently executive bonuses). But downsizing has also been a powerful trend in the housing and remodeling industries.

In the last 50 or so years the average size of an American home has more than doubled, reaching roughly 2,400 square feet. Since the Second World War the notion that “bigger is better” has thrived without much challenge. But a slumping housing market, empty nests, high utility bills, and a new generation of homebuyers are putting a stop to all that.

The size of new and purchased homes is dropping, whether it be the present un-affordability of large homes or the on-the-go, low-maintenance, urban lifestyle of today’s young homebuyers or, contrarily, retiring Baby Boomers who no longer support kids and want more free time and less home care.

Yet in terms of downsizing as a trend, it is not only the size of the house that is being pared down. In order to maximize comfort, space, and accessibility, many parts of the modern home are slimming down or shipping out.

Appliances

Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers; all of these are going on a permanent diet. In the interest of space and energy efficiency, many ovens and refrigerators are coming in at just two feet wide. Gone are the Radar Range microwaves of old that could cook a 25-pound turkey. If you see a kitchen as the sum of all its parts, then it makes sense that a smaller kitchen would contain smaller appliances, and now the U.S. market is catching on.

Technology

This is not so much a result of the home downsizing trend, so much as it is conducive to it. Televisions, stereos, computers; they are getting paper thin. Even a 60″ plasma TV is remarkably thinner than its predecessors and can easily be mounted on a wall to conserve space. Stereos and their many components are giving way to docks for various MP3 players, not much larger than an alarm clock. Laptops as well are taking over for large desktop computers for today’s mobile worker. I’m beginning to see a trend here.

Furniture

Less space means less furniture. It’s kind of hard to slim some furniture down; a couch made smaller wouldn’t be a couch. What homeowners are doing is using their furniture more efficiently. For instance, a bed with built in storage eliminates the need for a dresser. Benches or tables also have built in drawers or open for more storage. Suddenly the clutter that has long stigmatized small spaces is gone.

Yards

One historic argument in favor of small homes has been opening up the yard; as in more outdoor space equals more family fun. But new homebuyers don’t even want that. A large yard often presents more of a burden than a blessing. The added maintenance is not worth the time. A small yard is the more economical choice because large yard would only end in tall grass, weeds, and an unsightly appearance.

So you downsize. Save energy. Save water. Save time.

Like the small living room featured above? It was remodeled by CalFinder-certified JDog Construction. Get free estimates from JDog or a contractor in your area by contacting CalFinder today!

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