Bigger is better, smaller is economicer?

Apparently since the economy has been falling off so has the average size of houses. In 2007 during the real estate and housing boom, homes averaged 2,100 square feet as compared to now where the average is right around 1,700 square feet. Clearly the cost and economic situation of our country account for the biggest reasons for change, but are there other reason? People now more than ever seem to want things to run efficiently and to not waste. Having a larger home is obviously harder to clean and creates more waste than smaller homes. So having a smaller home would reduce the waste and time spent maintaining. During these times the zeitgeist feels much different than it did just three or four years ago. People are much more conservative in their money spending and seem to be more self aware. The need for simple things and simple designs has replaced the saturation of luxuries that filled the stores and advertisements during the economic boom. Smaller simpler houses are just another design response to what is happening currently in society. At a time when the government seems to be at a loss to help the people or themselves, people move toward becoming self-sufficient and easily sustained home is one step closer.