Here is a nice 'feel good' article that after the facts why many families move to a smaller home. Yes, some make the decision to own a larger home for 'status', other like many make that decision to reduce overall expenses and some take the plunge based on "what do we really need?" Some key points in the article are:
1. do really don't need a large home
2. maintaining a larger home takes more time
3. a larger home is more expensive even when the mortgage is paid off
4. you don't care about impressing people
5. your friends are your friends and not your home's friends
6. a big home is not the measure whether you are successful
Source: Moving to a Smaller Home
