“According to the National Association of Homebuilders, the size of the average new house built in the United States increased more than 50 percent between 1970 and 2004, even as the size of the average family grew smaller. Internet sites like eBay were supposed to help homeowners turn their clutter into cash by feeding the habits of pack rats across globe. Even garages themselves have grown: 83 percent of all new homes built in 2004 had two- or three-car garages, double the number in 1970.”

[www.nytimes.com · After $12,000, There's Even Room to Park the Car · February 20, 2006]