Coming to the US from Europe, I find it striking how much more “Stuff” a typical household contains. I am still struggling to understand why and even after a number of years, it is jarring when I return. I think it is a mixture of greater disposable income, lower prices, peer pressure (“look at my new toy”), extra storage space, ease of shopping (easier to drive and park), and a slightly different set of decisions about what is important.

Back home, I would have a keener awareness of the opportunity cost, including “where am I going to put this”. My family back home seems more homey as with fewer possessions their homes feel more harmonious.

Of course I am sampling large distributions...