OVER 20 MILLION BRITS FEEL OUT OF CONTROL IN THEIR HOME LIFE

• Brits craving control: nine in ten seek order and structure in their home (88%), believing it makes it a happier place to be (85%)
• Rise of the ‘Connected Home Controller’ as two in five (40%) now use technology to control their home 
• Yet nearly two-fifths (39%) have felt “out of control” of their home and three quarters (77%) would love a helping hand
• Hive is offering out-of-control Brits the chance to get their homes in order with help from self-confessed control freak and rugby legend – Chris Robshaw.

New research from smart home specialists, Hive, reveals we’re a nation of house-proud “control freaks” who want to control every aspect of our home lives (88%). With today’s hectic lifestyles, being a “control freak” has lost all negative connotations, with 78% of Brits thinking this is a positive personality trait. We believe having order in our home leaves us feeling happier (30%), more relaxed (39%), less worried (33%) and can even save us money (45%).

Despite the desire and obvious benefits to having your home under control, Brits are struggling to actually achieve this. Two fifths admit to feeling a lack of control in their home lives (39%), leaving them feeling stressed (25%) and worried (11%).

In an attempt to regain control, Brits employ an array of tactics, from implementing cleaning rotas, to turning to technology in a bid to make those everyday tasks simpler. Two in five (40%) enjoy using tech to control the home, and almost a fifth agree that using smart technology like voice assistants (18%) and installing smart thermostats (19%) means it is easier than ever before to control the home.

Jo Hemmings, behavioural psychologist commented: “Feeling in control of your home is a very healthy attribute that can leave you feeling happier and more motivated. In today’s unpredictable lifestyle, it is fitting we are seeing a rise of ‘connected home controllers’ using technology to help them complete those everyday tasks and find balance in their home.” 

Control variables: The research found the top things we want control over impact both the wallet and the environment, including: the household finances (48%), managing the weekly food shop (44%), the temperature of the home (35%) and the recycling (32%).

The data reveals interesting themes as to what men and women both believe they have the most control over. Men believe they control the TV remote (63% v 35% of women), DIY (61% compared to 26%) and home security (58% v 32%). Whereas women believe they rule the roost when it comes to hosting (49% v 24%), home décor choices (54% v 26%) and controlling the thermostat (46% v 34%).

Give me control: The study also found many of those polled are willing to revert to underhand tactics if someone else attempts to take control. More than a quarter admitted they have emptied and reloaded the dishwasher when it wasn’t done as they would do it. Almost half (49%) have changed the thermostat behind the backs of those they live with and 26% have re-hung wet washing after their other half has just done it ‘incorrectly’.

For a third of those polled, the central heating is the number one thing that they get hot and bothered over when it comes to household bickering. However, despite the arguments, the average ideal temperate for the home during Winter doesn’t vary much – with women only wanting it one degree higher at 20 degrees than men at 19 degrees.

And let’s face it, people like to be in control.

The research found that three quarters of Brits (77%) admit they would love for someone else to come and organise their home life. With Christmas – the time when home life is often at its most hectic – almost upon us, Hive is giving those looking to restore order in their home a helping hand, teaming up with self-confessed ‘control freak’, rugby legend Chris Robshaw, to launch a nationwide competition #HiveGotControl, to help Brits restore order and take back control of their home for one evening only. 

Peter Simon, Managing Director at Hive said: ““The research clearly shows people want a stress-free home and are beginning to use technology to help achieve this. Our smart devices are designed to gain better control of the home and in turn help to make your home greener and save you money. Whilst we’ve got people’s smart home tech covered, we didn’t want to stop there and have teamed up with the self-confessed purveyor of order, Chris Robshaw to help you get your home back under control.”

Chris Robshaw commented: “In sport, we have this saying – ‘control the controllables’ – and I apply this to my everyday life. When I feel everything is in order off the pitch, I feel more control when I am on the pitch. I am big believer in tech making everyday living easier, so I’ve teamed up with Hive to help you organise your home life. So, when it comes to those big game moments in life, you feel fully prepared to tackle them. If you win, you’re in control.”

To be in with the opportunity to learn from this rugby great, all you have to do is use the hashtag #HiveGotControl on Twitter or simply click here to enter via Messenger: http://m.me/Hive?ref=hivegotcontrol  

Behavioural psychologist, Jo Hemmings shares her top tips for restoring order in your home:

1. If your life admin feels as though it is getting out of control – take a step back to work out your priorities. Look at what needs to be tackled first and break this down into a set of short-term, realistic goals. Be sure to recognise and acknowledge when you have completed a task. Making use of the to-do section on your phone is a great place to start, sometimes simply being able to tick something off your to-do list, no matter how small, can really help to put your mind at ease.
2. When the temperature is warm, our cortisol levels (the stress hormone) drop, meaning it is much easier to unwind and relax. In the chillier months, arriving home after a hectic day to a warm house can make all the difference to your mood. It might be worth considering installing smart technology such as a smart thermostat like Hive Active Heating, which allows you to control your heating from your smart phone – so after a busy day at work, you can head home to a warm and comforting welcome.
3. The environment we create in our home can really impact our mood, leaving us feeling sluggish and out of control if we don’t get it right. Creating a relaxing space, can help you feel calm away from the general hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. Adjust the lighting in your home to create a cosy atmosphere – either by letting in natural light or decorating a room with carefully placed lamps. With Hive Lights, you can easily adjust the brightness of the lights with your phone – ideal if you are in need of a bit of zen time.
4. Another way to feel more in control is to declutter. As the saying goes, a tidy home leads to a tidy mind – and this can actually leave you feeling more motivated and ready to tackle what life throws at you.
5. Don’t be afraid to delegate and ask for help from those you live with. There is lot to consider when looking after a home from putting out the rubbish, to making sure the cleaning gets done and all the bills are paid on time. Don’t be afraid to spread the load with those that you live with and allow you to spend less time worrying about the small stuff, and more time enjoying the big stuff.