When it comes to everyday items, many Brits prefer to go small – with mobile phones, headphones, and cars topping the list of things people want to keep compact
A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed that when it comes to everyday items, many Brits prefer to keep things small. According to the study, four in 10 Brits say they would rather own smaller versions of products than anything oversized, with mobile phones, headphones, and cars topping the list of things people want to keep compact.
Smaller watches, laptops, and water bottles also made it into the top 30 list of things Britons prefer to be little. The study, commissioned by Renault, discovered that smaller items are seen as more portable (58%), lightweight (55%), and convenient (52%). For 22%, smaller items encourage a more minimalist lifestyle.
This pattern is particularly evident in vehicle preferences, with 43% of those surveyed favouring a small car compared to just 18% who choose big cars. Smaller cars are seen as more practical as they are easier to park (67%) and cheaper to run (54%).
In fact, eight in 10 respondents said a car’s size is more important to them than its age (50%) and brand reputation (41%).
A spokesperson for Renault, who carried out the research ahead of the UK launch of the Renault Twingo city car, commented: “There’s a lot to be said for going small. The size of something doesn’t reflect its power, popularity or performance.
“Clearly people are keen for more petite options in life, be it tech, accessories or modes of transport. Whether it’s for reasons around energy efficiency, ease of transportation or cost saving, there are lots of benefits to being small.”
The study also found 21% of adults considering downsizing their current home. More than half (57%) said the advantages of downsizing include easier cleaning, heating, and better energy efficiency.
On a nostalgic note, more than half (53%) preferred it when mobile phones were compact, and 17% would even consider switching to a smaller model today.
The data also indicated that ease of use (42%) and portability (40%) would influence people to pay more for a smaller version of a product compared to a larger one.
Renault’s spokesperson added: “We’re celebrating small in line with our Twingo which is designed for everyday use. It might be under four metres in length, but don’t judge a car by its size, the EV has urban mobility at its core. The study proves size does matter, but not always in the way we expect.”
TOP 30 THINGS BRITS PREFER TO BE SMALL THAN LARGE:
- Mobile phones
- Wallets/purses
- Portable chargers/power banks
- Umbrellas
- Keys
- Headphones
- Laptops
- Cars
- Handbags
- Watches
- Water bottles
- Vacuum cleaners
- Cameras
- Books
- Jewellery
- Tablets
- Speakers
- Remote controls
- Lunch boxes
- Kitchen appliances
- Spectacles
- Mugs/cups
- Games consoles
- Hair stylers/brushes
- Exercise equipment
- Pushchairs/prams
- Mirrors
- Houses
- TVs
- Raincoats
