re: What tech device would make my life easier?

1) Wink hub with smart lights. It's pricey but nothing beats being able to control 4 lights separately in my bedroom for when the kiddo sleeps or my wife and I wanna have romantic time. Or when I want to dim the lights from my phone in the main den when the kiddo is sleeping on sofa or doesn't feel well.

2) Do you have a receiver with your TV setup and other devices like Roku or AppleTV? If so, get a Logitech harmony remote. This combines the use of 2-4 remotes all into 1 and makes things easier.