I, Mark Roemer, know that you have always fantasized about all the cool things you’d get when you finally moved into your new home. That day has finally arrived. However, in this age of robot vacuum cleaners and automated AI assistants, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of choices regarding apartment gadgets.
Which ones will make life easier for you? Which ones would be simply enjoyable to have? And how much money do you think you’ll be able to spend?
The Gadgets
Anyone who has ever attempted to create a household budget would tell you that the expense of anything is not the same as the price. The price is the amount of money you spend on it. The cost is the lifetime usage and maintenance of the product.
The good news is that you can save time and money in the long run by using all of these things. There are affordable options as well as more deluxe versions of each, so look around and see which one you want the most. It is, after all, your house. You’re the one that gets to make the choices.
These are the five apartment gadgets I think you should have in your house.
Digital Thermostat
These devices can automatically learn your everyday routine and change the temperature to your preference depending on the time of day. They are available in a variety of designs from various manufacturers. Your phone can be used to program and change them. If you’re out of town, switch off the air conditioner and turn it back on when you get home from the airport.
They are available in various choices and price points, but some power and utility providers can provide them for free to their customers. It’s not hard to see why. A smart thermostat will not only help you become more knowledgeable about how you use energy, but it will also help you use less. If everyone uses less electricity, the power grid would be less stressed, mainly when air conditioners are on all the time.
They’re straightforward to set up and link to your Wi-Fi and mobile phone. Just keep the old thermostat in case you need to reconnect it when you move out.
Smart Appliances
Smart plugs are an inexpensive way to transform your house into a smart home. Plug your coffee maker into one of these, and you’ve got yourself an instant smart gadget. When you’re getting ready in the morning, do you forget to unplug your curling iron? No need to worry anymore; turn it off by using your phone. Connect one to your crockpot and program it when you’re away from home. Don’t want your beef stew to overcook because you’re late? Switch it off and on again, so you have a hot meal waiting for you when you step into the house.
If you want programmable smart lights but are on a budget, these are a great option. You’ll never have to step into a dark apartment again if you set every lamp to an automatic timer. Set them to turn on when you’re out at night, so your pets don’t get lost in the dark.
Smart Lighting
On the other hand, smart bulbs are the way to go if you’re looking for a complete lighting upgrade in your apartment. They are available in various designs, features, connectivity, and sizes to fit any room, including the kitchen. IKEA bulbs, for example, are a low-cost alternative that can be connected to a more costly hub, such as one from Philips.
And, as entertaining as it is to transform your living room into a disco, the ability to imitate sunlight is the best attribute of all of these bulbs. Look for bulbs that burn at a temperature of 5,400 or 6,500 Kelvin. Depending on the lamp, these lights will emit light of the same wavelength as natural sunlight in the morning or at noon. These are particularly useful during the winter months when there are extended periods of grey skies and cold weather. Lights that mimic sunshine are often prescribed for treating the effects of seasonal affective disorder.
Another advantage of investing in smart lighting is that it can improve the appearance of your Zoom calls. You could buy one of those famous ring lights, or you could enhance the quality of your video calls by screwing a $5 smart bulb into your desk lamp and placing it directly behind your screen. As a result, you’ll have a low-cost, customizable, and programmable solution that will make your video chat look professional.
Virtual White Noise
This one isn’t as sophisticated as the others, but it’s still a lifesaver. White noise can assist you in falling asleep at night. It’s a scientific reality. And the best part is that it’s completely free! There are hundreds of applications that can simulate white noise, rainforest noises, thunderstorms, and everything else you can imagine. You can leave a small box fan in your room if you have one. You can also invest in a white noise machine if you’re serious about silence.
White noise is helpful for more than just sleeping. Do you live in a house with thin walls and noisy neighbors? What if you have a roommate who stays up late playing video games? Replace the sounds of exploding zombie armies with something more soothing, such as ocean waves or rain.
Chargers
Most likely, you have two or three gadgets that need to be charged or plugged in right now. Carrying all of the requisite wires, cords, and adapters, at the risk of sounding like an infomercial, is a pain. With a wireless charging pad, you can cut down on your charging time.
Many newer mobile phones, as well as the Bluetooth earbuds you adore, already have this feature. Place your compatible phone on the induction charging pad to charge it. There are no cables required. Invest in a wider model to simultaneously charge your phone and earbuds.
You want to be able to charge your devices wherever you are, but leaving cables protruding from the walls is an unsightly and dangerous solution. These pads are slimmer and blend in with your decor when not in use.
The Future
Hundreds of web-connected smart apartment devices are available to make our lives simpler. So, take a look around to see what’s available. Although not all on the market would be ideal for your new home, you’re sure to find something.
If you know what you’re searching for, you’ll almost certainly find something that will save you time, effort, and, if you’re lucky, money.
Conclusion
I, Mark Roemer, and an advocate for making things as simple as they can be. I hope that you have found this list mildly entertaining and valuable. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to drop me a line!