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Top Technology Tips to Build Your Own Functional Smart Home
Creating a smart home isn’t just for homeowners with deep pockets. Even if you’re renting, there are simple, affordable ways to upgrade your space with smart technology—without risking your security deposit. The key is to focus on flexibility, compatibility, and practicality.
Choose Your Smart Assistant Wisely
Before you dive into smart home upgrades, you’ll need a way to communicate with your devices—and that starts with a smart speaker. Whether you choose Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, make sure everything else you buy is compatible with your choice. While both platforms are fairly comparable, Google’s Home app generally offers a cleaner, more intuitive setup experience. The voice recognition on both assistants is solid, though Google Assistant edges out slightly in understanding natural language. Pro tip: Stick to one ecosystem. Mixing Google and Alexa devices can get messy fast.
Light Up Your Life—Smartly
Lighting is one of the easiest (and most impactful) ways to smarten up your home. Start by swapping out your regular bulbs with affordable smart bulbs—brands like Govee and Wyze offer excellent features without the Philips Hue price tag. Smart bulbs let you: Dim or brighten your lights, Set routines or schedules, and Control lighting with your voice or app. In your smart home app (like Google Home), label each light clearly—for example, “Bedroom Nightstand Lamp” or “Living Room Corner Lamp.” This makes voice control a breeze. You can also create lighting groups (“Living Room,” “Bedroom,” etc.) for easy whole-room control. To create a speaker or lighting group in Google Home: Go to the Settings tab, Tap Devices, groups, and rooms, and Select Speaker groups → Create group.
Make “Dumb” Devices Smart
You don’t need to replace every appliance to go smart. Instead, grab a few smart plugs (you can find a 4-pack for around $25 on Amazon). These Wi-Fi-enabled outlets let you control non-smart items—like lamps, holiday lights, fans, or even a basic AC unit—with your voice or app. For instance, use smart plugs to: Power a decorative lamp with non-smart candelabra bulbs, Control Christmas string lights without crawling under the tree, and Turn on an old-school window AC without leaving the couch. Just make sure your plugs are compatible with your chosen platform (Google or Alexa), and be prepared to install a separate app for some off-brand products. Also, be mindful of digital privacy—smart home gadgets always come with trade-offs when it comes to data security.
Upgrade the Right Appliances
Renters often can’t replace major fixtures, but some smart appliances are renter-friendly—and worth it. One standout? A Wi-Fi-enabled window AC unit. There’s one from July, which looks sleek and connects seamlessly to Google Home. It can cool down your apartment you get home or adjust settings from your phone without leaving bed. Other smart appliances to consider: Smart TVs (or a Chromecast) for streaming and voice control, Smart blinds (like Ikea’s) for remote window shade automation—bonus: easy installation and landlord-friendly. These upgrades are convenient, discreet, and make your space feel significantly more modern.
Smarten Up Without Stressing Out
You don’t need a $3,500 smart fridge to live the smart home dream. With a few well-chosen gadgets, you can modernize your rental in a way that’s affordable, reversible, and incredibly convenient. Your Smart Apartment Starter Checklist: Smart Speaker (Google or Alexa), Smart Bulbs for key lamps and lighting zones, Smart Plugs for older lamps and appliances, Proper Device Naming & Grouping for easy voice control, Selective Upgrades (like a smart AC or TV) based on your actual needs. With just a little effort, your apartment can go from basic to brilliant—no landlord approval required.
Text by James Pero | Photo by Signify | Read More Here
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