7 Clever Ways to Make Your Apartment Smarter on a Budget

Transform your apartment into a smart home with these easy automation upgrades:

Install smart plugs to control lamps, fans, and small appliances with your phone or voice assistant. Opt for wireless smart bulbs to add dimmable, color-changing lighting without rewiring.

Enhance security with a video doorbell and smart lock that let you see, speak to, and grant access to visitors remotely. For climate control and energy savings, get a smart thermostat that auto-adjusts based on your schedule and location.

Streamline chores with a robot vacuum that maps your space and self-cleans on demand. Mount a voice-controlled smart speaker in the kitchen for hands-free help with timers, recipes, shopping lists and more.

Smart Lighting

Smart light bulbs are an easy and affordable way to bring home automation to your apartment lighting. These Wi-Fi connected LED bulbs screw into standard fixtures, allowing you to control your lights from your smartphone or with voice commands via popular virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home.

Many smart bulbs, such as Philips Hue or LIFX, offer adjustable brightness and millions of color options to instantly change the ambiance of any room. You can also set schedules to automatically turn lights on and off at certain times, which is great for saving energy, boosting home security, or simply never having to come home to a dark apartment again.

Installation is typically quick and simple, requiring no rewiring or special hubs in most cases. You just screw in the bulb, download the companion app, and connect the light to your home Wi-Fi network. Then you can start experimenting with all the customization options, color scenes, and automations.

With no need for complicated setups or permanent changes, smart light bulbs are an ideal home automation starter project for renters. They pack a lot of high-tech functionality into an affordable, portable package you can easily take with you when moving apartments. Whether you want to jazz up a room with color-changing party lights, automate your lamps for convenience, or light your way for midnight snack runs with a voice command, smart bulbs are a bright addition to any connected apartment.

Smart Plugs and Power Strips

Smart plugs are a simple way to automate lights and appliances in your apartment. Just plug the smart plug into a standard wall outlet, connect a lamp or device, and control it remotely via an app. You can set schedules to automatically turn things on and off at certain times. Plug in lamps to mimic your presence while away or have your coffee maker ready when you wake up.

Smart power strips take this further by letting you control multiple devices. Plug in your TV, gaming console, speakers and more to conveniently shut off all entertainment devices at once, preventing vampire energy drain. Some smart plugs include energy monitoring, providing insights into which devices use the most power. This helps focus your automation efforts for maximum savings on electricity bills.

With no hardwiring required, smart plugs work well for apartments and can easily move with you. They’re an affordable starting point for home automation that delivers convenience, security, and energy efficiency in rental-friendly ways. By strategically automating key devices throughout your apartment with smart plugs and power strips, you’ll be well on your way to a smarter, more connected home.

Smart Door Locks and Video Doorbells

Smart Door Locks

Smart door locks provide keyless entry using a code, smartphone app, or biometric data like fingerprints. Keypad locks are affordable and easy to install, allowing you to create unique codes for family, guests, or service providers. Bluetooth-enabled locks pair with your phone, so you can lock and unlock the door hands-free when in range. More advanced Wi-Fi locks connect to your home network for remote access and monitoring from anywhere. They often integrate with voice assistants and home automation systems for added convenience and security. When choosing a smart lock for your apartment, consider factors like ease of installation, compatibility with your existing deadbolt, and whether your landlord allows modifications. Look for models with features such as auto-lock, virtual keys, access logs, and low battery warnings. With a smart lock, you’ll never have to worry about lost keys or getting locked out again.

Video Doorbells

Video doorbells are a smart, convenient way to enhance security and never miss a visitor or package delivery at your apartment. Most models connect to your smartphone, allowing you to see and communicate with whoever’s at your door from anywhere. For rentals, wireless battery-powered options like Ring or Arlo eliminate complicated wiring while still providing HD video, night vision, and motion alerts. Wired doorbells, such as Nest Hello or Eufy, offer continuous recording and AI features if your landlord permits installation. Doorbell cameras deter porch pirates, grant entry to dog walkers or maintenance staff, and generally add peace of mind in apartment buildings where you can’t always control who enters. With two-way audio, some even let you tell delivery drivers where to hide packages or leave instructions if you’re unable to come to the door.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are a game-changer for apartment dwellers looking to automate climate control and maximize energy savings. These intelligent devices learn your temperature preferences and automatically adjust settings based on your schedule, so you’re never wasting energy heating or cooling an empty home. Many models even detect when you’re away and switch to an eco-friendly mode.

The real magic happens when you connect your smart thermostat to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This enables remote control via smartphone app, allowing you to adjust the temperature from anywhere. Heading home early? Simply open the app and set your ideal temp so you arrive to perfect comfort.

Installation is straightforward for most models. If your apartment has a compatible HVAC system with a C-wire, you can likely handle setup yourself. Alternatively, some thermostats run on battery power or can be installed with an adapter. Always check with your landlord before making any changes.

With an upfront cost of around $125 to $250, a smart thermostat is an investment that can pay off in long-term savings. Look for models with integrated Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for even more smart home functionality. By regulating your apartment’s temperature with precision, a smart thermostat keeps you comfortable while preventing utility bill surprises – a win-win for renters.

Voice Assistants and Smart Hubs

Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri have revolutionized home automation, making it easy to control multiple smart devices with simple voice commands. These AI-powered voice assistants can be integrated into smart speakers or hubs, such as the Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod, which serve as central control points for your apartment’s smart ecosystem.

By connecting various smart devices to your voice assistant, you can effortlessly manage tasks like adjusting lighting, setting thermostats, playing music, or even ordering groceries without lifting a finger. Smart hubs also offer the convenience of controlling multiple devices from a single app on your smartphone or tablet, making it simple to automate routines and create personalized scenes that fit your lifestyle.

When choosing a voice assistant and smart hub for your apartment, consider factors such as compatibility with your existing devices, the size of your space, and your budget. Many smart hubs are designed to blend seamlessly with your décor, ensuring that your home automation setup enhances rather than detracts from your apartment’s aesthetic appeal.

Budget-Friendly Product Recommendations

When it comes to automating your apartment on a budget, there are plenty of affordable, apartment-friendly options to choose from. For lighting, consider smart LED bulbs like the Wyze Bulb or Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb, which offer features like remote control, scheduling, and voice commands at wallet-friendly prices. To manage your climate, the Nest Thermostat E is an excellent choice, with its sleek design, energy-saving features, and easy installation.

In the security department, the Wyze Cam and Blink Mini are compact, affordable indoor cameras that provide HD video, night vision, and mobile alerts. Smart locks like the August Smart Lock and Kwikset Kevo Convert are also great options for rentals, as they retrofit onto your existing deadbolt without needing to replace the entire lock.

For voice control and home automation hubs, budget-friendly picks include the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini, both of which offer a wide range of features and compatibility with other smart devices. Lastly, for affordable smart plugs, look to options like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini and the Wyze Plug, which allow you to control lamps, appliances, and more from your phone or with voice commands.

Remember, when selecting smart home devices for your apartment, prioritize ease of installation, portability, and compatibility with your existing setup to ensure a seamless, cost-effective automation experience.

Conclusion

Home automation is an accessible and rewarding way to enhance your apartment living experience. By starting with a few essential smart devices and gradually expanding your system, you can enjoy increased convenience, energy savings, and peace of mind without the commitment of a full-scale renovation. Whether you’re a renter looking to make your space more efficient or a property owner aiming to attract tech-savvy tenants, embracing smart home technology is a wise investment in your comfort and quality of life.

As you explore the possibilities of home automation, remember that even small changes can make a big impact. A smart thermostat, a few well-placed smart bulbs, or a voice-controlled hub can transform the way you interact with your living space. As your needs and interests evolve, you can easily add new devices and features to your system, creating a truly personalized and responsive home environment.