Here are all the smart home automation devices and apps I use every day — from a video doorbell to a robot vacuum that mops itself.
While a Frame TV isn’t automated, I’ve had several people ask where the TV is!
When I think “smart home,” I think of ways to make your house magically do things so you don’t have to think about them. When I was a renter, I did what I could to automate my house — but there were certain things, like the thermostat and the locks, that I just couldn’t change. Now that I own this place, I’ve done everything I can (within reason) to make it run behind the scenes. I’m still waiting for the day the dishwasher can start itself at 10pm, because I always forget to run it at night.
There used to be nights when I’d be in bed on the third floor wondering: is the garage closed? Is the front door locked? Now I can check both in an app — and I have them set to auto-close and auto-lock every night, just in case I forget to look.
Here’s everything I can do from my phone these days:
- Lock/unlock the front door
- Check the alarm system
- Look at the cameras to see the front and back yard
- Open/close the garage
- Close/open the blinds
- Lower the thermostat
- Run the robot vacuum and mop the floors (!)
- Check the status of the washer/dryer
- Lock/unlock the car
- Turn lights and music on and off
That’s amazing, right?! Here’s the full breakdown of the apps and gadgets that make it happen.
My Smart Home Automation Favorites
SimpliSafe
The biggest lift in the mix was getting another SimpliSafe alarm system. I love this company because you can customize it to your needs, and you don’t have to hard-wire anything. We had to leave all the cameras and pieces at the old house, but SimpliSafe offered me a Movers Kit when I ended service there, and I took advantage of the 50% off to start fresh here. I have the doorbell cam (so helpful!), the Smart Lock, a backyard cam, and entry sensors. I can check the cameras and lock/unlock the door from my phone — helpful if someone comes over and I’m up on the rooftop deck! I also have it set to auto-lock at night in case one of the kids forgets. The lock fits on to your existing deadbolt, so you don’t have to get new keys!
Garage App
The garage door opener here was already “smart,” so I control it through the MyQ app. I can open and close the garage from my phone, and I’ve also got it programmed to auto-close each night in case one of the boys leaves it open. It has an Amazon Key feature too, so Amazon can leave packages inside the garage. Pretty cool.
Hunter Douglas Smart Blinds
The biggest splurge was installing the same blinds here that I had at my previous house. My living room is a fishbowl at night, and I know come winter I’ll want more privacy. I considered regular blinds, but I really love having the windows totally clear during the day and totally closed at night, versus just cracking them partway. So I went electric again. They’re expensive, but they’ll last a long time — and I love having them programmed to open and close with sunrise and sunset. (If you’re in Cville, Gotcha Covered is who I worked with.)
Ecobee Thermostat
I’ve had a Nest thermostat before, but I picked up this Ecobee thermostat over Prime Day for a great price. The one that came with the house was super basic — I just needed something I could program and adjust from an app, and this one does both. I love having the air on a schedule. I mostly keep one temp for daytime and one for night, but not having to remember to adjust it is the whole point.
Tapo Robot Vacuum
A robot vacuum has been a must-have for my main floor for years now, and the technology just keeps getting better. Tapo recently sent me a review model of their latest and greatest — the RV50 Pro Omni — and it’s been a huge upgrade because this one also mops on a schedule, no part-changing necessary. I am obsessed.
Smart Washer/Dryer
These also came with the house, but I connected them to my phone through their app, so I get notifications when a cycle ends and can stay on top of the laundry. It also alerts me when it’s time to clean them.
Toyota App
This one isn’t something you can just go out and buy, but I love that my car is “smart” too. I mostly use the app to double-check I remembered to lock the doors, but in winter I can also heat it up before we leave for school.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are still one of the easiest ways to automate a house, and I’ve had them for years. I love that they turn a regular item “smart” for not a lot of money. I use Amazon Smart Plugs on lamps in both my living room and bedroom. They’re voice-activated through Alexa, but the real magic is the timers: my living room lights turn on automatically at sunset and off around bedtime, which makes the house feel cozy without me having to think about it.
Hatch Restore
My evening routine is peaceful and zen thanks to my Hatch Restore Sunrise Alarm Clock. Around bedtime, it automatically starts a wind-down routine with sunset lighting and a relaxing sound bath, and it rolls right into white noise for sleeping — I don’t have to touch a thing. Then it’s my alarm in the morning, with a sunrise light and the sound of flutes and birds. I wrote a full review here: Hatch Restore 3.
I’d say my house is getting pretty darn smart! It doesn’t feel cold and modern, but all the little things you have to do everyday are just easier. Now about that dishwasher – someone invent it!
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