Moving into your first studio apartment can be exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. You quickly realize how much your old roommates helped with things you took for granted, like light bulbs, smoke detectors, and even a vacuum cleaner.
To make your new place feel more like home, here are some must-have gadgets that can really help you out.
SimpliSafe Home Security System – $282.94
A home security system is a worthwhile investment to ensure your peace of mind in a new apartment. SimpliSafe offers an easy-to-install setup that’s perfect for renters. It’s tool-free to set up, which is a big plus for renters, as you can place sensors on doors and windows with adhesive strips instead of drilling holes.
Tailored for small spaces, the starter kit includes everything you need for basic home security: a base station, wireless keyboard, a motion sensor and an entry sensor. You can also buy additional sensors – such as glass break, water and temperature sensors – and cameras as needed.
SimpliSafe offers two monitoring options. You can choose to monitor the system yourself or opt for professional monitoring with a subscription plan starting at $23 per month. month. This includes 24/7 coverage, so if an alarm is triggered, SimpliSafe will contact you or send the police if you are not available.
Kidde Smart Smoke Detector – $74.97
While we’re on the subject of safety, a smoke detector is essential.
Kidde’s smoke and carbon monoxide detector is highly regarded and the most notable aspect is that it sends alerts directly to your phone. Another nice detail is that the sensor is designed to avoid false alarms, such as cooking smoke.
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Recently, Kidde enhanced its alarms with Amazon’s Ring technology, enabling push notifications through the Ring app, adding even more convenience.
Eufy Robot vacuum cleaner
A robot vacuum cleaner can make cleaning a breeze. Whether you’re just trying to keep your hardwood floors tidy, deep cleaning sofas or dealing with pet hair, Eufy is a reputable brand that can help make your life easier.
Depending on what you need, you can find new models like the E28 that have smart features like a HydroJet system for floor washing, hot air drying and automatic self-draining. It’s more expensive at around $1,399.99, but if you’re more budget conscious, the 3-in-1 E20 is a solid option at $649.99 and still gets the job done.
Dyson’s HushJet Cleaner – $349.99
Fresh air is also important, but if you’re in the city, pollution makes opening your apartment windows less than ideal. And if neighbors often cook, you might be dealing with a strange mix of smells. An air purifier can significantly improve the quality of your indoor air.
This compact unit from Dyson is quite efficient, although it is on the more expensive side. However, the noise level is pleasantly low, and many people may find value in the fact that the filter lasts up to five years, meaning you won’t need to buy replacement filters as often. There’s also a handy app that lets you track air quality.
Hatch Sunrise Alarm – $169.99
Without the presence of a roommate stirring around at dawn, waking up can be a challenge. If traditional phone alarms don’t cut it, that’s where Hatch Restore 3 comes into play. This sunrise alarm gently wakes you up by gradually increasing the light. It also includes soothing sleep sounds, a bedside lamp and a dimmable clock designed not to disturb.
Yoga Sleep Sound Machine – $54.99
If you are sensitive to noise or live in a pet-friendly building with frequent disturbances, a sound machine is perfect. Yogasleep has built a reputation for reliability over the years, making it a great choice for drowning out unwanted noise and creating a peaceful environment.
Philips Hue Smart Lights
Creating a cozy atmosphere in your first apartment is key, and smart bulbs are a great way to customize both brightness and color. An added bonus is that they can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, making it easy to set the perfect lighting for movie nights, dinner parties or late night reading sessions.
Philips Hue is a trusted brand in smart lighting that offers a range of popular products. What people appreciate most are the app’s features, which make it easy to turn lights on and off, adjust their colors, and set light scenes for different times of the day. One notable feature is the ability to upload an image and the app will create a new scene based on that color palette.
Starter kits start at $79.99, while a two-pack of bulbs costs around $49.98.
Leviton’s Smart Dimmer Plug – $24.99
Smart plugs allow you to control any device connected to them via a mobile app or voice commands. They provide added convenience, such as turning off your coffee maker while you’re away from home or scheduling when your devices should turn on or off. In addition, they help reduce energy consumption.
A good option is Leviton’s Decora D23LP smart plug, which works with popular smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home. This connector allows you to not only turn connected devices on and off, but also mute them as needed. You can control the plug through the My Leviton app.
Lumi Max Portable Projector – $399
A lightweight projector that’s super compact and stands upright, it’s great for small spaces and easy to store away when you’re done. Look for models that run on Google TV, which gives you access to over 10,000 apps, 700,000 movies and series, plus 800 free live TV channels. Setting one up is easy if you have a Google account, and it comes with a remote control and a carrying case.
Ninja Air Fryer – $79
If you cook for yourself in a compact kitchen, an air fryer is invaluable. It allows you to whip up everything from crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables while keeping your cooking area tidy. The Ninja Air Fryer is a top choice for budget-friendly, yet powerful, easy cooking.