Creating a smart home today is not a difficult or super expensive task. With so many gadgets with smart abilities on the market, you can basically turn every piece of tech into a smart device. And don’t think you have to go overboard with devices—you can make your home as smart as you want it to be. If you want to create an easy-to-handle smart setup, here are a few tips and gadgets you must add to your home:

Hire a digital assistant

One of the first steps you can take towards living in a smart home is to find a virtual assistant. Assistants like Google Home and Amazon Echo are very popular and affordable today. These assistants will help you with your smart devices and provide you with a world of information and comfort. You can just say “OK Google, play music” and enjoy! Once you settle on a virtual assistant, make sure all the rest of your smart devices are compatible with your assistant.

Smart up your plugs

Another easy step to turn your home into a smart abode is to invest in smart plugs. These plugs look just like your regular plugs, but with a twist. They are also very affordable, some even cost as little as $15. They come with an app that allows you to turn on or off remotely whatever you have plugged into your plugs or use voice commands if you’re at home. If you forgot to turn off your iron, you can just do that from miles away, no more nasty surprises. You can also create schedules for turning on and off of your devices, like your coffee machine! Some smart plugs are resistant to elements, so you can even use them outside for controlling your holiday lights or patio lights.

Boost security with smart gadgets

Your safety at home deserves extra attention, so consider adding a few safety gadgets to your smart setup. You can look into a practical smart home system that includes cameras, plugs, motion sensors and door/window sensors. The cameras are wireless and practical, with a clear image and night vision and your sensors will ensure no one comes unnoticed into your property. If you combine your smart home system kit (cameras, plugs and sensors) with a smart doorbell and lock, you will provide everyone in your family with ultimate safety. Plus, there will be no more instances of getting locked out of your house if you lose or forget keys!

Ensure smart temperature control

If you want to be smart and energy efficient at the same time, a smart thermostat will be a great addition to your home. This thermostat will monitor your energy use, follow your heating and cooling patterns at home and automatically adjust the temperature based on your habits and needs. This gadget provides you with many benefits so you can adjust the temperature and monitor your energy usage, so you can cut back your waste and become greener and richer. There are many smart thermostats on the market, so read some reviews and pick the one that fits your lifestyle and home the best.

Install smart lighting

How cool is to walk into your home, say “Alexa, I’m home” and watch as your lights go on. With smart lighting, you can program which lights go off once you say your greetings. These lights also allow you to dim and change the colors of your lights. The best thing? Smart lighting can be controlled with an app so you can manage your lighting even when you’re away from home. This is great if you want to boost safety at home and make it seem like there’s someone present when you’re on vacation or a business trip.

Smart irrigation

Smart gardens have so many options, but if you have some budget left, smart irrigation systems are worth mentioning. These systems connect to your existing irrigation system and give it intelligence like access to the weather forecast and watering requirements, so they provide your lawn and plants with all the water they need and not a touch more.

Having a smart home can not only be fun but also very practical. You will improve safety, comfort and resource savings, so you can become a true green and homely household. Plus, playing with these gadgets is super fun, especially if you’re a geek!

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith