Most people who live in an apartment are always thinking of ways to improve their way of small-space living. While there are many good attributes to apartment living, many renters these days use smart technology to make life a little easier. There are phone apps that allow you to program many options, in order to do your jobs automatically. The following new gadgets are some of the latest smart technologies that can help make your apartment life easier.

Many renters believe that it is not possible to install a smart door lock in an apartment because it will change the lock, however that is not true. Your current, original keys can still work, even if you install a smart door lock. The fact is: you don’t need to change the actual lock. You only need to add a device inside the door that turns the deadbolt. By keeping the same lock, even if you move out, your landlord will be able to continue to use their same key to enter the apartment. A brand example of this smart door lock is Kwikset, which works well with other smart devices such as Apple Watches and Alexa.

While a smart thermostat may seem like a costly investment, it can quickly pay for itself in reduced electricity bills. A smart thermostat can be set for the temperature to automatically drop when you’re in bed or out of the house, as well as being programmed to warm back up before you get out of bed to take your morning shower. Programmable thermostats have similar features, but with “smart” ones, you can control it from your phone, meaning you can adjust it even if you aren’t at home. This will allow you peace of mind, in case you forget to change the settings if you leave on vacation or if you end up needing to work late. One good example of this smart device is the Nest Learning Thermostat.

While a lot of cooks consider cooking to be a freestyle art, baking is a precise science. One extra secret to success is to use a scale instead of measuring cups. Many ingredients, such as flour, can be packed differently, so using a scale can lead to more accurate measurements. If you use Smart Scale, you can connect it to your phone, making it easy to weigh each ingredient from the recipe with the help of the app. The smart scale can also give you advice on substitutions, which is perfect for any cook using alternatives due to health issues, or simply because they forgot to buy something.

If you have a smart speaker, you can set the mood for an intimate dinner party or just enjoy some music while you’re unwinding and relaxing on the couch. Instead of plugging your phone into the speaker system in another room and turning the volume up all the way, you can stream it through the speaker directly. 

There are many options, including ones that connect directly to your favorite music service, use voice controls, and speakers that use Bluetooth to connect to your phone. As is the same with regular speakers, these smart speakers vary wildly in price and quality, but there are plenty of options. One specific speaker to check out is the Sonos One, which also has Google and Alexa capabilities.

While there are now many new electronic devices that come with apps, there are still some that run on an older remote. You can add smartphone controls to all of the devices in your entertainment center with the use of a smart IR hub. This hub will sit near your entertainment center and send the necessary IR blast by connecting to your phone. Some older Android phones offer this technology, eliminating the need for a hub, but they’re mostly off the market now. You can try Broadlink, which offers an affordable control hub and even works with Alexa so that you can make your non-smart TV feel like one.

Smart lights offer every home space an excellent way to illuminate any room, and a good place to try installing it first, is in your bedroom. Choose a softer light when you wake up in the morning, so it’s not as harsh to your eyes. In the evening, make them brighter to separate your laundry and then dim them while you read. 

When you’re finished reading, you don’t have to get up to turn off the lights. You can set them to turn off automatically at a specific time. Try the Phillips Hue Bulbs for easy connectivity, or you can find other off-brands at Amazon, if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option.

Smart technologies have enhanced our lives by helping to make things more convenient and comfortable. Try one of these smart ideas and see how you enjoy controlling certain features from the apps on your phone.