Everything nowadays when it comes to technology is thinner, faster, smarter, but what about those things that can't necessarily be upgraded when your contract is up or when the warranty runs out? Like your house for instance? I've got a few things that can help turn your home into a smart home, and seemingly won't break the bank....
USB Wall Outlets
Chances are you are viewing this on your smartphone or tablet right now, right? Most of us have a smartphone, tablet or something that requires USB charging, so why not replace those boring regular outlets in your house with outlets that have built-in USB ports on them? The U-Socket Wall Outlet comes with 2 built-in USB 3.0 ports. So you can charge your devices without taking up an extra outlet, not to mention once your device is charged it shuts the power to the port, so no worries about extra electricity charges. This is even DIY, so you can run over to Home Depot, Lowes, or order it on Amazon and install yourself as there is no wiring or special tools required. They run between $25 to $30.
U-Socket Wall Outlet (Photo: HomeDepot.com)
Smart Locks
I don't know about you but my keys look like janitor keys, meaning there are tons of them, keys, little key chain tags for rewards programs, etc. To put it mildly there is a lot going on with my keys. They have cars where you walk up to them and with your keys simply on your person, you can open the door. That same functionality can be applied to the locks on your door. The Kwikset Kevo smart lock works that way!
Kevo Smart Lock (Photo: Kwikset)
You can unlock the door just by touching the lock. It works in connection with a smartphone app, which is available for iPhone or Android, or with the fob that comes with the lock. But with the app, you can issue and revoke eKeys and even view lock activity. Pretty futuristic right? This works great if you have someone house sitting or just need someone to have temporary access, and guess what no more lost keys. You can even schedule times that certain eKeys are permitted to be used. Two eKeys are included with the lock and additional ones can be purchased for $1.99 from inside the app. The Kevo Smart Lock is available from retailers such as Home Depot, Amazon, Best Buy to name a few and retails for $199.00
Wireless Charging furniture
What better way to show how cutting edge your house is than to cut the cords? I mean how many times have you just laid your phone on your nightstand and feel asleep because you don't want to reach out the bed to grab the charger? I know I have done this, but with some of this wireless charging furniture from Ikea, you don't have to worry about that. Now I know not all smartphones have the wireless charging capability, but Ikea also sells covers that will allow your phone to get in on the phone wireless charging fun. They are currently available for the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, and S5 (S6 has wireless charging capability). They are also available for the iPhone 4, 5/5s, and iPhone 6. They even have lamps that have built in wireless charging, as well as wireless charging pads that can be placed pretty much anywhere as apart of the decor.
Ikea-Wireless-Charging-Nightstand (Photo: Ikea.com) These are just a few ways to smarten up your home and you don't have to break the bank in the process. I can't wait until I purchase my house so I can make it into a smart house!
~ChicDivaGeek