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No-Drill Smart Home Upgrades: 10 Renter-Friendly Gadgets for Any Apartment
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items I used to think you needed to own a house to have a 'smart home,' but there are actually so many cool gadgets that work perfectly in small apartments. I’ve done a ton of research into things that are actually easy to set up and, more importantly, won...
Sections
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Security & Peace of Mind
Lighting & Automation (The Foundation)
Convenience & Efficiency
Security & Peace of Mind
I was a little nervous about getting a camera, but this one is so easy. It just sits on a shelf—no drilling required—and I can check the live feed on my phone if I'm away for the weekend. It's great for just keeping an eye on the front door.
Cheap Security Camera
This is basically an insurance policy for your security deposit. I tucked one under my kitchen sink and another by the water heater. If there’s even a tiny leak, my phone goes off. It’s way better to catch a drip early than to deal with a flooded apa...
Govee WiFi Water Leak Detector 3-Pack
I love these because they just stick right on with a little adhesive. I get a notification on my phone if the door opens, which makes me feel a lot better when I'm traveling. Super simple and zero monthly fees.
Wifi Door Sensor
Lighting & Automation (The Foundation)
This is the easiest 'win' for a smart home. I plugged my favorite lamp into it, and now I can turn it on with my phone before I even walk through the door. It’s also great for the coffee maker so I don't have to wait for it to heat up in the morning.
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring
You just screw these in like a regular bulb, but you can change the whole vibe of the room with your phone. I have a 'movie' setting that’s dim and purple, and a bright white setting for when I’m actually trying to get work done.
ILC RGB LED Color Changing Bulb, 40W Eq, 450LM
Tired of lamps being just "on" or "off"? This switch just sticks to the wall (no wiring!) and lets you dim your smart bulbs wirelessly. It looks like a real built-in switch, but you can peel it right off when you move.
Hue Dimmer Switch - Smart Remote Control
I put these behind my TV and it instantly made the whole room look more expensive. It gives this cool glow against the wall and was so easy to set up. Just make sure to get the ones with 'renter-safe' adhesive so they don't peel the paint!
Adhesive Led Lights
Convenience & Efficiency
This is basically the 'brain' of the whole setup. I use it to control all the lights and plugs I’ve added, plus it’s great for playing music or setting kitchen timers. For under $50, it’s a really easy way to tie everything together.
2022 Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker | Charcoal
A game-changer for renters. This little device tracks temperature and humidity, helping you manage HVAC, prevent mold, and keep your space comfortable and healthy.
SwitchBot Meter Plus | Smart Thermo-Hygrometer with Swiss Precision
Instead of buying six separate smart plugs for my desk, I just got this strip. It lets me control the lamp, the monitor, and my charger all separately from one app. It keeps the cable mess a lot more organized, too.
BN LINK Smart Plug Power Strip, Surge Protector with 6 Individually Controlled Outlets