Moving into your first studio apartment can be exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. You soon 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.
SimpliSafe Home Security System – $282.94
A home security system is a worthwhile investment to ensure your peace of mind in a new apartment. Simple Safe provides an easy-to-install setup that is perfect for renters. It can be set up without tools, which is a big advantage for renters because you can place sensors on doors and windows with adhesive strips instead of drilling holes.
The starter pack is tailor-made for small spaces and contains everything you need for basic home security: a base station, a wireless keyboard, one motion sensor and one access sensor. You can also purchase additional sensors if necessary, such as glass break, water and temperature sensors.
SimpliSafe offers two monitoring options. You can choose to monitor the system yourself or opt for professional monitoring with a subscription starting from $23 per month. This includes 24/7 coverage, so if an alarm goes off, SimpliSafe will contact you or send the police if you are unreachable.
Kidde Smart Smoke Detector – $74.97
Speaking of safety: a smoke detector is essential.
Kiddes Smoke and carbon monoxide detector is highly regarded, and its most notable aspect is that it sends alerts straight to your phone. Another nice detail is that the sensor is designed to prevent false alarms, such as cooking smoke.
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Recently, Kidde expanded its alarms to include Amazon’s Ring technology, allowing push notifications through the Ring app for even more convenience.
Eufy Robot Vacuum Cleaner
With a robot vacuum cleaner, cleaning becomes a piece of cake. Whether you just want to keep your hardwood floors tidy, deep clean sofas or remove pet hair, Eufy is a renowned brand that can help make your life easier.
Depending on your needs, you can find new models like the E28, which has nice features like a HydroJet system for floor washing, hot air drying, and automatic emptying. It’s more expensive at about $1,399.99, but if you’re more budget-conscious, the 3-in-1 E20 is a solid option at $649.99, and it still gets the job done.
Dyson’s HushJet Air Purifier – $349.99
Fresh air is also important, but when you’re in the city, pollution makes it less ideal to open your apartment windows. And if the neighbors are often cooking, you may encounter a strange mix of odors. An air purifier can significantly improve the quality of your indoor air.
This compact device from Dyson is quite effective, although it is on the more expensive side. However, the noise level is pleasantly low and many people may benefit from the fact that the filter lasts up to five years, reducing the need to purchase replacement filters. There is also a handy app that allows you to monitor air quality.
Hatch Sunrise Alarm – $169.99
Without the presence of a roommate to roll over at the crack of dawn, waking up can become a challenge. When traditional phone alarms aren’t enough, this is where the Hatch repair 3 comes in. This sunrise alarm clock wakes you up gently by gradually increasing the light. It also includes soothing sleep sounds, a bedside lamp and a dimmable clock designed not to be disturbing.
Yogasleep Sound Machine – $54.99
If you are sensitive to noise or live in a pet-friendly building where there is frequent nuisance, a noise machine is perfect. Yoga sleep has built a reputation for reliability over the years, making it an excellent choice for drowning out unwanted noise and creating a peaceful environment.
Philips Hue smart lights
Creating a cozy atmosphere in your first apartment is essential, and smart bulbs offer a great way to adjust both brightness and color. An added bonus is that they can be controlled via an app or a 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 offering a range of popular products. What people love most are the app’s features, which make it easy to turn lights on and off, adjust colors, and set light scenes for different times of the day. One notable feature is the ability to upload a photo, and the app will create a new scene based on that color palette.
Starter sets costs starting at $79.99, while a pack of two lights costs around $49.98.
Levitons Smart Dimmer Plug – $24.99
Smart plugs allow you to control any connected device via a mobile app or voice commands. They provide added convenience, such as turning off your coffee maker when you’re not home or scheduling when to turn your appliances on or off. In addition, they help reduce energy consumption.
A great option is Leviton’s Decora D23LP smart plugthat works with popular smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home. With this plug you can not only switch connected devices on and off, but also dim them if necessary. You can operate the plug via the My Leviton app.
Lumi Max Portable Projector – $399
A lightweight projector that is super compact and stands upright, ideal for small spaces and easy to store when you’re done. Look for models that run Google TV, which gives you access to more than 10,000 apps, 700,000 movies and shows, plus 800 free live TV channels. If you have a Google account, it’s easy to set one up, and it comes with a remote control and a carrying case.
Ninja Air Fryer – $79
If you cook yourself in a compact kitchen, an air fryer is invaluable. This allows you to prepare everything from crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables, while keeping your cooking space tidy. The Ninja Air Fryer is a top choice for budget-friendly, yet powerful and easy cooking.
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