15 Lazy Genius Smart Home Shortcuts You Never Knew You Needed

Stuck in a smart home rut? Imagine effortlessly brewing coffee the moment you wake up, or having your lights dim for a movie night without ever lifting a finger.

What if we told you there were secret shortcuts to unlock the true genius of your smart home? We’re talking about time-saving hacks that put the “easy” in “smart home.”

Stop wrestling with clunky interfaces and unlock the full potential of your connected devices. From automation magic to voice-controlled convenience, get ready to discover 15 lazy genius shortcuts that will make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

So, ditch the frustration and embrace the future of effortless living. Dive in and discover the smart home shortcuts you never knew you needed!

1. Automated Lighting

Smart lighting systems, such as Philips Hue or LIFX, offer a wide range of automation possibilities. These systems allow you to set schedules, so your lights can gradually brighten in the morning, simulating a natural sunrise to help you wake up more easily. In the evening, the lights can gradually dim, signaling that it’s time to wind down for bed. 

Motion sensors can be integrated to turn lights on when you enter a room and off when you leave, ensuring that you never have to fumble for a light switch in the dark and saving energy by not lighting empty rooms.

2. Voice-Controlled Assistants

Devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home have revolutionized home automation by providing a central hub for controlling various smart home devices through voice commands. These assistants can be integrated with smart lighting, thermostats, locks, and even kitchen appliances. 

This integration allows you to control your home hands-free, making it easier to multitask or manage your home when your hands are full. For example, you can ask your assistant to turn off the lights, lock the doors, and set the thermostat to your preferred temperature as you head to bed.

3. Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats, such as the Nest or Ecobee, learn your schedule and temperature preferences to adjust settings automatically. These devices can be programmed to lower the temperature when you leave for work and raise it before you return home, ensuring comfort while saving energy. 

Some smart thermostats also offer geofencing capabilities, adjusting the temperature based on your phone’s location. When you arrive home, the temperature will always be just right.

4. Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums like the Roomba or Neato have become essential for maintaining clean floors with minimal effort. These devices can be scheduled to clean at specific times each day, ensuring that your floors are always spotless. 

Advanced models map your home to clean more efficiently, navigate around furniture, and avoid obstacles. 

When the battery runs low, they return to their charging stations automatically, ensuring they are always ready for the next cleaning cycle. This automation allows you to maintain a clean home without lifting a finger.

5. Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are an easy and affordable way to turn ordinary appliances into smart devices. With smart plugs, you can schedule your coffee maker to start brewing before you wake up, so you have a fresh cup of coffee waiting for you. 

Lamps can be set to turn on at dusk, providing ambient lighting as soon as it gets dark. These plugs can also be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to turn off forgotten appliances from anywhere, providing peace of mind and saving energy.

6. Automated Pet Feeders

Automated pet feeders ensure that your pets are fed on time, even when you’re not home. These devices can be programmed to dispense food at scheduled times, maintaining a consistent feeding schedule for your pets. 

Many automated feeders come with smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust feeding times and portions remotely. Some models even have built-in cameras, so you can check on your pets and ensure they are eating properly, providing an extra layer of care and convenience.

7. Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbells like the Ring or Nest Hello provide real-time video feeds and two-way communication with visitors at your door. When someone rings the bell or triggers the motion sensor, you receive an alert on your phone. 

You can see, hear, and speak to visitors from anywhere, whether you’re at home or away. This added layer of security allows you to monitor your home’s entrance, deter potential intruders, and never miss a delivery or visitor again.

8. Home Security Systems

Comprehensive smart security systems include cameras, sensors, and alarms that can be monitored and controlled via smartphones. Companies like SimpliSafe and ADT offer systems that allow you to check on your home in real time, receive alerts for any unusual activity, and even call for help directly from your mobile device. 

These systems can be customized to fit your specific security needs, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your home is always protected.

9. Smart Locks

Smart locks, such as those from August or Schlage, provide keyless entry to your home. These locks can be controlled remotely, allowing you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere. You can also use voice commands with your smart assistant to control the lock. 

Virtual keys can be created for guests or service personnel, granting them access during specific times. You receive notifications when the door is locked or unlocked, keeping you informed of who is coming and going.

10. Smart Blinds

Smart blinds offer a convenient way to control the amount of light and privacy in your home. These blinds can be scheduled to open with the sunrise, allowing natural light to wake you up gently, and close at night for privacy. 

Smart blinds can be controlled via apps or voice commands and can be integrated with other smart home devices to create the perfect ambiance based on your routines. This automation enhances comfort and energy efficiency by optimizing the use of natural light.

11. Smart Kitchen Appliances

Smart kitchen appliances can transform your cooking experience by adding convenience and efficiency. Smart fridges can track expiration dates and suggest recipes based on the ingredients you have. 

Smart ovens can be preheated remotely, allowing you to start cooking as soon as you get home. Devices like Instant Pots with Wi-Fi connectivity allow you to monitor and control cooking processes from your phone, making meal prep easier and more enjoyable.

12. Leak Detectors

Smart leak detectors, such as those from Honeywell or Flo by Moen, alert you at the first sign of water leaks. These devices can be placed near potential leak sources, like under sinks, behind toilets, or near water heaters. 

When a leak is detected, you receive an immediate alert on your phone, allowing you to take swift action to prevent water damage. Some systems can even shut off the water supply automatically, providing an extra layer of protection.

13. Voice-Activated Shopping Lists

Using your smart assistant to add items to your shopping list as you think of them can streamline your grocery shopping. Sync these lists with your phone for easy access at the store. 

Apps like Any. do or Google Keep integrates seamlessly with voice commands, keeping your lists organized and ensuring you never forget an item. This convenience helps you stay on top of your shopping needs without the hassle of manually writing lists.

14. Smart Irrigation Systems

Smart irrigation systems help maintain a lush garden by adjusting watering schedules based on weather conditions. Systems like Rachio or RainMachine can be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you to monitor and adjust watering times from anywhere. 

These systems use weather data to optimize watering schedules, ensuring your plants receive the right amount of water without waste. This not only saves water but also ensures your garden thrives with minimal effort.

15. Home Entertainment Systems

Integrating your TV, sound system, and streaming services into a single, voice-controlled hub can simplify your home entertainment experience. Devices like Logitech Harmony or Apple TV allow you to control all your entertainment devices with a single remote or voice commands. 

You can start movies, play music, or control volume with simple commands, creating custom scenes for different activities, like movie night or background music for a dinner party. This integration provides a seamless and enjoyable entertainment experience, eliminating the need for multiple remotes and complex setups.