10 useful gadgets for your first apartment

Moving into your first studio apartment can be exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. You quickly realize how much your former roommates helped you with things you took for granted, like light bulbs, smoke detectors, and even a vacuum cleaner.

To make your new home more like you, here are some essential gadgets that can really help you.

SimpliSafe Home Security System – $282.94

A home security system is a worthwhile investment to ensure your peace of mind in a new apartment. SimpliSafe offers an easy-to-install setup, perfect for renters. It requires no tools to install, which is a huge benefit for tenants since you can place sensors on doors and windows with adhesive strips instead of drilling holes.

The starter kit is suitable for small spaces and includes everything you need for basic home security: a base station, wireless keypad, motion sensor, and entry sensor. You can also purchase additional sensors – such as glass breakage, water and temperature sensors – and cameras as needed.

SimpliSafe offers two monitoring options. You can choose to monitor the system yourself or opt for professional monitoring with a subscription plan starting at $23 per month. This includes 24/7 coverage, so if an alarm is triggered, SimpliSafe will contact you or send the police if you are unreachable.

Kidde Smart Smoke Detector – $74.97

Since we are talking about safety, a smoke detector is essential.

Kidde’s Smoke and carbon monoxide detector is highly rated and the most notable aspect is that it sends alerts directly to your phone. Another interesting detail is that the sensor is designed to prevent false alarms, such as cooking smoke.

Recently, Kidde upgraded its alarms with those from Amazon. Ring Technologyenabling push notifications through the Ring app, adding even more convenience.

Eufy robot vacuum cleaner

A robot vacuum cleaner can make cleaning easier. Whether you’re just trying to keep your hardwood floors tidy, deep clean your sofas, or deal with pet hair, Eufy is a reputable brand that can make your life easier.

Depending on your needs, you can find new models like the E28, which come with sophisticated features like a HydroJet system for floor washing, hot air drying, and automatic draining. It’s more expensive at around $1,399.99, but if you’re more budget-conscious, the E20 3-in-1 is a solid option at $649.99 and still gets the job done.

Dyson HushJet Purifier – $349.99

Fresh air is also important, but if you’re in the city, pollution makes opening your apartment windows less ideal. And if neighbors cook frequently, you might encounter a strange mix of smells. An air purifier can significantly improve your indoor air quality.

This compact device Dyson is quite effective, even if it is more expensive. However, the noise level is pleasantly low and many people may appreciate that the filter lasts up to five years, meaning you won’t need to buy replacement filters as often. There’s also a handy app that lets you track air quality.

Sunrise Alarm for Hatch – $169.99

Without the presence of a roommate who stirs in the first light of dawn, waking up can become a challenge. If traditional telephone alarms aren’t enough, this is where the Restoration of hatches 3 comes into play. This sunrise alarm gently wakes you up by gradually increasing the light. It also includes soothing sleep sounds, a bedside lamp, and a dimmable clock designed to be non-disturbing.

Yogasleep sound machine — $54.99

If you are sensitive to noise or live in a pet-friendly building with frequent disturbances, a sound machine is perfect. Sleep yoga has built a reputation for reliability over the years, making it a go-to choice for drowning out unwanted noise and creating a peaceful environment.

Philips Hue smart lights

Creating a warm atmosphere in your first apartment is essential, and smart bulbs offer a great way to personalize both brightness and colors. An added bonus is that they can be controlled via an app or 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 smart lighting brand with a range of popular products. What people like most are the app’s features, which make it easy to turn lights on and off, adjust their colors, and set up lighting 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 Kits are priced at $79.99, while a two-pack of ampoules costs around $49.98.

Leviton Smart Dimmer Outlet — $24.99

Smart plugs allow you to control any device plugged into them via a mobile app or voice commands. They provide additional convenience, like turning off your coffee maker when you’re not home or scheduling when your appliances should turn on or off. Additionally, they help reduce energy consumption.

A great option is Leviton’s Decora D23LP Smart Plugwhich works with popular smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Home and Google Home. This outlet not only allows you to turn connected devices on and off, but also dim them as needed. You can control the outlet through the My Leviton app.

Lumi Max Portable Projector – $399

A light spotlight It’s 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. Setting one up is easy if you have a Google account, and it comes with a remote and a carrying case.

Ninja Air Fryer – $79

If you cook for yourself in a compact kitchen, an air fryer is invaluable. It allows you to prepare everything from crispy chicken wings to perfectly roasted vegetables, all while keeping your cooking area tidy. The Ninja Air Fryer is a great choice for budget-friendly, yet powerful and easy cooking.