Ever walked into your home and felt like something was missing? Sometimes, the little things you didn’t even know you needed can make a huge difference. From gadgets that save you time to items that make your life more comfortable, here’s a list of ten essential items every home should have.
Key Takeaways
- A smart thermostat can help you save on energy bills by learning your schedule and adjusting the temperature automatically.
- Robot vacuums can clean your floors without you having to lift a finger, making them perfect for busy households.
- Portable air purifiers can improve the air quality in your home, which is especially useful for people with allergies.
- An Instant Pot can replace several kitchen appliances, making it easier to cook a variety of meals quickly.
- Wireless charging stations can help you keep your devices charged without the clutter of cables.
1. Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a game-changer for any home. It not only enhances comfort but also promotes energy savings and environmental sustainability. These devices learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring your home is always at the perfect temperature when you need it.
Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats are designed to learn your habits and adjust settings to save energy. For example, the Nest thermostat predicts you will save 10-12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs. Ecobee claims you’ll save around 23% on both heating and cooling.
- Cost Savings: By using less energy, you save money on your utility bills. Over time, these savings can add up significantly.
- Comfort: Smart thermostats boost comfort by maintaining a consistent temperature, reducing the wear and tear on your HVAC system.
- Convenience: Control your thermostat remotely through your smartphone or computer, making it easy to adjust settings even when you’re not home.
Smart thermostats use less energy and money, boost comfort, and minimize damage to your HVAC system.
Investing in a smart thermostat is a simple way to make your home more efficient and comfortable. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your daily life.
2. Robot Vacuum
A robot vacuum can make cleaning your home as effortless as possible. This cordless option can save you time, especially if you have pets. These smart devices navigate your home, picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair without you lifting a finger.
Discover the essential considerations when using a robot vacuum cleaner to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Learn about maintenance, navigation, and more.
How to Prep Your Home for a Robot Vacuum
This is going to be the majority of your prep work. Pick up any rugs, water bowls for your pets, toys, and any other random objects that are laying on the floor. This helps the robot vacuum move around easily and clean better.
Keeping Your Robot Vacuum in Good Health
Clean the main and side brushes regularly. Regardless of the brand, all robot vacuums have a primary brush that collects dirt, lint, and hair into the dustbin. Keeping these parts clean ensures your vacuum works well for a long time.
Best Robot Vacuums of 2024
- Best overall: Dreametech Dreamebot D10 Plus
- Best for pet hair and plush carpets: iRobot Roomba S9 Plus
The best robot vacuums will effectively clean up pet hair, dirt, and dust in your home without getting stuck or needing assistance. We tested more than 40 models to find the best ones for you.
3. Portable Air Purifier
A portable air purifier is a game-changer for maintaining clean air in your home. These devices are designed to remove dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants. They are especially useful for people with allergies or respiratory issues.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to move from room to room.
- Efficient Filtration: Many models come with HEPA filters that capture tiny particles.
- Quiet Operation: Most units run quietly, making them suitable for bedrooms and offices.
Within just a few days, you might notice the air smells fresher and is easier to breathe.
When choosing a portable air purifier, consider the size of the room and the type of filter it uses. Some models even offer smart features like air quality sensors and app control, making it easier to monitor and maintain air quality in your home.
4. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen. This versatile appliance can function as a rice cooker, pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and warmer. It’s like having seven appliances in one! If you haven’t jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet, now is the time. Pinterest has been buzzing about it for years, and for good reason.
Why You Need an Instant Pot
- Saves Time: You can cook meals much faster than traditional methods. Imagine making a pot roast in under an hour!
- Easy to Use: Just throw in your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its magic. No need for constant stirring or checking.
- Healthy Cooking: Steaming and pressure cooking help retain nutrients in your food.
- Versatile: From soups and stews to yogurt and rice, the Instant Pot can handle it all.
Popular Models
| Model | Features |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Duo | 7-in-1 functions, easy to use |
| Instant Pot Pro | Advanced features like a steam release switch and handles on the cooking pot |
| Instant Pot Ultra | Customizable settings for the more experienced cook |
Once you start using an Instant Pot, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s the ultimate kitchen helper, making meal prep a breeze and expanding your cooking horizons.
Don’t miss out on this essential kitchen tool. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, the Instant Pot will make your life easier and your meals tastier.
5. Wireless Charging Station
A wireless charging station is a game-changer for keeping your devices powered up without the hassle of tangled cords. Imagine placing your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds on a single pad and having them all charge simultaneously. This convenience is especially useful for families with multiple devices or for tech enthusiasts who own various gadgets.
Benefits of a Wireless Charging Station
- Declutter Your Space: No more messy cables and multiple chargers. A single station can handle it all.
- Universal Compatibility: Many wireless charging stations support different brands and models, making them versatile.
- Fast Charging: Some models offer quick charging capabilities, so your devices are ready to go in no time.
Top Picks for Wireless Charging Stations
| Brand | Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Belkin | Boost Charge Pro 3-in-1 | Supports MagSafe, charges three devices at once |
| Apple | MagSafe Charger | Optimized for iPhones, sleek design |
| Anker | MagGo Wireless | Budget-friendly, reliable performance |
A wireless charging station is not just a luxury; it’s an essential item that can simplify your daily routine and keep your devices ready for action.
6. Motion Sensor Lights
Motion sensor lights are a fantastic addition to any home. They illuminate your space every time you are around by detecting movement through the sensors they are equipped with. Unlike conventional lights, which operate manually, these lights turn on and off automatically, providing both convenience and security.
Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of motion sensor lights is their energy-saving capability. They only turn on when needed, which means they use less electricity compared to traditional lights. This can help you save on your energy bill.
Enhanced Security
Motion sensor lights can also enhance your home’s security. By lighting up when someone approaches, they can deter potential intruders and give you peace of mind. This is especially useful for outdoor areas like driveways and backyards.
Versatility
Another benefit of motion sensor lights is their versatility. They can be used in a wide range of settings, from outdoor security lighting to indoor closet illumination. This makes them a flexible option for various needs around your home.
Installing motion sensor lights is a simple yet effective way to improve both the safety and efficiency of your living space.
7. Digital Doorbell Camera
A digital doorbell camera is a must-have for modern homes. It enhances your home security by allowing you to see who is at your door, even when you’re not home. These devices connect to your Wi-Fi and provide a live view of your front door. This means you can monitor package deliveries, see when the kids get home from school, and know who is knocking during dinner time.
Many digital doorbell cameras come with built-in features like LED night vision, high dynamic range video, and weather resistance. Popular brands such as Amazon’s Ring, Blink, and Google Nest offer these features. Some models also offer reasonable cloud storage fees starting at just $3 per month for a single camera and $10 for up to 5 cameras.
Enhance your home security with motion sensor doorbell cameras. They send fast alerts, capture clear audio and video, and offer free and paid subscription levels—including an option for 24/7 recording.
Here are some top recommendations:
| Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nest Doorbell (Battery) | 4.25 | $179.99 |
| Ring Video Doorbell | 4.00 | $99.99 |
These options are easy to install and perform well, making them a great addition to any home.
8. Electric Wine Opener
An electric wine opener is a game-changer for wine lovers. Electric wine openers are the perfect tool for those who prefer high-tech kitchen gadgets and anyone with mobility or strength limitations. With just a push of a button, you can effortlessly remove the cork from your favorite bottle of wine.
Benefits
- Convenience: The electric corkscrew extractor effortlessly removes up to 30 corks on a single charge, making opening bottles a breeze without the need for manual effort.
- Ease of Use: It opens wine bottles easily and often comes with a comfortable soft grip handle for effortless operation.
- Versatility: Fast, efficient, and easy to handle, the rechargeable electric corkscrew adapts to all kinds of corks to open a bottle effortlessly in just a few seconds.
If you enjoy wine but struggle with traditional corkscrews, an electric wine opener is a must-have. It makes the process quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy your wine without any hassle.
9. Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are small devices that can make your home smarter and more efficient. They help make your home safer, more convenient, and save you money. By plugging them into your regular outlets, you can control your appliances remotely using your smartphone or voice commands.
Benefits of Smart Plugs
- Energy Savings: These devices help eliminate phantom loads, automate schedules, and provide real-time energy monitoring, making it easier to manage your home’s energy usage.
- Convenience: It’s not always easy to get out of bed in the morning, but smart plugs can make it a little more pleasant. Use a smart plug to sync your bedside lamp and radio.
- Versatility: Smart plugs are versatile devices and the ideal introduction to the smart home. With prices starting from under $10, they’re cost-effective too.
Smart plugs give you complete control over your home’s power, and they give regular (non-smart) devices smart capabilities. Beyond overhead lighting, you can use them for coffee makers, fans, and even holiday lights.
How to Use Smart Plugs
- Plug the smart plug into a regular outlet.
- Connect your appliance to the smart plug.
- Use the app or voice commands to control the appliance.
With smart plugs, you can enjoy the hands-free convenience of controlling your home with just your voice or a tap on your phone.
10. Cordless Handheld Vacuum
A cordless handheld vacuum is a game-changer for quick and easy cleaning tasks around the house. These compact devices are perfect for cleaning up small messes without the hassle of dragging out a full-sized vacuum. Whether it’s crumbs on the kitchen counter or pet hair on the couch, a cordless handheld vacuum can handle it all.
One of the best features of these vacuums is their portability. You can easily carry them from room to room or even use them to clean your car. Many models come with a variety of attachments, making them versatile enough to tackle different types of debris and surfaces.
With powerful suction and long battery life, these vacuums are designed to make your cleaning routine more efficient and less time-consuming.
Here are some key benefits of owning a cordless handheld vacuum:
- Lightweight and easy to use: Most models are designed to be user-friendly, with simple controls and easy-to-empty canisters.
- Versatile cleaning: From carpets to car interiors, these vacuums can handle a variety of cleaning tasks.
- Convenient storage: Many models come with wall mounts or compact charging stations, making storage a breeze.
According to reviews, some of the best handheld vacuums come from brands like Black & Decker, Dewalt, Dyson, and more. These models are praised for their effectiveness in cleaning everything from carpets to pet hair. If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient cleaning tool, a cordless handheld vacuum is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, it’s clear that having the right items in your home can make life a lot easier and more enjoyable. From practical tools to little luxuries, these essentials can fill gaps you didn’t even know existed. By adding these items to your home, you’ll be better prepared for everyday tasks and unexpected situations alike. So go ahead, take a look around your home, and see what you might be missing. You might just find that these small additions make a big difference.
