Life Just Got Easier: 10 Must-Have Items Under $200

A person sits cross-legged on the floor next to a sofa, eyes closed, appearing relaxed. A dehumidifier is placed beside them.
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Creating a comfortable and stress-free home environment doesn’t require a large investment. Many affordable smart home devices and improvements can significantly enhance daily life. 

It’s increasingly accessible to integrate smart technology into your home without exceeding a modest budget.

Here are ten smart home devices, each priced under $200, that can contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable home.

1. Smart Lock on Front Door

Person entering a code on a numeric keypad of a smart lock mounted on a wooden door.
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Switching to a smart lock for the front door can be a fantastic improvement. Not needing to search for keys anymore really changes things!

Putting it in place is usually pretty easy. But time might be wasted if a model with WiFi is chosen, thinking it will unlock the door from far away. Some only allow changing the password remotely.

The best idea? Pick a simpler smart lock without WiFi. Just being able to get in without a key is a good enough reason to make the change.

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2. Smart Ceiling Fan Controller

A ceiling fan with wooden blades is shown spinning, with a hand holding a remote control in the foreground.
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Imagine having the power to manage ceiling fans simply by speaking. A device known as Bond now makes it possible to control ceiling fans using Alexa.

This means fans and lights can be switched on or off effortlessly with voice commands. There’s no need to get up, which is especially useful when hands are occupied, like when holding laundry, gardening tools, or even while managing children.

This capability introduces significant convenience, particularly in moments when reaching the switch is challenging.

3. Programmable Smart Thermostat

A hand adjusts the settings on a white digital thermostat mounted on a beige wall. The display shows a heat setting of 68°F, an inside temperature of 70°F, and the time as 9:25 AM.
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A programmable thermostat helps manage a home’s temperature more effectively, which can lower energy bills. It also ensures the home is always at a comfortable temperature.

These thermostats are easy to install and simple to use, making them a convenient upgrade.

Some programmable thermostats can connect to devices like Alexa. This makes it easy to adjust the temperature from anywhere, such as from bed or while on vacation, ensuring a comfortable home upon arrival.

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4. Smart Plugs

A round white smart plug with an illuminated power button is placed on a power strip with multiple outlets. A smartphone is visible in the background.
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Smart plugs are a really useful tool for any home. They let you control many different devices using your smartphone or just your voice.

You can easily set up your lights, coffee makers, or other appliances to turn on and off automatically, even when you’re not there.

For example, kids can use voice commands to control things like their bedroom lights, making it super easy and fun to use.

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5. Automatic Garage Door Closer

A woman in a yellow shirt uses a remote control to open a white garage door.
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Leaving the garage door open at night was once a worry for many. Now, there’s a simple solution: a device that automatically closes the garage door if it’s left open. This helpful gadget costs less than $30 and can also open and close the door using a smartphone.

It might seem like a small thing, but it’s reassuring to be able to check your phone while you’re out and see the garage door open and then close.

This little device offers peace of mind and enhances home security.

6. Motion Sensor Lights

A solar-powered outdoor wall light illuminates a dark area, casting bright rays onto a nearby surface.
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Adding motion sensor lights to the outside of a house can really boost both safety and how easy it is to get around at night. These lights turn on by themselves when they detect movement. This helps to light up walkways, making it safer for people walking around the property.

Plus, the sudden burst of light can scare away anyone who might be thinking about trespassing.

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7. Air Purifier

An air purifier can really make the air inside a home better. It’s a great idea to consider, especially if someone in the house has allergies or trouble breathing.

The air feels fresher, and everyone can breathe more easily when the air is cleaner.

8. Water Leak Detectors

Person holding a thermal imaging camera showing a color-coded heat map of pipes under a sink.
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Water damage can be expensive and cause a lot of worry. Using special detectors to find water leaks can save a lot of money in the long run. Water is sneaky and will always find a way to cause problems, often hiding behind walls.

These detectors can discover the water before it causes too much harm.

9. Robot Vacuum

A black and silver robotic vacuum cleaner on a wooden floor.
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Imagine a little helper that quietly cleans up dust and dirt every day, all by itself! A robot vacuum works like having an extra pair of hands around the house, but instead of hands, it uses brushes and suction.

Because it takes care of the daily cleaning, people have more time to relax and enjoy their clean homes.

10. Indoor Herb Garden Kit

A person is picking fresh green basil leaves from a set of potted herbs placed on a window sill.
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Creating an indoor herb garden using a simple kit can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience. Fresh herbs become easily available for cooking, and the plants can brighten up a kitchen.

These types of affordable indoor gardens can really improve a home, helping to lower stress and increase happiness. They demonstrate that making a home more comfortable and useful doesn’t have to be expensive.

Smart Home, Happy Home

Two women are in a living room; one is sitting on a sofa holding glasses, and the other is sitting on the floor operating a robot vacuum cleaner.
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These affordable enhancements have transformed our home, making it more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. Each item, costing less than $200, proves that creating a happier, less stressful home doesn’t require a hefty investment. 

With a little creativity and some strategic purchases, you can turn your house into a smarter, happier home. 

Why wait? Start small, and watch as these simple changes make a big difference in your everyday life.

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