As summer winds down and the school year kicks into gear, families everywhere try to juggle busy mornings, after-school activities, homework routines, and earlier bedtimes. The transition back into a structured schedule can be a challenge—but the right smart home devices can make it a whole lot easier.
From saving time in the mornings to keeping your home energy efficient and secure while you’re away, here are some of the top smart home upgrades that can help your household run smoothly this school year.
Smart Plugs: Simplify Mornings and Evenings
Smart plugs are one of the easiest ways to automate your day. These devices allow you to control any plug-in appliance—from lamps to coffee makers—through your phone or voice assistant. You can program them on a schedule or control them remotely.
Use smart plugs too:
- Turn on the coffee maker automatically before your alarm goes off
- Power off video game consoles or TVs at a set time
- Control lamps in kids’ rooms to encourage consistent wake-up and wind-down times
- Turn off forgotten devices without having to run back inside
Programmable Thermostats: Comfort and Energy Savings
Fall weather brings cooler mornings and unpredictable temperatures throughout the day. A programmable or smart thermostat can help you maintain comfort without wasting energy.
Benefits include:
- Adjusting temperatures while everyone is at school or work to save on your energy bill
- Warming up the house just before the kids return home
- Setting nighttime temperatures to encourage restful sleep
Many smart thermostats also offer learning features, adjusting automatically based on your household’s habits and preferences.
Timers and Scheduling Features: Keep Things Running Like Clockwork
Timers aren’t just for lights—they can be used across many smart devices to create a consistent daily routine. Use them too:
- Trigger gentle lighting in bedrooms instead of harsh alarms
- Automate porch lights to turn on just before dark for added security
- Schedule lights to go off at bedtime to encourage healthy sleep habits
Having your home run on a schedule reduces the number of daily decisions you must make—especially helpful on chaotic mornings.
Smart Lighting: A Brighter Way to Stay on Track
Smart lighting systems allow you to control brightness, color, and on/off schedules from your phone or with voice commands. You can even group lights by room or function.
Helpful uses include:
- Setting dimmed lighting in the evenings to help kids wind down
- Creating a morning routine where bedroom or kitchen lights turn on slowly to ease the wake-up process
- Using motion-activated lights in hallways or bathrooms for safe late-night trips
Many systems also have “vacation” or “away” modes to give the appearance of someone being home, adding a layer of security during weekend trips or school breaks.
Bonus: Smart Doorbells and Cameras for Peace of Mind
If your kids walk home from school or arrive before you get back from work, smart doorbells or security cameras can offer peace of mind. These tools let you:
- Know when someone arrives home
- Talk to your kids through a two-way speaker
- Keep an eye on package deliveries or unexpected visitors
While not directly tied to your morning routine, these devices can ease the back-to-school transition by helping parents stay connected and reassured throughout the day.
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to take advantage of smart home tech. Whether it’s shaving a few minutes off the morning scramble or helping everyone stay on schedule, these devices can lighten the mental load and bring some much-needed calm to your household.
If you’re ready to install smart plugs or lighting systems make sure your home’s wiring is ready to handle it. We’re happy to help with professional installation or answer any questions you have about making your home smarter—and your school year smoother.