Tech That Lets You Control Your Home (When You’re Not There)

Our homes are our castle, or so the famous saying goes. If that’s the case, then it naturally follows that we’re going to want to be in control of that castle. We want to be the Medieval monarch, who holds dominion over everything that they see and is able to control their own section of the world at the flick of a switch.

Or… something like that, anyway. The key takeaway gist is that having control of your home is, generally, seen as a good thing.

Of course, that control ends the moment you step foot outside of your front door. Sure, we’re all well-used to a world where we can program our heating to come on at a certain time, and smart appliances are becoming more common. However, if you want true mastery of your domain, then you’re going to need to extend the areas that you can control even when you’re not there. Smart appliances have come a long way even if you only consider the past five years, so if it’s control you seek, then these humble servants will be more than able to oblige.

 

Smart Fridge

You’re at the grocery store and, like a diligent person, you’ve made a list of all the things you want to buy. If you actually had the list with you in the grocery store, rather than still tacked to your fridge, then you’d be onto a winner. As it is, you don’t, so you guess what you might need, then get home to discover you’re going to have to go without milk in your morning coffee.

With a smart fridge, this experience can be a thing of the past. Want to know what you’re running low on? Not a problem– just ask the fridge via a connected smartphone app. You’ll soon be informed of what you do and don’t need, all without having to step foot across your own threshold.

 

Monitoring Security Systems

The security system you have in your home is the modern version of moats and trenches that surround your castle. Tough to breach and infallible, you can be sure that no one comes into your home unless expressly invited.

Of course, no real monarch of old would have manned the moat and drawbridge for themselves; oh no, that would have been outsourced to a protective garrison. In the modern world, you can achieve much the same reality, provided you take the time to find out more about security options that can be monitored while you’re away from home. From afar, you can turn on lights and even check in with the camera system to ensure that all is well. Just as useful as a man-at-arms of old would have been, with the adding bonus that there’s no risk of your security system falling asleep at its post.

 

Video Doorbell

Only those who are over a certain age still do the majority of their shopping online. For the rest of us, we choose the far easier option of shopping online. Wonderful as this is, it does have a downside: deliveries arriving when you’re not there to take them.

With a video doorbell, queuing at a parcel depot to collect your own goods can be a thing of the past. You’ll receive an app notification when someone is on your doorstep. From there, you can issue instructions about where the parcel should be left, or even allow the delivery person into your home to deposit the goods if you’re familiar with the individual. A perfect solution; no courtier could have done it better.

Controlling your home while you’re not there is the key to true mastery of your castle. With the innovations above, you can be sure that your reign will be long and prosperous.