Make your new home a smart home with these game-changing devices

Moving house is already an exciting time, but you can take it to the next level by including some smart devices in your new place that will make it feel like you’ve moved into the future!

You will need to make sure your new house has a reliable, high-speed internet connection to be able to use these game-changing devices. 

This page will show you some of our favourite gadgets that will make your life easier and even save you money on your bills!

• Smart speakers
• Smart meters
• Streaming device
• Wireless home security
• Smart thermostats
• How do I set up my smart home

If you need help finding the right internet plan for your new home, give the experts at Move-In Connect a call. We can compare NBN plans and 5G options to find you the best internet plans at the most affordable prices.

Smart speakers

You might know them better by their stage names – Siri, Alexa or Hey Google! These nifty, voice-activated speakers connect to your WiFi network and let you control any other smart devices on the same network, just by shouting your wishes into the air!

Some commands are pre-programmed, but you can ‘teach’ your smart speakers to do almost anything you can dream up. 

As well as being able to answer your questions, your smart speakers can control your phone, television, lighting, plugs, heating, locks and security system. 

Smart speakers are an inexpensive way to take control of your house. By letting you control the lighting and heating, you might notice some savings on your energy bill by turning off power in rooms that are not being used.

Some of our favourite smart speakers are in the table below. Prices are from Officeworks and are correct for September 2022.

Smart Metres

In Victoria, smart metres are now mandatory for all homes, while in most other states they are used for all new builds. These clever gadgets can track your energy usage in real time, rather than relying on a meter reader to visit your property every three months to deliver a big bill shock!

If you have a smart meter, your retailer or distributor will have connected you to their energy tracking app. This will show you how much electricity you use at different times of the day so you can see if you are wasting any energy or if you are using too much during the most expensive peak hours.

A smart meter also unlocks Time Of Use tariffs for your new home, meaning you can take advantage of lower off-peak or shoulder rates to make some big savings on your bill.

Talk to one of the experts at Move-In Connect to find out how to upgrade your new home to a Smart Meter and find the cheapest electricity plan for your energy needs.

Streaming devices

If you’ve ever found yourself spending hours looking through all the different streaming services on your TV trying to find the perfect show, then a streaming device is for you.

You simply plug the device into the HDMI port of your television, and all your content will be available in one place – no more clunky switching from app to app.

Most streaming devices include a personalised home screen that will track the shows and movies you are watching and serve you personal recommendations for further viewing.

You can control your device through the provided remote or through voice activation.

All the key players in streaming and home entertainment have streaming devices available, and it should be noted that some brands only allow access to their own content with their smart devices, so make sure you can connect to all your preferred services before you make a purchase.

Our favourite streaming devices are in the table below. Prices are from JB Hi-Fi and are correct for September 2022.

Wireless home security

There are many options available for your smart home security, from video doorbells to move extensive security systems with multiple cameras and motion detectors.

A wireless system connects to an app on your phone so you can receive notifications when motion is detected and check out any unexpected visitors. Some devices include two-way communication, so you can talk to the person on your doorstep through the app, sound an alarm or alert the authorities.

Modern security devices are smaller and more discreet than the CCTV cameras of days gone by, so you can install them around all your entry points without making your home look like Fort Knox.

Depending on the type of system you choose, prices range from as little as $60 or well into the thousands. Some of our favourite wireless security options are in the table below. Prices are from Officeworks and are correct for September 2022.

Smart thermostats

A smart thermostat is a really effective way to make your home more energy efficient and save money on your bills. Through an app on your phone, you can control the temperature in any room of your house, or program a daily schedule to make sure you are not wasting energy on empty spaces.

You might be able to self-install your new device, or you might need a professional, depending on the model you choose and the current set-up of your wiring.

The features you choose for your smart thermostat will affect the price you pay. A basic model that enables temperature control from an app is the most affordable option, while the top-of-the-range models include smart learning, humidity detection and geofencing which pings the system when it detects that you (and your phone) are on your way home to prepare your house for arrival!

Some of our favourite smart thermostats are in the table below – prices are from The Gadget Collective and are correct for September 2022.

How do I set up my smart home?

The common requirement for all of these smart devices is a reliable, high-speed internet connection. In Australia, the NBN or 5G are the best options for fast speeds. If you are not sure if your new home is NBN ready, give us a call on 1300 786 045 and we will talk you through the options available at your new address. 

Our team of experts will also compare internet plans for you to find the cheapest NBN plan or 5G option for your internet needs. Some of our favourite plans for smart homes are in the table below (prices are correct for September 2022).

For the best deals on 5G or NBN compare with Move-In Connect today for help moving broadband to your new smart home! Call 1300 786 045 or enter your details online.