3 Easy Steps to Make Your Home Smart (No Tradies Needed)
Are you curious about smart homes and all the cool things they can do?
Maybe it’s your first time diving in. Or maybe you've tried before but it all felt… a bit too hard?
Good news: You’re in the right place.
You don’t need to make your whole home smart in one go. You don’t need an electrician. And you don’t need to drop thousands.
You just need these 3 easy steps.
But fair warning…
It. Is. Addictive.
If you keep reading, there’s a good chance you’ll be hooked (in a good way).
Step 1: Choose a Smart Product
(…And Connect It to Your Wi-Fi)
Start small. You don’t need to overhaul your whole house. I recommend beginning with smart lighting — it’s affordable, easy, and has instant wow factor.
But you can start wherever suits you best.
Great beginner-friendly product categories:
- Lighting – smart bulbs, lamps, or smart plugs
- Power management – smart plugs that control fans, heaters, or kettles
- Security – Wi-Fi cameras or smart video doorbells
Need ideas? My Ultimate Smart Home Guide has the full list of what’s available in Australia.
Once you've got your device, follow the setup instructions to connect it to your home Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Choose a Smart Assistant
(…And Connect It to the Internet)
Your smart assistant — also known as a smart speaker — is the brain of your smart home.
It allows you to:
- Control devices with your voice
- Create smart routines (like “movie mode”)
- Bring everything together in one seamless system
Popular smart assistants:
💡 Tip: I usually recommend the Echo Dot or Nest Mini for beginners — both around $50 AUD and super capable.
Got more budget? Consider a screen-equipped version:
Before buying:
Make sure your smart product and smart assistant are compatible. Look for the icons on the box — or check the product listing.
Step 3: Connect Your Smart Product to Your Assistant
This is where the magic happens. You’ll link your smart product (e.g. a light bulb) with your smart assistant (e.g. Amazon Echo).
Each product comes with an app or a guide to walk you through the steps.
Premium brands often include video guides to make setup even easier.
Need help? Shoot me a message — I’ve helped plenty of people through this part.
You Did It! You’ve Started Your Smart Home
You now have a smart device connected to a smart assistant.
Try this:
- “Alexa, turn on the [light name]”
- “Hey Google, turn off the [lamp name]”
Swap in the name you used during setup. Voilà — you’re controlling your home with your voice.
What’s Next?
Now that you’re set up, keep building your smart home step-by-step:
- Add a second smart product
- Create your first routine
- Explore smart heating & cooling or smart audio
Need more ideas?
Start with my Ultimate Smart Home Guide — it covers everything available in Australia, from beginner to advanced.
👉 Read the Ultimate Smart Home Guide
Or check out more Smart Home Blog Posts