"Hey, Alexa, I'm headed to work." With that statement, all the lights in the house turn off, the thermostat adjusts to an empty home, a Google map provides the quickest route to work, circumventing a traffic accident, and a favorite drink order is sent to Starbucks for pickup in 7 minutes. Along the drive, a morning playlist of music begins, and the Google map automatically adjusts for any changes in traffic. 

Before, this was similar to The Jetsons' super-futuristic, almost impossible-to-imagine world. Rosie, the robot maid took care of the kids and commanded the house to cook dinner, clean the floors, and do other tasks we all wish would be automated in our homes.

But a home like the Jetsons' is no longer futuristic. It's here. Today, we have the power to make our homes more convenient, secure, and energy-efficient –  what we once considered science fiction. Transforming your home into a smart home offers numerous benefits. Here are some compelling reasons and practical tips for transforming your home into a smart home:

Reasons to Make Your Home Smart:

1. Convenience: Smart devices allow you to automate your daily routine, including adjusting the thermostat, turning off lights, or even making coffee.
2. Energy Efficiency: With programmable thermostats and energy-efficient appliances, you can monitor and control energy usage, saving you money on utility bills that seem to keep climbing every year. 
3. Security: With smart security cameras, door locks, garage door openers and motion sensors, you can monitor your home remotely and get alerts when your home senses unusual activity.  
4. Customization: Smart home devices can be customized to your preferences, allowing you to create personalized settings for lighting, temperature, entertainment, and more.
5. Marketability: Homes featuring smart devices will typically entice more potential buyers and earn a higher purchase price. 

Tips for Making Your Home Smart:

1. Start Small: Identify areas where automation would be most beneficial to you and your family, such as lighting, thermostats, or security. Gradually expand your smart devices as you go. Start with an Alexa, Echo or similar device, and begin with simple tasks, such as adding to lists, and getting google answers to quick questions. Buy a Smart operated outlet plug and lightbulb. More advanced options abound, but start small and take the time to master those devices before you move on to the Smart kitchen appliances. 
2. Research: Take the time to research different smart devices and systems available on the market. Consider factors like compatibility, ease of use, and customer reviews before purchasing. YouTube is my go-to place to see products in action before actually purchasing them. 
3. Integration: Opt for devices that "talk" to each other, like popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. Nest also operates with these platforms. Be sure to look at labeling and features closely on items before you buy them. Packaging and item descriptions will be specific about which ones they cooperate with.
4. Consider Security and Privacy: Choose reputable brands with robust encryption and authentication measures to safeguard your personal data and privacy. It may seem like a harmless prank to be able to turn your neighbors lights on and off remotely, but that small digital opening may allow more nefarious individuals into your digital vaults. 
5. User Education: Learning new technology can take time and it can be frustrating. (It can also make you feel much older than you actually are.) Carve out time in your day to familiarize yourself with the features of the smart device. Test out the advanced settings to see how you can make the device work for you.  

With the ability to start small, you can make a great investment not only to your home, but to your lifestyle by installing smart devices in your home. I'm excited to see what new technology is released to make life just a bit easier and routines a bit more streamlined. As AI becomes more developed, you'll also begin to see this integrated into your Smart home as well. AI will notice the food items in your refrigerator that are running low, and automatically send a grocery order to your local store for pickup, and tell you when it's ready. Many things will become automated and run in the background, making your life easier. Now is a good time to become comfortable with the basics, to reduce feeling overwhelmed later!