That there isn’t enough time in the day is more than an adage. For many of us, it’s an everyday reality. More than a third of Australian women and 30 per cent of men always or often feel rushed or pressed for time. 

There’s the back-to-back meetings, the school run, the unplanned overtime, and all the little jobs that keep your home running – feeding the dog, buying groceries and cleaning the kitchen. Even little hiccups like lost keys or a misplaced shopping list can become big problems and throw out an already tight schedule. 

This is where smart home devices come in to save your bacon. By automating routine tasks and reducing the mental load of remembering and managing everyday jobs, these smart home devices can help you win back time and make busy days feel more manageable.

Use a Robot Vacuum to Get More Relaxation Time

Tapo RV20 Max Hyper Suction robot vacuum and mop with black dock, shown against an orange background.‍

Problem: Vacuuming and mopping floors after dinner and on weekends eats into time your well deserved R&R time. 

Solution: Set up a robot vacuum to tick off floor cleaning while you work on other chores. The Tapo RV20 Max Hyper Suction Robot Vacuum and Mop is your ticket to getting rid of dust, crumbs and pet hair. With its MagSlim LiDAR navigation system, it cleverly maps out your house’s floorplan and works to a programmed schedule, so it can effectively clean every corner of your home.

Combine Wellness and Housework With an LED Face Mask

Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask, shown against a purple background.

Problem: You’re finding it hard to incorporate wellness into your day and don’t have time for a multi-step skincare routine. 

Solution: An LED face mask allows you to practise your self care while maximising your skincare – you can wear it while you’re reading, catching up on your favourite show or doing a crossword. The Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask improves your skin’s tone and texture and its portable, comfortable and rechargeable design means you can do something for your skin while doing another relaxing activity.

SEE ALSO: How a Fitness Tracker and Other Smart Tech Could Improve Your Health

Manage Deliveries with a Smart Doorbell 

Problem: Your packages always arrive when you’re out and you get a slip telling you to go to the post office during inconvenient hours. ‍

Solution: Installing a smart doorbell – an internet-connected device that works a bit like a video intercom – like the Ring Wired Video Doorbell Plus 2nd Gen helps you save time and trips to the post office. Simply talk with delivery drivers through the app and arrange for packages to be left unattended at your door. 

SEE ALSO: Your Guide to Home Security Cameras and Smart Home Security

Organise Your Grocery List With a Smart Home Speaker

Amazon Echo Show 8 Graphite smart speaker and screen displaying weather, a family photo and shopping list, shown against a pink background

Problem: You arrive at the supermarket and realise you’ve left your handwritten shopping list at home. ‍

Solution: Get a smart home speaker to organise your weekly shopping. Keep it in the kitchen and use voice activation to build your shopping list as you run out or think of them. The Amazon Echo Show 8 Graphite has a built-in Alexa smart assistant so you can call out ‘Alexa, add milk and salsa to my shopping list’ to easily add these items to your list, which you can access anywhere, anytime in the Alexa app on your smartphone. This means fewer last-minute trips to the supermarket, less mental energy spent trying to remember what you need – and more time to get on with your day. 

Use a Smart Tag to Track Your Keys

‍Problem: Can’t find your keys? Checking in all the usual – and unusual – places can add extra minutes to the time it takes to get out the door each morning and mean you’re running late for work or school. 

Solution: Simple life hacks like attaching a Samsung Smart Tag 2 Black to your key ring can help you win back time when you’re heading out the door. Using the Samsung SmartThings app you can ring the device or get directions to its location through its Compass mode so you’ll never lose your essentials again.

Keep the Whole Family Organised With a Smart Digital Calendar

Problem: Keeping track of your family’s schedule has become chaotic and you need a more streamlined way to stay on top of appointments, to-do lists and events.

Solution: Using a smart calendar can sync multiple schedules and can even give you an overview of everyone’s activities at a glance. The Blaupunkt Smart Family Digital Calendar can also be used for weekly meal planning, setting timers and reminders so nothing is ever missed and scheduling important events. 

Streamline Your Security Setup With Solar-Powered Cameras

Problem: You want to keep your property secure but it’s tricky staying on top of battery changes for your security cameras. 

Solution: Powered by solar panels, the Tapo C410 Solar Security camera provides an uninterrupted power supply, while also being wireless for easy positioning.

What to Try

SEE ALSO: Make Your Device Last: Screen Protectors, Battery Life and More