Hey everyone, I wanted to share my journey in setting up an automated daily routine using SmartThings. I’ve been exploring the platform for a while now, and I’m excited to see how much I’ve been able to streamline my mornings and evenings.
Morning Routine Automation
One of the biggest challenges I faced was waking up in the dark and fumbling for the lights. I decided to tackle this by integrating a pressure mat under my bed with SmartThings. The idea was simple: when I step on the mat in the morning, it should automatically turn on the lights and start the coffee maker.
I started by setting up a SmartApp that detects pressure changes on the mat. Once the pressure threshold is met, it triggers a series of actions: turning on the bedroom lights, adjusting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, and sending a command to my coffee maker. I even added a notification to my phone to let me know the coffee is brewing!
Evening Routine Automation
In the evenings, I wanted to ensure that all my devices were turned off or set to a ‘night mode’ when I left the house. I created a scene that automatically locks the doors, turns off the lights, and lowers the thermostat when I press a specific button on my SmartThings hub.
I also integrated my smart blinds to close automatically as the sun sets, which not only saves energy but also adds a layer of security. I was a bit worried about potential hiccups, but after testing it a few times, everything runs smoothly.
Lessons Learned
- Start Small: I didn’t try to automate everything at once. Starting with one room and gradually expanding has made the process manageable and less overwhelming.
- Experiment with Scenes: Scenes have been a lifesaver. They allow me to group multiple actions into one command, making my routines much more efficient.
- Use Notifications Wisely: While notifications can be helpful, I learned to set them sparingly to avoid being overwhelmed.
Looking Ahead
I’m already planning my next projects. I want to integrate my smart speaker to play my favorite playlist in the morning and maybe even set up a system to water my plants automatically. The possibilities are endless!
If anyone has tips or suggestions on how to improve my setup, I’d love to hear them. Happy automating everyone! 