Start Here

New to smart homes? Start here. We'll walk you through the basics, help you pick your first device, and show you exactly how to get started with home automation.

New to smart homes? New to The Automated Family? You're in the right place. This page will get you up to speed in about five minutes.

Step 1: Understand the Basics

A "smart home" is just a home where some of your devices can be controlled remotely or automatically. That's it. It can be as simple as a single smart plug that turns off your lamp at bedtime, or as advanced as a fully automated house that adjusts lighting, temperature, locks, and music based on who's home.

You don't need to go all-in on day one. Start small, learn as you go, and add more as you get comfortable.

Step 2: Pick Your Starting Point

Not sure what to automate first? Here are the most popular starting points for families:

  • Smart lighting — Control your lights with your voice or set them to turn on/off on a schedule. Start with one smart bulb or smart plug.
  • Smart speaker — An Amazon Echo or Google Nest gives you voice control and acts as the hub for future devices.
  • Smart thermostat — Save money and stay comfortable with a thermostat that learns your schedule.
  • Robot vacuum — Set it and forget it. Automated floor cleaning is one of the most satisfying upgrades.

Step 3: Follow Our Beginner Content

We've organized our content to help you progress naturally:

  1. Read our reviews — Find the right products for your home and budget. Browse reviews →
  2. Follow our guides — Step-by-step tutorials that walk you through setup and automation. Browse guides →
  3. Subscribe to the newsletter — Get weekly tips delivered to your inbox. Subscribe free →

Step 4: Join the Community

Learning is faster (and more fun) when you're not doing it alone. Our free community on Circle is where you can ask questions, share your progress, and get inspired by what other families are building.

Join the Free Community →

Step 5: Keep Going

Once you've got a few devices set up and running, the fun really begins. You'll start seeing opportunities to automate everywhere — your morning routine, your security system, your energy usage, even your garden. That's when the community and our premium courses really shine.

Welcome aboard. We're glad you're here.