"I'm wondering if maybe just a couple of strategically placed smart lights would be enough to feel secure without breaking the bank."
That's exactly how I approached it—started small with just two smart lights near entry points. Honestly, the upfront cost stung a bit, but the flexibility and control you get is pretty reassuring. Solar lights are great for visibility, sure, but having lights that react or can be controlled remotely adds another layer of deterrence. Maybe try one or two first and see how you feel about it before expanding...worked well for me.
I went a similar route, but I gotta ask—have you thought about pairing those smart lights with motion sensors or timers? Lights alone are helpful, sure, but the real advantage kicks in when they activate unpredictably or mimic someone being home. I started with just two lights myself, but once I set them up to turn on and off randomly while traveling...it felt like my house was putting on a convincing show. Slightly creepy, but definitely reassuring.
"Lights alone are helpful, sure, but the real advantage kicks in when they activate unpredictably or mimic someone being home."
I get the appeal, but honestly, random lights turning on and off might not be as convincing as you'd think. Burglars often scope out patterns, and randomness can sometimes look...well, random. I've found that pairing lights with other cues—like occasional TV or radio sounds—makes the illusion more believable. Just my two cents from experience.
I see your point, but honestly, sometimes the randomness can actually help. A few years back, I had timers set to a strict schedule while traveling, and my neighbor later told me it was obvious no one was home because the lights were too predictable—like clockwork every night. After switching to a more random pattern, he said it looked way more natural. Maybe burglars do scope out patterns, but wouldn't a bit of unpredictability at least make them second-guess themselves?
Totally agree with mixing things up a bit. Predictability can definitely be a giveaway. When I was remodeling my place, I installed smart switches that randomly cycle lights on and off within certain windows of time. It feels way more natural—like someone's actually moving around the house. Plus, it's kinda fun knowing my house is doing its own thing... almost like it's got a personality of its own now, haha.
