After 13 years with smart home technology, Ben Lovejoy is planning a fresh start in his new apartment, weighing whether to stick with Apple HomeKit or switch to Home Assistant. His existing setup, which helped sell his current apartment, will mostly stay behind except for a few lamps he's taking with him.

Lovejoy plans to maintain many familiar elements while upgrading to newer technology. He'll keep smart switches for lighting control, smart locks with Apple Key support, and a video doorbell with HomeKit Secure Video. The lighting plan includes color-capable lamps and strip lighting in living areas but white overhead lights, learning from past experience that extensive color lighting in bathrooms rarely gets used.

A major change involves moving from motion sensors to presence sensors for more precise automation, particularly for desk lighting. He's also reconsidering window treatments after issues with floor-to-ceiling blinds, opting for curtains in the living room and limiting automated blinds to the bedroom. The most significant addition will be a short-throw projector paired with an Apple TV 4K, marking his first TV setup in 26 years. The central question remains whether HomeKit's reliability justifies staying in Apple's ecosystem or if Home Assistant's flexibility is worth the complexity.