How I Transformed My Space with a Simple Entry Sensor

I used to think my problem was just being forgetful.

Every Monday, I’d walk into my home office, coffee in hand, and realize I’d left the back door unlocked—again. The worst was last March, when I arrived home late to find the door wide open and the neighbor’s cat snoozing on my office chair. Not exactly a security breach, but definitely a wake-up call.

I was tired of feeling paranoid every time I left the house. I tried sticky notes, alarms on my phone, even a checklist taped to the door. None of it worked. There’s only so much technology a piece of paper can provide.

"I've shown them a Shared Calendar either in SPO/Teams or Outlook but it's not suitable-they want a list of names."

That line stuck with me because it captures the frustration of trying to retrofit a solution where it doesn’t fit. I had the same feeling with my old methods—like using a fork to spread peanut butter. Not the tool for the job.

Turning Point #1: The Search for Something That Just Works

After the cat incident, I spent a few weeks researching options. I looked into smart locks, but the installation seemed like a hassle. Then I tried a DIY motion sensor from a big box store, but it kept sending false alarms whenever the wind rattled the door.

Frustrated, I started noticing how many people were struggling with the same problem—knowing who’s coming and going, but also just needing reliable, simple feedback. I found myself nodding along when I read, "I want to track it in a way I can present an overview to managers and present back to seniors on how much our team are trying." The need for clarity, for data you can trust, is universal.

Eventually, I realized what I needed wasn’t a full surveillance setup or a complicated app. I just wanted to know: Is the door open, or is it closed? Sometimes the simplest questions are the hardest to answer.

So I started looking for entry sensors.

Turning Point #2: Actually Using an Entry Sensor (and Not Looking Back)

I ended up picking up the Ubiquiti USL-ENTRY UI Entry Sensor, which cost me about $49. There are plenty of other brands—some cheaper, some flashier—but I liked that this one didn’t require a subscription, and it worked with the rest of my setup.

Installation was easier than I expected. The sensor stuck right to the door frame, and after a quick sync with my network, I was getting notifications whenever the door opened or closed. No more guesswork. No more neighbor’s cat.

"Am I paranoid? What software have you seen? What does it do? What reports and reporting are you seeing?"

That anxiety is so common. I’ve felt it too—wondering if I need a full monitoring system, or if I’m just overthinking it. The truth is, you don’t have to go all-in on complex solutions if you just want peace of mind about one thing.

Here’s what surprised me:

I actually check the app less often than I thought—I just trust it now.
The sensor’s battery is still going strong after months.
I spend less time worrying and more time working.

Of course, there are alternatives. If you want something with a camera, Wyze and Ring offer entry sensors bundled with video for a little more money. Some people swear by Zigbee or Z-Wave sensors if you’re deep into smart home automation. But if you just need to know when a door opens or closes, a simple entry sensor does the trick.

Reflection: Patterns, Simplicity, and What Matters

I’ve noticed a pattern in how we approach electronics: we chase features instead of solutions. I spent too much time looking for the “perfect” device, when all I needed was a small piece of hardware that answered one question.

If you’re in the same boat—tired of second-guessing yourself, or worrying about whether you locked up—try an entry sensor. It won’t solve every problem, but it’ll give you clarity where you need it most.

Whether you choose this model or an alternative, just pick one that fits your needs—and stop letting small worries hijack your day.

How I Transformed My Space with a Simple Entry Sensor