When I moved into my rental apartment in September 2023, the lease explicitly prohibited drilling holes in walls or installing permanent fixtures. This created an interesting challenge. I wanted video doorbells, motion sensors, security cameras, and smart lighting throughout my space. The traditional installation guides for these devices all started with ‘grab your power drill and mounting screws.’ None of that was an option for me.
Eighteen months later, I have a fully functional smart home with 12 connected devices. Zero drill holes. Zero permanent modifications. Everything mounts with adhesive, tension rods, or clever use of existing furniture and fixtures. When I move out next year, I can remove everything in under two hours and leave the apartment exactly as I found it.
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Why The No Drill Approach Actually Works Better
Flexibility is the hidden advantage nobody talks about. When you drill a camera mount into your wall, you are committing to that exact position. If you realize three weeks later that the viewing angle is slightly off or you need it five inches higher, you now have visible holes to patch and paint. With adhesive mounts, you just peel it off and reposition.
I learned this with my first indoor security camera. I initially placed it in the corner of my living room with a clear view of the entrance. Perfect angle, or so I thought. After two weeks of reviewing footage, I realized the camera mostly captured my couch and TV. The actual entrance was only visible in the edge of the frame. With a traditional screw mount, I would have had two sets of holes to deal with. With 3M Command strips, I moved it in 30 seconds.
The second advantage is damage prevention. I have friends who drilled into walls and hit electrical wiring or plumbing. One friend punctured a water pipe behind drywall while installing a video doorbell. The repair cost $850 and took three days. Adhesive mounting eliminates this risk entirely.
The Adhesive Products That Actually Hold Weight Long Term
Not all adhesive solutions are created equal. I have tested at least 15 different products over 18 months.
3M Command Strips (Large, 16 lb capacity)
These are the gold standard for devices under one pound. I use them for motion sensors, small cameras, smart buttons, and lightweight hubs. The key is surface preparation. Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol, let it dry completely, press firmly for 30 seconds, and wait 24 hours before hanging anything. Following this process, I have had zero failures across eight devices over 16 months.
Gorilla Heavy Duty Mounting Tape
For heavier devices like security cameras (1 to 3 pounds), regular Command strips are not sufficient. Gorilla tape is rated for 15 pounds and uses a different adhesive formula that handles more weight. I mounted my Wyze Cam V3 using this tape in March 2024. It is still holding strong with no sagging or loosening.
Scotch Extreme Mounting Tape
This is my choice for devices in high humidity areas like bathrooms. Standard adhesives lose grip when exposed to moisture and temperature changes. Scotch Extreme is specifically formulated for challenging environments. I use it for a motion sensor in my bathroom. Eighteen months of daily showers with no adhesive failure.
Smart Lighting Without Drilling or Ceiling Modifications
Ceiling lights are traditionally the most drill dependent devices in home automation. You either replace existing fixtures (requires electrical work and mounting) or install new fixtures (requires drilling and wiring). Neither option works for renters or no drill scenarios.
Smart Bulbs in Existing Lamps
This is the obvious starting point but people underestimate how effective it is. I replaced bulbs in four existing lamps with Philips Hue bulbs. These lamps sit on furniture at different heights throughout my apartment. The effect is nearly identical to ceiling fixtures but with zero installation effort. Total cost was $60 for four bulbs (on sale), and I can take them to my next apartment.
LED Strip Lights with Adhesive Backing
These create ambient lighting that rivals recessed ceiling fixtures. I installed Govee LED strips along the top edge of my kitchen cabinets. The strips came with adhesive backing (I reinforced with Command strips every 12 inches for security). They provide bright task lighting for cooking plus color changing accent lighting for ambiance. Installation took 20 minutes.
Tension Rod Mounted Lights
For closets and narrow spaces, tension rods (the kind used for shower curtains) create mounting points without drilling. I bought a 24 inch tension rod for $8, mounted it across the width of my closet, and attached a motion activated LED light bar. The rod holds firmly through pressure against the walls. No holes, no damage, and the lighting is perfectly positioned.
Security Cameras and Video Doorbells Without Permanent Installation
Video doorbells are typically the most invasive devices to install. Traditional models require drilling mounting holes and connecting to existing doorbell wiring or mounting a power supply. This represents the exact opposite of a no drill approach.
Battery powered video doorbells solve this completely. The Ring Video Doorbell (battery version) and Arlo Video Doorbell both mount with adhesive backing or removable brackets. I use the Ring battery version mounted with Gorilla heavy duty tape. It has been in place for 14 months with zero issues. Battery life is about three months per charge, which means I swap batteries four times per year. That is acceptable maintenance for avoiding permanent installation.
For indoor cameras, I use a combination of adhesive mounts and creative furniture placement. My Wyze Cam V3 in the living room sits on top of a bookshelf aimed at the entrance. No mounting required at all. My bedroom camera (for security when traveling) uses Gorilla mounting tape on the wall near the ceiling.
Motion Sensors and Smart Buttons Placement Strategy
Motion sensors and smart buttons are the easiest devices to install without drilling. They are lightweight (under 2 ounces typically), battery powered, and designed for adhesive mounting.
I have six motion sensors throughout my apartment triggering various automations. Hallway sensor turns on pathway lighting when I walk to the bathroom at night. Kitchen sensor activates under cabinet lighting when I enter. Bedroom sensor triggers my morning routine when it detects movement after 6 AM.
All six sensors mount with 3M Command strips. The trick is mounting them at the correct height and angle. Motion sensors detect movement best when placed 6 to 8 feet high and angled slightly downward. I initially placed them at eye level and they missed a lot of movement. After repositioning higher (easy with adhesive mounts), detection improved dramatically.
Smart buttons (like the Flic button or Hue Dimmer Switch) create physical control points without replacing light switches. I mounted a Hue Dimmer Switch next to my bed using a Command strip. It controls all my bedroom lights with actual buttons instead of requiring me to grab my phone or use voice commands. Cost was $20, installation was 2 minutes, and it feels like a built in wall switch.
FAQs
Will adhesive mounts damage walls when removed?
Quality adhesive products like 3M Command strips are specifically designed for damage free removal. Follow the removal instructions exactly (stretch the tab slowly parallel to the wall rather than pulling straight out). I have removed and relocated devices dozens of times with zero paint damage or residue.
How do I mount devices on textured walls?
Textured walls reduce adhesive contact area and lower holding strength. For light devices under 6 ounces, standard adhesive strips work if you press very firmly during installation. For heavier devices, use larger adhesive strips (4 inch squares instead of 2 inch) to distribute weight across more surface area.
What about outdoor security cameras?
Outdoor mounting without drilling is challenging but possible. Battery powered cameras like Ring Stick Up Cam or Blink Outdoor work well. Mount them under eaves or on fence posts using heavy duty outdoor adhesive strips rated for weather exposure. I mounted a Blink camera on my apartment balcony using Gorilla outdoor mounting tape.
Do battery powered devices require constant recharging?
Battery life varies by device and usage. Motion sensors typically last 12 to 18 months on a single battery. Video doorbells last 2 to 4 months depending on activity level. Security cameras last 2 to 6 months. I keep spare batteries on hand and swap them during routine maintenance every few months.
Can I create a whole home system without drilling?
Absolutely. My entire apartment is automated with 12 devices and zero drill holes. Smart lighting through bulbs and LED strips, security through battery cameras and motion sensors, climate control through smart plugs on window AC units, and voice control through hub placement on furniture.
Conclusion
No drill smart home installation is not a compromise or limitation. It is often the smarter approach even when drilling is permitted because it provides flexibility, prevents damage, and allows easy relocation.
My recommendation is to start with three devices that solve your biggest pain points. For most people, that means a video doorbell for security, smart bulbs for lighting control, and motion sensors for automation. Total investment is around $120 to 150 for quality devices plus $20 for proper adhesive supplies.
