Best Mobile Apps for Staying In

Chicagoans are resourceful people and we can always find a way to complain about the weather. Whether it’s too hot and humid or too cold and snowy, there are countless times when we just don’t want to leave the apartment. Fortunately for our lazy butts, this beautiful city offers many conveniences to make life easier. Grocery delivery? Check. Food from your favorite restaurant delivered to your door? You’ve got it. Out of toilet paper, but not up for a two-block walk to CVS? No problem. Want to treat yourself within the comfort of your home? Just use an app to book a masseuse or nail technician visit.

The options are limitless, but we’ve done all the work for you. Here are a few of the best mobile apps to use when you want to stay in:

Amazon Prime Now

Becoming an Amazon Prime member has tons of benefits, from free two day shipping to a growing library of streaming movies and TV shows. In a giant step toward drone delivery, Amazon released Prime Now last year in select cities. At first you could only use the system from a mobile app, but it’s now integrated on the website. It was particularly convenient last winter, when I was knocked out by a nasty cold. From the comfort of my couch, I ordered Kleenex, cough syrup, Gatorade, and chicken noodle soup. The order minimum is now $20, but the two hour delivery is free.

Instacart 

There are a variety of grocery delivery services, but Instacart is proving to be one of Chicago’s most popular options. The app matches each order with a personal shopper, who will drive to Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, Mariano’s or Costco for you. The personal shopper can also call or text from the store with questions if you grant permission. Instacart only has a $10 minimum and can deliver within an hour. The best price is two-hour delivery, if you spend over $35, that charge is only $3.99. Follow this link to learn more about other grocery delivery options.

DoorDash

The competition among food delivery apps is pretty fierce, but DoorDash has definitely caught on in the city. Users can either use the DoorDash website or app to place their order. When choosing between Sunda or Portillo’s, customers can factor the different delivery times into the decision, or you can even order food from different restaurants in the same order. The menus are easy to navigate and the range of local restaurant choices is extensive.

Did we miss your favorite app? Please share it in the comments below! If you’re looking for a new home to hole up in this fall, our team will streamline the process and help find your next downtown Chicago apartment. Follow the link below to get your search started.