Apps Every Couple Should Download Before Moving In Together

Moving in together is a big step for any couple, and finding ways to keep life organized is key to a smooth transition. Whether you’re figuring out household chores, tracking groceries, or coordinating schedules, there are several apps designed to make cohabitating easier. In this article, we explore three top-rated apps for couples living together—Tandem, Umami, and TimeTree—that can help you streamline everything from daily tasks to future planning.

1. Tandem: The Essential App for Couples Living Together

Tandem is a powerful app designed specifically for couples managing a shared household. It simplifies financial management, chores, and long-term planning, making it an ideal solution for those moving in together or already cohabitating.

Key Features:

• Shared Budgeting & Expenses: Tandem allows you to easily split expenses and see joint insights into your spending. Whether it’s groceries, utilities, or rent, tracking shared finances has never been simpler.
• Collaborative To-Do Lists: Couples can create and manage shared lists, from daily chores to shopping. This helps ensure no task is forgotten, and everyone stays on the same page.
• Purchase Planning: One of Tandem’s unique features is its Purchase Planning tool, which helps couples decide on future purchases together, such as furniture or travel, avoiding impulse buying or disagreements.

By using Tandem, couples can avoid the common friction points that come with sharing a home, like misunderstandings about who is responsible for what, or disagreements about finances. With everything in one place, you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying life together.

2. Umami: The App for Cooking Together

Cooking at home is often one of the first things couples do more of when they start living together. Umami is an app that focuses on meal planning and grocery management, making it easier for couples to collaborate in the kitchen.

Key Features:

• Recipe Collection & Sharing: Umami allows you to collect and share recipes, so both partners can easily plan meals together. You can even customize recipes to your taste.
• Grocery List Integration: One of the standout features of Umami is its grocery list integration. Based on your meal plans, Umami will create a grocery list that both of you can access and add to in real time. No more wondering if you need to pick up extra eggs or milk.
• Meal Prep & Cooking Timers: Couples who enjoy cooking together will love Umami’s built-in timers and step-by-step recipe guides, making meal prep smoother and more efficient.

Using Umami helps couples stay organized in the kitchen and reduces food waste by planning ahead. Plus, cooking together can become a fun activity that strengthens your bond.

3. TimeTree: The Shared Calendar for Couples

When it comes to cohabiting, staying organized with schedules is crucial. TimeTree is a shared calendar app that ensures both partners are aligned with work, social plans, and household obligations.

Key Features:

• Shared Calendar: TimeTree allows couples to share their individual calendars, so both partners are aware of each other’s plans and commitments. This makes it easy to avoid double-booking events or scheduling conflicts.
• Reminders and Notifications: You can set reminders for important tasks, like paying bills or appointments, and both partners will be notified. This way, no important event is missed.
• Event Comments & Notes: TimeTree also enables you to leave notes or comments on calendar events, allowing for better communication. Whether you need to remind your partner about a family dinner or plan a weekend getaway, TimeTree makes sure you’re on the same page.

By using TimeTree, couples can ensure better time management and avoid misunderstandings about daily schedules, leading to smoother communication and fewer last-minute surprises.

BONUS Duolingo: Learn a New Language Together

Not for living together, but learning a new language together can be a fun and enriching experience for couples. Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, makes this easy and engaging, turning language acquisition into a collaborative activity.

Key Features:

• Shared Language Learning Goals: Pick a language to learn together and set a goal. You can follow each other’s progress, share tips, and practice speaking in the language together.
• Friendly Competition: Duolingo allows you to connect with your partner and compete to earn points (XP) as you complete lessons. See who can rise to the top of the leaderboard and stay motivated together.
• Practice Speaking Together: Outside the app, practice what you’ve learned by having short conversations or using new phrases in daily life, which can make learning more fun and immersive.

Whether you're preparing for an international trip or just want to try something new, Duolingo is a great way for couples to bond while growing their language skills.

Living together as a couple is an exciting new chapter, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether it’s keeping track of shared expenses, planning meals, or syncing your schedules, these apps can take the stress out of cohabitating so that you can focus on building your life together.