The Office in a Bag
For a few years now, for a variety of reasons, my family and I have been living ‘in between’ our rented flat in central London and a smaller flat that we own out in the suburbs—we basically split our week between the two locations. Obviously, when ‘working from home’, I could be working from either location, as well as the occasional train journey, coffee shop, etc. This means I need an easy and fast way of transporting my WFH gear, setting up, and packing up.
Enter my ‘office in a bag’.
Always Use the Same Kit
Picture this: a bag that holds all your essential gadgets, devices, and even good old-fashioned paper documents, so you can effortlessly transition between your home(s), your favorite coffee shop, and even the office. Once you have it, you won’t know how you ever managed without it! The ‘office in a bag’ concept is particularly useful for those who work remotely in different locations or travel frequently. By keeping all your essential work items in one place, you can easily set up your workspace wherever you are. This can help to increase productivity and reduce stress, as you won’t have to worry about forgetting important items or figure out how you are going to set up your workspace.
Also, having the same set of equipment at your disposal reduces the friction of transitioning between different working environments or locations, and allows you to maintain your productivity groove. At home, set up your ‘office in a bag’ in your designated workspace (you do have one, right?). You'll have everything you need to dive into work without missing a beat. When you’re heading to the office, just grab your bag, and you’re good to go. And for those moments when you crave a change of scenery, like a coffee shop, park, or even the library, your mobile office ensures you’re always ready.
So what should be in your bag?
The Laptop
First up, let's talk about the core of your mobile office, the laptop. Whether you’re drafting emails, crunching numbers, or designing graphics, you need a workhorse that can keep up. I recommend investing in a reliable laptop that's powerful enough to handle your tasks. Make sure to choose a laptop that is as lightweight as possible, so that you can easily carry it with you wherever you go.
Add a Portable Monitor
But why stop at one screen when you can have two? A portable second monitor can significantly boost your productivity. Just plug it in, and you'll have the luxury of a dual-screen setup whether you’re at home or at a coffee shop.
Laptop Stand
Let's not forget about comfort. A foldable laptop stand is a must-have to help you achieve the perfect viewing angle. Your neck and back will thank you later! Make sure it’s a stand that can fold flat easily so you can pack it away into your bag—you don’t want a stand that is hard or fiddly to set up.
Keyboard and Mouse
If you’re getting a stand, then you may well need a wireless keyboard and mouse, so you can use the laptop comfortably and not have to bend or raise your wrists too much.
Wireless Headphones
If you need to dive into a virtual meeting or simply enjoy some tunes while working, wireless headphones (with integrated microphone) are essential. No more tangled wires to deal with. Even better if you can invest in a good noise-cancelling pair—they are worth every penny.
Other Items
If your laptop supports it, make sure to include an electronic pen for taking notes or sketching ideas (or signing documents!). Don't forget a trusty USB stick, a reliable battery pack to keep your devices charged, and a variety of cables to cover all your connection needs. Also, if your laptop’s integrated webcam isn’t that great, you might need a separate webcam (with ring light, if you can!) as well.
Paper Documents
Yes, in this digital age, they might seem like relics, but they’re still occasionally a part of our professional lives. That's where a dedicated plastic folder comes in handy so you can transport papers without having them fold or bend in your bag.
Notebook + Pen
Staying on the paper theme, for those moments when inspiration strikes or you need to jot down a quick note, always keep a paper notebook and pens in your bag (or indeed your coat, if you prefer!). There’s something about putting pen to paper that sparks creativity. Plus, it’s a great backup for when your phone decides to take an unscheduled nap and you still need to make a note of something!
Business Cards
Lastly, don’t forget a pack of business cards. Even in the digital era, these little rectangles of paper are essential for networking, if that’s part of your role. Keep them within easy reach in your bag’s designated cardholder.
Water Bottle and Snacks
Staying hydrated is important for productivity and overall health, especially if you’re on the move. Make sure to pack a reusable water bottle, so that you can stay hydrated throughout the day. Having your favourite snacks on hand can help to keep your energy levels up throughout the day and stop you from venturing into a shop to buy something at the last minute and waste more money!
The Bag Itself
Your bag should be compact enough for you to carry comfortably yet spacious enough to fit all your essentials. Look for a bag with well-organised compartments to keep things tidy. A good balance between size and weight is crucial, as you’ll be lugging it around everywhere. Personally, I use a large canvas laptop bag, with lots of zips and pockets—it fits my 13” laptop (yep, that’s the one I’m writing on!), foldable stand, mouse, keyboard, webcam, and all the other stuff. Find a good bag—it’s going to become your trusted work companion, at your side at the start and end of your working day.