I’ve perfected my work-from-anywhere setup over the years — here’s what’s always in my bag
Staying productive on the go takes more than Wi-Fi — these are the essentials that make remote work actually work.
Working remotely has become the new normal for many of us, thanks to today’s online world and rapidly developing technology. It gives the freedom to work from anywhere and at any time in the world. I’ve been working from home for a number of years now, and there is no better feeling than being productive while embracing the freedom to do so whenever I want. From home to the beach to even coffee shops, I carry a mini office with me, which lets me work anywhere with ease.
However, working from anywhere doesn’t just require a laptop. Here are some essentials that I swear by. They enhance my productivity and make the working experience much more enjoyable.
A functional and comfortable bag
The most essential item is the bag. Make sure to buy a backpack that is comfortable to hold and has a functional design with enough compartments for all your gadgets and personal items. Also, look at how secure the bag is; you may want a padded compartment for your laptop and other pockets and pouches to carry the rest of your items. If you travel frequently, you can also look for wheeled bags.
If you don’t want a backpack, a messenger bag is a great alternative. Messenger bags are not only functional but also often more stylish than backpacks. Go for a bag with a generous capacity and some interior and exterior pockets. Also, check if the carrying straps are strong enough.
My personal preference is to buy a high-quality bag that lasts for years. Of course, these are not necessarily the cheapest options, but if you handle it with love and care, it will last for a long time.
The right laptop
Picking the right laptop makes all the difference, and if you are really serious about it, you need a proper deep dive into the topic. But before jumping into buying the first laptop, think about your needs. What works for one may not be the best option for others. Think of your work nature and how much time you spend on your laptop. Then list down what you need: a speedy SSD or lots of RAM; a 13-inch display or a 15-inch? For me, 16GB of RAM, a 512 GB SSD, and an i7 processor work best and have never let me down.
However, these specifications may not be suitable for your work type. If you work with complex software like AutoCAD or Photoshop, check their minimum system requirements and always choose at least the recommended computer configuration. Otherwise, you will regret your choice as soon as you start the first complex task. Search online for tests and reviews to get familiar with the latest features and models before you even consider any model.
I also recommend visiting a store and informing them about your requirements and budget. You can touch and feel the product, and if you want, you can still buy something online later.
Noise-canceling wireless headphones
There is nothing worse than sitting in a coffee shop with a long list of deadlines and being unable to focus on your work because of the noise around you. That is why noise-canceling headphones are one of the best investments I’ve made over the years.
If you are traveling, they are essential, too. If you have ever tried them on a flight, you won’t fly without them again. Go for the ones with good sound quality and long battery life, as you may not always have access to outlets. Many headphones on the market now come with an app that lets you control features the way you like.
A portable hard drive
I always carry a portable hard drive so I can access important files when internet access is limited or unsafe. You can also back up your work on it in case your computer gets damaged or even stolen. There are many good hard drives on the market. You can choose the one depending on the size you need. For instance, my drive is 2 TB since I keep a lot of images, videos, and even music on it. I’d also look at how lightweight it is, especially if you travel a lot.
Earbuds
For days when I don’t want to carry headphones, I make sure to pack my earbuds. They make my meetings easier and block unwanted noise. But not every earbud can cancel background noise. It’s best to test out the earbuds before investing in them. Some phone brands also offer high-quality earbuds, some of which have noise-canceling abilities.
Power bank
You don’t want to run out of power while working and have no outlet nearby. For digital nomads, it’s important to keep a portable battery to keep devices charged. My pick is a universal power bank that goes well with my laptop, headphones, and phone. There are hundreds of power banks on the market, but make sure to invest in a lightweight, fast-charging one with a good capacity. Also, check if you have the right USB connectors to power all your devices.
Tech kit
I love to stay organized, no matter where I’m working. That’s why I always carry a tech kit with me. Instead of putting items in separate compartments in my laptop bag, a tech kit helps me store all my charging cables and other essentials in one place. I use it religiously and have never lost anything because all my stuff is in one place.
It may not be essential for everyone, but I highly recommend buying a kit so your items aren’t scattered everywhere. This will come in handy if you are a digital nomad and always traveling with your tech setup.
Universal travel adapter
Last but not least is a universal travel adapter. I cannot emphasize enough how life-saving this item is when traveling. Some countries use different types of plugs and power outlets, which can be an issue. However, a universal travel adapter can work in multiple countries, and you can charge your devices without any issue.
There are many other items you can carry in your laptop bag to make work easier. However, you should only pack what truly fits your working needs. Remember, overloading your bag will only add extra weight and clutter. Keep it simple and carry items that you are sure will help you when working from anywhere in the world.
