Most industries now have flexible work schedules or allow their employees to work remotely. What this means for you is more time outside of the office and more options to work in an area you are comfortable in. It’s not a walk in the park though; most communal spaces don’t have the equipment you might need to get your work done. So make the most of your time with these 12 must-have items when you’re working on-the-go.
Laptop/Tablet
The kind of work that is most in demand right now is the kind that can be done on-the-go and on the internet which makes the laptop an especially important investment on your part. It is the lifeblood of people working in the gig economy. Gone are the days where only a personal computer could handle the strain of heavy-duty tasks. If you don’t already have one, consider a laptop that is light and portable but with good specs.
Smartphone
Smartphones are basically small laptops that can fit in the palm of your hands. You can text or call clients, send emails to your colleagues, update your website and social media pages, create calendar entries, look for places or cafes to eat, and so much more. A smartphone is an absolute essential because it’s handy and has multiple uses and capabilities. They’ve evolved from mere tools of communication to an indispensable gadget in the data age.
Chargers/Power banks
Your electronic gadgets have limited power. They’re bound to get drained in a couple of hours unless you plug them in. Always bring with you your electronic chargers and/or power banks so you won’t have your work interrupted when your gadget suddenly turns off. This can be quite stressful when you’re already in the groove to work and being productive, and especially helpful when you have to extend working for a couple more hours.
Headphones/Earphones
It can be hard to concentrate on your work if you’re not in a relatively quiet area so drown the sound out with a reliable headphone. You can happily listen to your playlist, podcast subscriptions, or watch informative videos online. Or if that’s too distracting for you, you can play ambient sounds (also called white noise) which are proven to help one concentrate. Plus it’s the only acceptable way to listen to music in a public space. There’s nothing more annoying than being disturbed by someone else’s sounds.
Docks and cords
Some people use their phone or tablet as a second monitor, so they use docks to help it stand up. Most phone docks also double as electronic chargers, so that’s one less thing that you have to put inside your bag. Bring the necessary cords as well in case you have to transfer files from one device to another. Check your USB ports so you can bring the right kind of cables.
Tumbler
When you’re working on-the-go, a drink might not always be readily available unless you’re in a café or a place with a dispenser; otherwise, you’re left with your defenses. In order to stay productive, one must always be hydrated. Get yourself a tumbler to stow away your drink of choice may it be water, soda, or coffee. This tumbler from Groovy Groomsmen Gifts, in particular, is insulated to maintain the temperature of your liquid for hours.
Planner
Having a planner is like having a notebook, sketchpad, calendar, and phonebook all in one place. It’s handy, versatile, and helps you organize your schedule depending on your needs. You can get creative and use different colored highlighters and sticky notes for special reminders or urgent matters. Sometimes, it’s just better to jot down an idea on paper than to have to type it on your phone or laptop.
Wristwatch
Working on-the-go means having to manage your time effectively. A wristwatch does just that in a fast, convenient, and fashionable manner. It’s just wrapped around your wrist so you can quickly check the time. You don’t have to wake up your phone or look at the bottom of your laptop screen to know if you’re ahead of schedule or already running late. Apart from its utility, a personalized watch is also an understated accessory that helps elevate a simple outfit.
Umbrella and sunglasses
It’s a given fact that you have no control over the weather, but you can prepare for it. When on the way to your workplace and it suddenly rains or the only available place in the overcrowded café is by the window where light is harsh, you’ll be glad that you have an umbrella or sunglasses in your bag. You have no excuses not to work because you have things that will help you adjust to the weather.
Business cards
Cafes and co-working spaces are an excellent place to network and meet new people. While social media has made things more efficient for people to connect and share their work, nothing beats an old-fashioned business card. It’s professional and personal at the same time. Include all the necessary details in the card like your current company, position, email and phone numbers. Make sure your business cards are always crisp so invest in a good card holder.
Backpack
Now that you’ve got most of your essentials in check, you need a backpack to lug things around. You need a bag that’s durable enough to handle all the necessary electronics that you plan to bring but portable enough to be carried anywhere. Choose a bag that has a lot of pockets so you can separate your laptop from your planners and chargers. Backpacks are better compared to slings and messenger bags because they cause less strain on your shoulders.
Snacks
You can’t work properly if you’re parched or your stomach is rumbling. No one is ever productive when they’re hungry. Start your day right with a heavy meal, or get your daily fix of caffeine and carbohydrates from your favorite coffee shop to help you throughout the day. If you’re not going to be working in a place that serves food, make it a point to pack a sandwich and a couple of biscuits.
