What you need for a remote office
Imagine this: you’re sitting on a beach in Bali, sipping a coconut, laptop perched on your knees, ready to tackle that client project.
Suddenly, you realize you left your charger 3,000 miles away in your actual office. Or worse, your carefully planned Zoom meeting is sabotaged by spotty Wi-Fi because you forgot to scout a good workspace.
Maintaining a remote office while traveling isn’t just about finding a dreamy backdrop—it’s about making sure you’re armed with the essentials to keep your workflow as smooth as your next margarita. Let’s dive into the ultimate checklist to keep you productive wherever the road (or jet) takes you!
Here is my ultimate packing list for your office on the go. Note: This list contains affiliate links, but I don’t recommend stuff that sucks.
What to pack for your remote office (checklist)
Here I am with my sweet set-up in Playa Blanca, Costa Rica.
You can visit more recommendations on my Amazon store, but here are my favs:
Noise-canceling headphones with mic: You don’t want to hear other people, and they don’t want to hear you (You don’t need Bose. Try these).
Portable Wi-Fi hotspot: Even if they say there is WiFi, sometimes there is not.
Power bank: I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on power banks in other countries. Facepalm! (Better options: this or this or this).
Universal travel adapter: I once forgot to bring an adapter to Europe. (A good all-in-one is here).
USB adapter: I once wasted 7 hours trying to get the right adapter for a podcast while in Guadalajara.
VPN service: To protect your online activity on public Wi-Fi networks. NordVPN is a non-negotiable!!!
Password Manager: Password management is a nightmare. I use NordPass.
Privacy screen filter: To keep your screen content confidential in public places (good for traveling lawyers/social workers/people with NDAs)
Travel mouse and keyboard: I ended up with wrist surgery for ignoring this one. Oops. (I use an Apple one. But something like this if you want a budget option).
Portable document scanner app: To digitize papers and receipts on the go. I use the Adobe Scan app. It’s free and great.
Car phone charger: This is another good one to remember. I’ve officially learned how to buy one of these in Spanish.
Ergonomic laptop stand: Propping your laptop on a stack of books is not the vibe. I once worked for three weeks in a hotel in Mexico and left with a crick in my neck that could rival Quasimodo’s. Now, I never leave without my trusty foldable stand (try this one).
Blue light glasses: After one too many late nights staring at a screen in dim Airbnb lighting, I learned the hard way that eye strain is not a badge of honor. These blue light glasses = lifesaver.
Cable organizer: Ever fished around a carry-on trying to untangle your charger from your headphones while your laptop battery dies in real time? Yeah, me too. Enter the cable organizer—chaos solved.
Portable laptop lock: Call me paranoid, but after someone almost walked off with my laptop at a café in Buenos Aires, this is non-negotiable for coworking spaces. I like this one.
Mini ring light: If you’re doing virtual meetings, don’t be that shadowy blob on the screen. I once lit a meeting using a table lamp and a piece of white paper—it wasn’t pretty. A tiny ring light now lives in my bag.
Travel-sized white noise machine: Because sometimes your neighbors in the next room will practice karaoke at midnight, and your deadlines don’t care. (True story. Thanks, Manila.) This will help you sleep.
Portable coffee maker: Do I sound extra? Maybe. But after relying on instant coffee in rural Scotland, I knew I’d never again part ways with my AeroPress.
Reusable water bottle with a filter: Hydration is key, but sketchy tap water is not. I’ve saved so much money (and avoided questionable bottled water) with this.
Notebook and pens: Because sometimes inspiration strikes when your laptop is dead, or you're on a plane. I’ve jotted down some of my best ideas mid-flight on good ol’ paper.
How to stay focused
Even if you have the best set-up in the whole world, which you will if you pick the list above, you’re not going to be able to get much work done if you can’t stay focused. Here are some additional ideas for helping you build a focused remote office for your digital nomad life:
Create boundaries between work and life: Dedicate a specific area for work, even if it's just a corner of your Airbnb or van. Keep it separate from relaxation zones.
Stick to a schedule: Establish regular working hours and respect them. Consistency helps train your brain to stay productive during those times.
Limit distractions: Use noise-canceling headphones, turn off unnecessary notifications, and let others know your work hours to minimize interruptions.
Optimize for ergonomics: Invest in portable, comfortable gear like a compact laptop stand, wireless keyboard, and ergonomic chair or cushion.
Take mindful breaks: Step away from work periodically to stretch, meditate, or enjoy your surroundings. This refreshes your mind and helps maintain focus.
Leverage productivity tools: Use apps like Todoist, Notion, or Asana to stay on top of tasks and keep your remote work organized.
Prioritize natural light: Set up your workspace near windows to reduce eye strain and boost your mood and energy levels.
Establish a pre-work ritual: A consistent start-up routine, like brewing coffee or journaling, signals your brain to transition into work mode.
Stay connected: Use co-working spaces or join digital nomad communities for accountability and motivation.
Practice digital minimalism: Keep only necessary tabs and apps open to avoid the temptation of aimless scrolling or multitasking.
There ya have it! Enjoy your next working trip!
