Do you work remotely or from multiple locations? Here’s my minimalist kit recommendations to travel light.
Challenges
- Working in coworking spaces can be noisy!
- Distracting for your concentration
- Distracting for your colleagues / clients (think background noise during calls)
- Google reviews don’t tell you everything..
- Uncertainty of the environment and any constraints you may have until you arrive.
- For example, WiFi speed, availability of tables, phone booths etc. can change from day-to-day.
- Balancing a great WiFi spot, a power socket location, comfy chairs, volume of others, privacy, or maybe even an unusually loud coffee machine ☕.
Some extra requirements for a more portable life (did someone say handluggage only?):
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Small in physical size
Enter…💻 THE EQUIPMENT
In-ear headphones; Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
- The noise cancelling on these are, in my opinion, as good as over-the-ear headphones. You can’t hear anything unless you switch modes to let in the surroundings. Super light and come with different silicon sizes to make sure you’re comfy. I’m also a big fan of the ‘wing tips’ which means they stay in place and you don’t have to worry about them falling out. Hello multipurpose gym headphones.
Microphone; SYNCO Wireless Lavalier P1T
- Now, this isn’t 100% perfect for cancelling all background noise. If it’s super loud, noise does still come through, but the difference between this and your computer, headphone or tiktok influencer microphone, is still pretty substantial. It comes with a neat little charging case & easy pairing.
Rechargeable mouse; TECKNET Bluetooth Mouse
- Super slim, rechargeable (yay for the turtles 🌍), with no cables or noisy clicking to disturb others around you. Bluetooth backup option to pair with USB.
Portable stand; Amazon Basics
- Lightweight and does the job. Better ergonomic position for keyboard & eyesight.
Battery pack; UGREEN Nexode 140W 25,000mAh
- This started off as a very-nice-to-have, but soon became an essential. Strong enough to power a laptop for a whole fast charge and then some! I opted for this over other models as it was lighter, flatter and wider, meaning it’s easier to pack. No more poorly lit tables in the corner for a power socket!
VPN; NordVPN or similar
- Don’t forget cyber security! If you’re thinking about using a public network, you need one of these.
- Opt for a dedicated IP address to limit the number of times you need to log into your accounts and select pictures of traffic lights.
Data; eSim or local SIM Card
- Your ultimate backup. WiFi or Starlink let you down? Hotspot from your mobile for instant connection and continuity.
✨ Pro tips: Colour coordinate accessories with your laptop (because, chic) and chose accessories with the same charging ports to save both time and space. Goodbye big bag of cables!
At the time of writing, I have no affiliation with any of these products. They work for me, I hope sharing them has helped spark some ideas for what could help you too!