Let’s talk bags. Work bags, specifically.
These days, IÂ mostly work out of the gallery space at Neuehouse. I find that I get my best work done with in proper clothes, hair brushed and makeup applied, and with an ample supply of La Colombe espresso drinks available.
The fact that the space hosts a free daily happy hour doesn’t hurt. Not at all.
This shift in working in an open plan space, rather than a dedicated office or at home, means my bag is my office. Forgetting an item can be devastating to my productivity (like the day I forgot my laptop at home. MY LAPTOP). The answer is not a giant bag that can fit absolutely everything.
Truth – I forgot my computer on the day I was using my cavernous Soho tote.
I find that a medium-sized bag, like this satchel, fits everything I need with no room for random extras. Here’s a deeper look at what’s in my current work bag.
There is no work without my laptop and phone. Subsequently, there’s no laptop and phone without their corresponding chargers. And while NH provides really nice headphones on loan, I prefer to have my Frends or Beats instead.
My laptop is always packed first, as are my chargers and headphones in my Truffle clutch.
Other essentials join my chargers in the pouch. Screen cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer are a must, and I keep my beauty essentials limited to this shine-eliminating sponge, a lip balm, and one lipstick (this is a forever favorite). I also carry a separate calculator, which I prefer to use over the app on my phone. It’s admittedly an old school essential, but one I can’t live without.
This pen may be the next most important item. Having a high quality pen makes writing out tasks and taking notes a much more pleasurable task. I’ve been a devoted user of these bullet pens for a few years now – I love how smoothly they write and how damn pretty it is.
All of these items basically live in this pouch, which makes changing bags a breeze. If you haven’t picked up a pouch (or two) from Truffle, be sure to do so now. They’re worth every penny.
No matter how many apps or digital products I try, I’m my most productive when I’m writing this out on paper. I love, love, love my Productivity Planner for planning out every day and week. Equally loved (and used!) is my Graphic Image notebook. In addition to its obvious use (notes from meetings or thoughts), I’ll do an abridged version of morning pages and get all the random thoughts out of my head before starting a new task. This exercise has the triple benefit of refocusing my mind to a new task, eliminating the random chaos that usually swarms around it, and is mildly therapeutic. I write these pages in the back of the notebook, keeping it separate from my more critical notes and ideas.
About the REAL essentials – I keep my wallet, phone, and keys tucked in a separate pocket for easy access, and store them in my entryway tray when I’m at home. This system works best for me to not forget any of these things.
And let’s be real – my phone is usually in my hand #addict
SHOP MY WORK BAG ESSENTIALS:
Snag this satchel on sale here – in leopard & black, blush, and python
I’d love to know – what’s your #1 hack for your work bag? A specific product, or a way to pack and store things? COMMENT below and let me know!
