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Your desk in a bag – a digital nomad’s essentials

The life of a digital nomad, regardless of how adventurous and colorful, can make arranging your workspace a little challenging. Creating an ergonomic and functional setup is no small task when traveling with your entire ‘office’ in a suitcase or a bag. Light and handy accessories that make working while traveling more comfortable without taking up much space in your luggage are a godsend for your mobile office. Together with Marta from @evrdtrp, as well as Devin and Breanna from @basicallynomads, we have prepared a few tips on some indispensable travel accessories.

 cat looking at chargers

Photo by Marta @evrdtrp

How to create a workspace on the road?

Regardless of whether you are a full-time digital nomad, or simply going on a workation, planning what you’ll pack is a must – a list with the most necessary accessories is a good start. Unfortunately, the central element of your setup, your desk, cannot travel with you (unless, of course, you have access to your own bus – just like Basically Nomads). While choosing a place to stay, find out if there is at least a table that you can comfortably work on. Before you go, check out alternative options for remote work in the vicinity, like coffeeshops, libraries, or coworking spaces.

I personally try not to work too close to my bed, certainly not sitting or lying down on it. I believe the professional and personal spaces should not overlap. A bright space, access to daylight, an atmospheric coffee shop with a good Wi-Fi connection, my trusty AirPods, and reducing clutter to minimum help me focus on my priorities which is to finish all my tasks, and then explore the neighborhood.

Marta
@evrdtrp

Those who travel with their own campervan or bus have an advantage in this matter: they can design an ergonomic space for work while equipping their vehicle – just like Breanna and Devin. Their bus is fitted with a custom wooden Oakywood table top.

My favorite Oakywood product though has to be this beautiful walnut desktop! I was absolutely blown away by the quality.

Devin
@basicallynomads

 iphone on a wireless charger

Photo by Marta @evrdtrp

A charger like no other

Going on a long journey without a reliable charger – this scenario keeps digital nomads up at night. Instead of the ordinary, plastic charger, choose an induction charger made from solid wood to make charging your phone, Apple Watch, or AirPods much more comfortable: simply place your device on the wooden base. Another option is a docking station which allows you to charge your items in an upright position. Furthermore, models such as Dual Dock, Combo Dock, Triple Dock, or Dual Slim Charging Pad can charge 2 or 3 devices at the same time, in the same place – simplifying and optimizing your space. Not to mention the aesthetic aspect which is equally as important, particularly in creative fields.

Without a doubt the wireless charger is my favorite. Both on my nightstand and at my desk, it grants me freedom of movement and allows me to quickly grab my phone without worrying about the cord, especially with how quickly they break.

Marta
@evrdtrp

I'm not the most organized person on the planet, but when it comes to my work/gaming space the key to doing it nomadically is to keep everything as minimal as possible. My recommendation? Wireless everything! Clutter feels 10 times worse when it's in a small work space.

Devin
@basicallynomads

Organizing a travel desk

You cannot successfully combine work and travel without good organization – don’t waste precious minutes on searching for lost documents, notes, headphones, or keys and instead indulge in local attractions, sunny beaches, and warm waters. Optimize your portable office so that your work is productive and your days filled with keen sightseeing or blissful idleness. 
 
The Felt Desk Mat and Mouse Pad are a great way to tidy your desk space and increase work comfort. And, most importantly, they can fit even in a suitcase filled to the brim.

The most useful has to be the oversized mouse pad. While traveling it's been incredible at making sure my pc peripherals don't go flying, and it also looks incredible!

Devin
@basicallynomads

 

Speaking of felt accessories, why not protect your laptop or iPad with a classy case? And if you find yourself with some extra space, pack your chosen OakyBlocks to create a functional and comfortable setup in your chosen part of the world.