Working Nomadically: What I Didn’t Know I Needed
In May 2022, I ended my lease, sold nearly everything I owned, and packed my belongings into a few boxes to begin a summer-long adventure as a fully remote, nomadic worker.
So far, I have worked from three different locations (Denver, Chicago, Philly) and have been learning a great deal about making a temporary living situation feel like home.
In this post, I want to share a few unexpected items that ended up making a big difference in my day-to-day. Some of the headers are connected to my Amazon Idea List if you’re interested to see the products I recommend specifically!
Mouse Pad
Mouse pads are a bit antiquated, I know, but some rentals will offer a work surface that is shiny or has a texture that is incompatible with your mouse. It’s easiest just to bring a mousepad and avoid any drama. Take it from me, the gal who spent two weeks with a shred of an Amazon package taped to my desk.
Facebook Marketplace
I know this isn’t a physical item, but I would like to encourage you to pause before you delete it! On my first day in Denver, I purchased a ‘like new’ computer monitor for $60 on Facebook Marketplace. It has made a huge difference in my ability to work from home and I plan to resell it when I move on to my next city.
Power Strip
This item is ESSENTIAL. Especially once you get that ‘like new’ used monitor. I originally forgot a power strip, so my equipment was plugged in all over the room (very inefficient). If you have a computer, phone, monitor, dock, etc you are going to need a power strip.
Ethernet Cord
Sometimes the Wi-Fi isn’t going to cut it. Bring an Ethernet cord, just in case. You don’t want to be in the final hours of a deadline when you realized that your wireless connection won’t support that big file drop.
Webcam Light
Your temporary working situations aren’t always going to to have the best light. Bring a webcam light so that you look professional on calls, no matter what time of day (especially if you are working from different time zones).
Professional, Standard Zoom Background
Having a different video call background each day, month, or week may be distracting to your clients or teammates. Choose a background that serves as a standard backdrop throughout your travels.
Small Pencil Case of Writing Utensils
Your accommodations might not come with pens, highlighters, pencils, etc. If you need any of these items for work or grocery lists, for example, bring a few of each. It’s okay if you lose them along the way.
Meal Prep Containers & Baggies
We didn’t bring these originally, but purchased some meal prep containers when we started in Denver. They have been really helpful for storing food in the refrigerator, meal prepping each week (we are trying to eat healthy!), and also saving dinners for the second night. Baggies are great for snacks on the go and can be reused over and over.
Reuseable Shopping Bags
You’re going to need these for food, other purchases, etc. Save the planet and don’t reinvest in a bunch of these bags if you already have them! Traveling is not an excuse for an unsustainable lifestyle. Bring easily folded bags that don’t add weight to your suitcase, can easily slip into your purse, and are sturdy enough for groceries.
Chip Clips
Rentals sometimes have sparse accommodations. I brought two chip clips and they have been great for snacks. Keep those tortilla chips fresh!
An Assortment of My Favorite Tea Bags
If you like an assortment of any long term shelf-stable item, I suggest bringing a small baggie of a few. For me, I filled a baggie with different teas so that I could have an assortment (rather than buy a box here and have only one type). This way, my stockpile doesn’t go to waste and I have a variety to choose from!
Laundry Bags
Unless you have forgone your delicates, it will be helpful to bring a bag or two so you can protect your clothing while traveling. And trust me, with a limited wardrobe, you will be doing laundry much more frequently than you do now. Don’t lose one of your socks to the community laundromat machine!
Roku
Don’t forget to bring your Roku, Apple TV, or Firestick to maintain access to all your favorite streaming services. I know it’s probably better to explore your surroundings than stream the newest season of Squid Games (how uplifting!), but every once in awhile, you’ll love getting cozy on the couch to watch a show or movie.