Getting a change of scene when you work from home

You may work from home, but you don’t always have to work at home!

A guest post on picking up your laptop and finding a new workspace when you work from home!

No matter how perfectly set up your home office is, or how convenient it can be to cut out the dreariness of the daily commute and merely have to walk downstairs and into your lounge in order to be ready for your working day, sometimes when you work from home you’ll find yourself needing some contact with the outside world.

One of the many advantages of working from home is the relative freedom it gives you. You’re no longer tied to a desk in an office, at the mercy of stringent and immovable working hours. You’re now in control of your working destiny.

And this means, should you need space to write a report, create an article, plan the next quarter’s events or any other task that doesn’t necessarily involve speaking to too many people, a good way to clear your mind and get a fresh perspective is to pack up your laptop and tablet and take yourself to the library or an internet cafe.

Taking advantage of comfortable surroundings, free WiFi and the buzz of human interaction can really help to vary your day. All you need is something sturdy, reliable and, preferably, stylish to transport your home office to your venue of choice.

There are, of course, loads of laptop and tablet cases and bags available (and here are some laptop bag reviews carried out by home workers). But, just because you work from home and are most likely to be looking at ways to keep costs down, doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish and safe. (For some practical ways to make sure you’re not spending too much in other ways have a look at this post on keeping costs down when you work from home).

But spending a bit more on a laptop case that you can rely on to protect one of your most precious assets – and that will make you smile – is not a bad investment.

A sound investment – Orla Kiely laptop bag
Conceived by the phenomenally popular Irish designer, Orla Kiely, her bags are perfectly proportioned and boast an internal padded pocket suitable for laptops (check the different bags for the size of laptops that fit).

And with Orla firmly established as a favourite with A-listers and Royalty alike (she is one of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge’s, favourite designers and is frequently worn by celebrities including Alexa Chung and Keira Knightley) you know you’re in good company!

The range of Orla Kiely laptop bags are available in a number of different prints so you’ll be able to find one to suit your style and tastes.

Protection for your tablet while you’re out and about
If you’re just going to be sending emails and doing some research, you may not need to take your laptop with you, and instead be looking at taking yourself, your notebook and your tablet to the local coffee shop or library to get some inspiration.

Tablets are just as in need of protection as laptops, of course, perhaps more so with their expanse of screen open to any damaging elements that may be lurking in your bag or rucksack. So it’s always a good idea to get a screen protector and a case for your iPad or tablet. Some of my favourite iPad cases are available at Covers and Cases including the fantastic DODOcase cover.

We also found some good options here at Geek Sugar, including waterproof options.