Back to work and looking for a new bag to carry your mobile office effortlessly? There are a few things to consider when selecting a new everyday lifestyle bag. In this article, we’ll discuss the five secrets to choose a better tote for office life.

When it comes to office accessories inspiration, totes are the most popular choice for good reasons. They are practical, versatile, and can match different office dress codes. Plus, they are perfect for short business trips and light travels.

The best work tote bag should make your morning commute easier, and be spacious enough to carry all your work essentials, including your laptop. It should also be chic to carry around with confidence from the office to business meetings and happy hours. So, let’s get to the point, here are the best tips on how to choose a better tote for office life.

1. It Has a Laptop Compartment

This is probably the most important feature of any tote bag for work. Working from home, from your office’s desk, or from your favorite café means you need to bring your laptop everywhere with you. That makes having a bag with a dedicated laptop slot essential in order to protect your device from scratches.

2. Make Sure It Has All the Pockets You Need

Yes, a laptop compartment is a must-have when choosing your new work tote, but it might not be enough. With so many things to carry from pens to cards, cables, sticky notes, snacks, make-up, documents, and electronics, the pockets in the tote bag are the secret to an organized and balanced work-life day. With the right pockets in the right place, you won’t have to frantically rummage through the bag every time you need something. It should have both internal and external compartments for those items you need to keep within easy reach.

3. Keeps Your Keys & Cards Close at Hand

Rummaging through your keys in your bag just to realize they’re not there is so time-consuming and frustrating. You’ve probably never thought about this feature, but a bag with a dedicated key ring and card slots will save you a lot of time. You’ll never forget your home and car keys, ID badge, or access cards again. Plus, knowing your keys are always in the same easily accessible spot gives you some well-deserved peace of mind.

4. Look for Comfortable Straps

To ensure that your business tote bag will keep you comfortable on your daily commute, it should be equipped with comfortable handles or straps. If you need a little bit more comfort and versatility in your life, choose a totepack – a convertible tote that you can wear as a backpack or shoulder bag depending on your needs and preferences.

6. Looks Stylish in and Out of the Office

Functionality comes first when it comes to a business bag. However, since it is meant to complement your office attire, it must look stylish and versatile enough to accompany you from your 9 to 5 and beyond. Choose a classic, casual tote, in neutral colors and without flashy details, that goes with absolutely anything and can adapt to any work or out-of-office scenario.

Our Top Pick – Nordace Leiden Smart Tote Bag

This classic tote exudes versatility. Created with comfort and style in mind, it can easily transition from the office to a business lunch. Designed to carry it all, it features multiple pockets to keep you organized so you can focus better on your work – organization and productivity go hand in hand. It fits a 15.4” laptop in a dedicated compartment and has plenty of space to protect other electronic devices from scratches. It keeps your keys in place and the front pocket is just perfect for little items such as tissues or tickets that you want to keep within easy reach. Durable, water-resistant, and equipped with a luggage strap, it works pretty well on business trips, too.

The best thing about it? You can wear it your way. It features a detachable shoulder strap so you can wear it your way – as a tote or as a shoulder bag.

Essentials for A Successful Workday

Looking for more office accessories inspiration? Whatever your workday looks like, these items will help you achieve a successful day at the office.

• Wallet

Choose a wallet that can easily fit your most important documents such as ID, driving licence, credit cards, and cash, of course.

• Smartphone

The smartphone is no longer just a device, is the place where we live. It is a lifesaver when it comes to office life. From checking your emails on the way to work to connecting with your team, or reading to make your train commute more pleasant, the smartphone is a must-have when it comes to a successful workday.

• Earphones

They are super-useful when you want to listen to some music or an interesting podcast during your commute, or answer phone calls when you’re busy taking notes or journaling.

• Pen & notebook

Talking about taking notes, your mobile office on the go is not complete without a pen and a notebook. Yes, even in the high-tech era, sometimes pen and paper can save the day.

• Laptop & phone chargers

Nowadays, your bag is your mobile office. Make sure you keep chargers in your work bag to power up your devices.

• Toiletries

For those moments when you need a refresh before an important meeting, make sure you keep at hand toiletries such as deodorant, lip balm, hand cream, lipstick, mini hair brush, and breath mints.

• Healthy snacks & water

When you don’t have time to enjoy a proper lunch, you’ll be tempted to binge on chocolate, chips, or cookies. Always keep a healthy snack such as granola bar, nut mix, or fresh fruits in your work tote. And don’t forget to bring your own reusable bottle and stay hydrated.

Packing Secrets – How to Organize Your Office Bag and Keep It That Way

In a blink of an eye, your work bag can become a mess and you won’t find a thing in it, disrupting your productivity and inspiration for the whole day. Here are some packing secrets to help you organize your tote for the office better and keep it that way.

• The key to keeping your bag organized is to make use of your tote’s compartments to arrange your stuff.
• Carry only the essentials; your bag will become a mess if you start carrying unnecessary stuff.
• Avoid placing sharp objects such as keys, scissors, or other stationery near your electronic devices.
• Keep business cards always at hand in a dedicated pocket – you will look professional when giving your business card to someone.
• Keep tissues, chewing gum, and other small items easily accessible in the exterior pockets of your bag.