How to create the ideal remote work setup for comfort, focus and flow

When I became a digital nomad, I didn’t think much about my remote work setup. I carried my laptop, a charger, and one of those cheap little European travel plugs, and started my journey.

At the time, I imagined working from beaches and cozy cafes. Four years later, and I now know the reality usually involves perching at a kitchen table. A decent remote work setup matters more than you’d think, even if you do join a coworking space (which I still suggest)

Through some trial and error during the past several years of remote work, She and I have found out what can make a difference in our day-to-day work.

These are the essentials for digital nomads I depend on every day and I wouldn’t be without them today. These are the items I carry first and items I’d definitely replace if they were damaged or disappeared.

Here are my remote-working necessities that help me stay comfortable and productive. I also feel a bit standing.

Extra screen

I’m not sure what I did without a second monitor. If you frequently look up documents, drag content between tabs to the next or write while you are using any reference at all An additional screen will make your life simpler.

To me, this is a complete non-negotiable right now. I have poor eyesight and an innate fear of becoming an”hunchback. Without a second screen I’m always hunched on my laptop in an attempt to see three different things simultaneously on a screen that’s too small.

I have a portable screen that connects directly to my laptop using USB-C. It’s extremely light and slim and easy to take on trips and came with a protective sleeve which folds up into the form of a stand.

What I love:

• 15.6 inches with a full HD 1080p display.
• Lightweight and flat, it slides easily into my backpack.
• USB-C connection, so it’s plug-and-play.
• Comes with a case that doubles as a stand.

I use it every time I’m working on the site in particular when writing content or searching for images. I use it all the time at work as well, since I work for a long time working with documents and it helps keep my neck from being bent down or constantly hunching over. I’ll keep my notes or the keyword plans open in one screen, and my email or working document to the second one.

It makes the whole thing feel less cramped and more organised, and I don’t have to constantly flit between tabs (of which there are many!).

but when i am at home i used my 32″ inches curve screen with a full 4k display that give me a premium look and comfort doing my tasks. I do not have to change my tabs or change browsers.

Laptop and screen stands

The extra screen bring me to this item! Your posture is one of the first things to suffer with a makeshift remote work setup.  In a proper office, you might get a desk assessment or even an actual ergonomic chair.

As a digital nomad, you’ll find yourself perched at kitchen tables, or possibly even desks that are too low or too high. Then you’ll be slouching on sofas or working from bed when your back gives out from the poor desk setup.

Getting a proper laptop stand and an adjustable screen riser has made a big difference for me.

I remember from my job that your screen should be at eye level, and your arms should be bent at about 90 degrees when you’re typing. If your neck is craned down all day, you’ll definitely feel it by dinner time.

I now use a proper laptop stand and a portable screen stand to bring this to eye level, just like back in the office. They’re not bulky, and they pack flat so I can bring them in my hand luggage.

Why I rate these:
They’re adjustable in height.
They’re lightweight and foldable – they live in my hand luggage (backpack).
Make a big difference to posture over time (I can feel a difference for sure!)
A good remote work setup isn’t about the fanciest gear, it’s about making your working hours as comfortable as possible.

My laptop at left and extra screen right.

Wireless keyboard and mouse

When your laptop’s on a stand, you’ll need a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to avoid hovering your arms/hands in midair.

I used to have a hp 430 wireless mouse to hassle free from wires.

When it comes to your remote work setup, you only get what you pay for! I have an ergonomic mouse  (gotta protect those wrists!) and She uses the MacBook Keyboard , which is great. Yes, it comes with a price tag to match, but the cheaper ones are hit and miss. I spent £30 on my previous one and it just didn’t work, I gave it away.

Protective cases

When you’re moving around a lot, your stuff takes a hit. It’s easy to forget how fragile your equipment is until you unpack your bag and find something’s been crushed.

Most people have a laptop sleeve, but don’t forget about the smaller things too. Like mouse

I use a padded sleeve for my laptop and my extra screen. She has a small case for his mouse and keeps the keyboard in the original box to protect it. We also have an “electronics bag” for all our cables and chargers. It sounds like a lot, but it actually keeps everything more organised and protected.

I use this one for my portable screen, and I pop my remarkable in the front pocket too. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job!

These things get expensive to replace, especially when you’re in a place with limited tech shops or weird plugs. Protect them now, and they’ll last a lot longer.

Travel adapter with USB-C

I’ve had a few bad travel adapters over the years,  ones that spark when you plug them in, or fall out of the wall completely.

This one I absolutely love. It’s compact, fits most countries, and has a USB-C and four USB-A ports, which is very handy now that everything charges through them. Mine has been going on for three years now.

I keep mine in my backpack so I can grab it easily in airports or when we arrive somewhere new. It charges my laptop, phone and headphones at the same time, and it hasn’t let me down yet.

USB-C Hub / Adapter

A lot of coworking spaces have extra screens, which is great. But almost all of them are HDMI, and if you’ve got a MacBook or a newer laptop, you’ll need a hub.

This little adapter is one of the most useful bits of my digital nomad setup. I also use it to plug in headphones, charge my phone from my laptop, or upload photos from an SD card.

Why I love it:

Converts USB-C to HDMI, USB-A, SD and more
Saves space by combining ports into one device
I might not use it all the time, but I always keep mine in my bag just in case I need it. It’s easy to forget how few ports modern laptops actually have until you need one. This covers all the bases.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Remote working can be brilliant, but it’s not always quiet. Depending on where you are, you might be sharing space with people on video calls, someone having a loud conversation on speakerphone, or a child wailing in the street outside (as I’m currently experiencing).

A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones makes all the difference. They help me concentrate, block out distractions, and make work calls clearer.

They’re especially useful on flights and buses, blocking out background noise so I can either focus or get some rest.

Here are a few options depending on your device, budget, and preferences.

Apple Airpods

I has these AirPods and loves them. If you’re in the Apple ecosystem, they just work. No fiddling with settings, and switching between other devices is seamless.

i love to admit it, Apple products are just so good. These are a bit on the pricey side, but the quality, convenience and battery life make it worth the spend.

Pixel Buds

I also got my Pixel Buds because I had a Pixel phone too. I wasn’t a fan of the phone (it didn’t last long), but I absolutely love the Pixel Buds. The noise cancelling is the excellent, and the sound quality is amazing.

They’re especially good when paired with Android. That said, I still use them with my MacBook and they work just fine.

Sony over-ear headphones

If you prefer over-ear headphones, these Sony headphones are one of the best-rated pairs you can buy. They offer superb active noise cancellation and comfort for all-day use.

Earfun Air Pros

These Earfun options are a solid choice if you’re just starting out or don’t want to spend too much. Great for calls, focus, and reducing ambient noise when you’re out and about.

They offer hybrid active noise cancelling and decent sound quality at a much lower price than the premium brands. They’re also IPX5-rated, which means they can handle a bit of rain or sweat.

Reusable hot & cool coffee cup

This isn’t tech, but it’s something I use nearly every day, and you’ll find it at my remote work setup!

One of my favorite things to do in a new place is find a good coffee spot on the way to the coworking space. I’ve got a reusable cup that my girl friend bought me for my birthday, and I love it.

The one I have is the Chilly’s cup. I have it in green and I love it, never leaks, it’s a nice size, keeps my coffee hot for AGES. You might find the spout a little bit annoying. I don’t mind it but girl friend doesn’t love that about it (it’s just a hole in the plastic top).

For an easier drinking spout, I love this Bottle Bottle one which does everything the Chilly’s one does, but is also half the price.

It’s a small thing, but it’s part of my daily routine now. Plus, it’s a good way to reduce waste when you’re getting coffee to go most days.

A water bottle that actually holds enough

If you’re travelling, a decent-sized water bottle is essential. I want one that holds more than a thimble while still fitting in your bag without being too clunky.

I finally got one that’s big enough to last me through a work session without constant refills, but still slim enough to fit in the bottle pocket of my backpack. I use it for work, but also the gym and travel days too.

This LARS bottle is a good choice. It holds up to 1.5L while staying slim and sleek. Alternatively, this Bottle Bottle one is 700ml but looks nice and also has a straw.

Conclusion

It’s taken four years to refine, but this is the gear I now rely on to keep my remote work setup comfortable, functional, and frustration-free. Whether you’re working from coworking spaces, apartments, or cafés, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Start with the items that’ll have the biggest impact on your day-to-day, and build from there. Your back, brain, and work will thank you for it!