As coaches, we’re always on the go. With an observation here and a planning meeting there, whose to say where we’ll be during any given day. When I began coaching I quickly figured out that I would need some kind of “office in a bag” so that I would always be prepared for wherever my day might take me. My first attempt at this was a big, bulky shoulder bag that I had previously used for hiking and traveling. It wasn’t bad really, but it wasn’t great either. It wasn’t organized in any useful way and it needed a good purge.
Sometimes you just need a little encouragement from seeing what others are doing to get going yourself, and that is just what Jen over at iheartorganizing gave me a few weeks ago when I read one of her posts. As I read how she organized her bag for blogging I thought, “I can do that for coaching!” Let’s take a look inside.
The first coaching essential you’ll find is my coaching planner.
And here I have my much needed working folders. I picked up a great tip from David Allen’s book, “Getting Things Done
In Jen’s post she shares how she uses a small cosmetics pouch from Target to carry around smaller odds and ends. Love it! I immediately went to Target and snagged one myself. Next to it you’ll see my treasured Dot Grid Journal
In the first pouch you’ll find a few freshen-up items. I can’t live without coffee in the morning, but I’m also a little scared of coffee breath, hence the mouthwash. Also, never underestimate the value of a mini stain stick!
In the second pouch I have a few computer essentials such as a wireless mouse
When I have a few free minutes at lunch or in between coaching sessions, I like being able to pull out one of my favorite education magazines.
One thing I’m pretty well known for {and made fun of for} is my use of screen cleaner. I really, really don’t like having a dirty computer screen or keyboard so this handy spray and wipe gets a special spot in the side pocket of my bag. And my laptop sleeve
I also place my chapstick, lotion, and a pen in an easily accessible pocket on the side of my bag next to my water bottle.
Although I don’t carry it with me throughout the day, I can also fit my clutch in my bag.
Tada! Here it is all put together. It’s not too big and bulky, yet holds everything I need.
Do you have an office in a bag? What’s it like?!
Thanks for reading,
View Comments (6)
What an awesome idea! I love any tips that will help me be better organized.
Thanks Tammy!
love this! can you share how big your actual 'office' bag is? it looks like a nice tote with a square structure..assuming it helps to 'contain' better? thots?
Hi Samantha! I found the bag at DSW. Definitely a nice square structure, not too big, and super affordable!
Thanks :)
Kristin
Great ideas here Kristin! I need to put together a bag like this...thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your comment Amy! If you do happen to put together an office in a bag, send me a pic!
Kristin