Pack up your bags and hit the wide-open road! You can work from anywhere in the world, and you’re taking the leap to become a digital nomad in the United States. Now, more than ever, there are jobs you can work from anywhere, which doesn’t always mean internationally. Here’s what you should pack for your transition into digital nomad life within the U.S.
A Sturdy Backpack
Although you’ll be traveling the United States, having a sturdy, reliable backpack on hand is a must! Ideally, it would be compact, have multiple pockets, a laptop compartment, and exceptional back padding to keep you comfortable no matter where the road takes you.
Since your journey will be more local than those traveling internationally, it’s easy to feel that a carry-on suitcase and checked luggage will work just fine. But packing light is essential! There’s nothing worse than lugging around massive totes and bags from one destination to another. Instead, try to fit as much as you can into convenient packing options (i.e., a reliable backpack and a small carry-on suitcase.)
Organizers
When moving from city to city, keeping your digital nomad gear organized can make a world of difference! Packing cubes and compression packs are great for preventing overpacking and will keep your bags, clothing, and other belongings neat and tidy. Another perk — with your items more easily accessible and in their designated space, you’ll be less likely to leave anything behind as you shift from one location to the next.
Toiletry Essentials
From your favorite blow dryer to a first aid kit, try to pack light, but with as many small comforts as you can. This way, you can counter having to buy extra items on the road. To best determine what you need before setting off on your adventure, jot down and pay special attention to the toiletry items you use on a daily basis. Then, stow travel-sized versions away for your journey. You’ll also be wise to wrap potentially leaky fluids in sandwich bags to prevent a messy blowout in your luggage. Other items you may want to consider are:
- First aid kit
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Hair essentials (i.e., hairbrush, straightener, and styling products)
- Skincare routine Items
- Razors
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Bar soap and cover
Versatile Clothing
Rain, sleet, or shine, you want to be prepared for the different climates, weather conditions, and events you might experience on your travels. From fleece hoodies, winter coats, and night-out attire to breezy tanks and shorts, ensure you have suitable clothing for whatever adventures come your way.
However, while it’s best to prepare for all possibilities, you still want to pack light. The best way to do this is by simplifying your clothing’s palette — think neutral colors like browns, whites, and blacks — and one to two items for each possibility. This way, you can mix and match different garments to fit various conditions without having to pack your entire closet. Conditions to prepare for include:
- Formal events
- Nights out on the town
- Casual occasions
- Athletic situations
- Cold weather
- Hot weather
- Mild weather
Electronics
With jobs you can work from anywhere, there are likely electronics involved. Whether you’re a photographer, developer, or online teacher, having the digital nomad basics on hand is vital. From your work laptop to a portable power bank, here’s a complete list of electronics you may need for long-term travel in the U.S.
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Portable router to access wi-fi in internet dead zones
- External hard drive
- Headphones
- External mouse and keyboard
- Power bank
- Power strip
- Camera
- E-reader or tablet
A Taste of Home
Just because you like to hit the open road doesn’t mean you have to leave loved ones and fond memories behind. Stowaway a small memento of home that you can turn to when you get the inevitable bout of homesickness. Sometimes a photograph of someone special in your life or a small, handmade handkerchief can be all you need to quell those brief, yearn-for-home moments.
Miscellaneous Items
Before you take off on your domestic travel adventure, there are a few other things you may want to bring with you. From essential travel documents like health insurance cards and government identification to medication and prescriptions, there are just some things you don’t want to forget! Here are a few items to consider.
- Government ID or passport
- Health Insurance and prescription cards
- Mandatory medication
- Emergency ATM and credit cards
- Waterproof bags for essential documents
- Combination locks or padlocks for safety and security between locations
- Earplugs and eye masks for tiresome trips between cities
- Neck pillow for frequent flights
- Compact umbrella for snowy or rainy conditions
- Sewing kit for quick fixes
Keep CORT Furniture Rental in Your Back Pocket
Last but not least, make sure to have CORT Furniture Rental on speed dial for your next move. CORT has you covered from living room furnishings down to housewares — yes, even towels, linens, and pots and pans! Whether you’re cultivating a remote workspace for one month (or three), you can get furniture rental packages for as long — or as short! — as you need. Our team will deliver, set up, and take away your furniture whenever you’re ready to fly away to your next location! Now that’s The Power of Furniture Flexibility™!
