Is your briefcase a mess? Do you have trouble finding anything in there? If so, you’re in the right place. This post is all about having an organized briefcase.
Choosing a Briefcase
A briefcase doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The one you see in the video came from Wilsons Leather and was well under $200. I don’t see the exact bag I have on their website, but you will get an idea of what to look for and what to keep inside.
After having owned a number of briefcases over my career, I much prefer one with a top-zippered enclosure. Opening a flap is difficult while you’re standing and holding the handle with one hand already.
With my current bag, I can hold the handle with one hand while unzipping the top with the other. Then, I can drop papers in or pull a file out. All of this happens while checking a suitcase with the airline in line, or riding an escalator
The second consideration is plenty of pockets or compartments. Certain items will live in my briefcase all the time. Every one of these items needs a “home.” None of these items can be “loose” in the bag. Anything that is loose is something that must be emptied when I arrive home.
What Goes in the Briefcase?
Being able to work from anywhere requires having certain supplies at hand. Being comfortable requires certain accessories. I don’t want to be caught in the rain, be unable to listen to audio, or be stuck with a food stain on my clothes. In the video, you see how and where I store all of the following items:
- Miniature umbrella
- Spare pair of glasses
- Phone charger
- Smartwatch charger
- Earbuds
- Sharpie
- Mechanical pencil
- Highlighter
- Stylus
- Sticky notes
- Tape measure
- Paper for notes
- Sharpie
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Stain remover
- Breath mints
- Tissue
- Face mask
- Flash drive
- Spare cash
- Envelope filled with QR codes containing my contact information
- Business cards
- Magnetic name tag
- Lanyard
- Magnet set (to prevent having to pin name tags through my clothes)
- Several zippered pouches (for receipts and other loose items)
All of those items live in the briefcase. I never have to pack those items, which means I save time and save the worry that I’ve forgotten something I may need. One of the large compartments holds my laptop and a leather pouch that holds its charger, a small mouse, and a wireless presentation tool.
When I Don’t Need the Whole Briefcase
Sometimes all you need is something to hold a few files for a local meeting. This Bomber Jacket Briefolio from Levenger’s is perfect. A zippered pocket inside holds the following items:
- Spare pair of glasses
- Memopad and pen
- Zippered pouch for loose items
The briefolio will serve as a laptop sleeve or as a place to hold a few file folders. Plus, it just feels great.
The outside of a bag should draw compliments. What’s on the inside should make you more effective. I hope this post has given some ideas on both.
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