What I Look For in a Work Bag as a Working Mom


I never actually planned to have a work bag collection.

But somehow... I “accidentally” had one. Hahahaha!

Over the years, I realised that I don't always use the same work bag. My choice actually depends on how I'm commuting to work that day.

Taking public transport? Backpack or depends..hehe

Driving? Tote bag (definitely)

And lately, I've been loving my tote bags, especially the ones from Scout Tote Bag from Christy Ng.

So I thought, why not share what I actually look for in a work bag as a working mom? Because choosing a work bag isn't just about whether it's pretty. It needs to fit our actual working life too!

 

1. It Needs to Fit My Work Essentials

For me, the first thing is simple: Can it fit my laptop?

My work bag usually needs to carry my laptop, charger, notebook, water bottle, purse and all those little things that somehow end up inside my bag.

So I always look for a bag that's spacious enough without becoming ridiculously huge.

If you're buying online, don't forget to check the actual laptop compartment size, not just the overall bag size.

 

2. I Choose My Bag Based on My Commute

This is probably the biggest lesson I've learned.

When I'm taking public transport, I prefer my Tracey backpack.

It's much easier when I'm walking or carrying my laptop around because both my hands are free. Especially when the train getting so packed! You need to squeezed yourself as much as possible.

My formula is whenever I use public transport, I will always prefer backpack and whenever I’m driving, I will always go for my tote bag.

 

 

3. Spacious Is Good... But There's a Catch

I really love my Christy Ng tote because I can fit so many things inside. But there's one thing I'm not a huge fan of.

It ternganga!  I seriously don't know how to explain this in English!

The opening stays wide open, so sometimes I feel like everyone can see everything inside my bag. Hahaha!

It made me realise that the way you commute matters when choosing a bag.

If you're taking public transport, you might prefer something with a zip or more secure closure.

For me, since I mostly use the tote when driving, I'm okay with it.


4. Comfort Still Matters

A bag can be beautiful, but if it's uncomfortable when fully packed, I probably won't use it very often.

Especially when you're carrying a laptop.

So I look at the straps, the weight of the bag itself and how comfortable it feels when I'm carrying everything I need.

That's another reason why I like having both a backpack and a tote.

Different bags for different days.

 

My Simple Work Bag Guide for Working Moms

If you're currently looking for a work bag, here's my simple rule:

Choose a backpack if you:

  • Take public transport
  • Walk a lot
  • Carry heavier things
  • Want both hands free

Choose a tote if you:

  • Drive to work
  • Want easy access to your things
  • Prefer a more stylish office look
  • Need lots of space

Of course, everyone has different needs. This is simply what works for me.

 

So... Do I Really Have a Work Bag Collection?

I guess I do now.  But I don't think I intentionally collected them.

I simply found different bags that work for different parts of my working life. And that's probably my biggest tip for other working moms:

Don't look for the “perfect” work bag. Look for the bag that works for YOUR lifestyle.

Your commute, your work, the things you carry and even your personal style all matter.

For me?

Public transport = backpack.

Driving = tote.

And if the bag is spacious and pretty too? Even better. Hahaha! ❤️

 

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Borneo Working Mom! ❤️

 

 

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