Every Single Thing in My Work Bag and the Most Practical Tote Bag

Essentials for long days.

From Monday to Thursday, I exist in an alternative universe as a student, schlepping things to class and my clinical internship. The days are long and, as I’ll share in this Tuesday’s post (!), my internship days are especially demanding, so I always take time on Sunday evening make sure I have everything I need, and restock any essentials, for the week. In honor of Rafaela’s questions in the comments a few weeks ago, requesting a “what’s in the bag” Sunday Edition, I’ve included the details on every single thing I keep packed—and where to find the tote I love—as well as photos from this week!

1. Moleskine in size ‘Large’ with a pen attached. I’m a major ‘pen and paper’ gal, and take all of my notes for school by hand. When I was in a more class-heavy rotation, I took notes on three-hole, college-ruled paper to be able to organize it in a binder, by class. These days, I keep all of my supervision notes (without any client information, of course) in my daily journal.

2. Laptop with protective sleeve. I have a 13” Macbook Air, which I purchased because of how light and easily transportable it is. I keep it in a sleek black pebbled Cuyana sleeve.

3. Wallet. I favor a small Cuyana wallet since I’m often throwing it in my pocket for bikerides and dog walks. I’ve attached an Airtag to it, since it’s so small that I’m afraid of losing it, but it fits everything I need!

4. Book. I never leave the house without reading material—sometimes a magazine, but usually whatever novel I’m reading.

5. Packed lunch. If I don’t have a convenient amount of leftovers, I pack these meatballs with greens and cottage cheese in a 4.4 cup Caraway container.

6. Expandable grocery bag. I keep tons of tote bags in my car, but because I often bike to work, I keep an expandable bag in my purse in case I make a pit-stop on my way home!

7. Water bottle. I am fully on the Owala train! Love that freesip.