Work from anywhere — it sounds ideal, doesn’t it? ☀️
A change of scene can spark creativity and improve wellbeing. But whether you’re setting up in a holiday home, hotel, or any temporary workspace this summer, comfort isn’t guaranteed.
All too often, working away from your usual desk leads to sore backs, stiff necks, and a serious drop in productivity. The good news? With a few simple ergonomic tweaks, you can protect your posture and feel great — wherever you choose to work.
In this guide, I share practical tips to help you stay comfortable and injury-free as you embrace more flexible work this season.
Pack Smart: Your Portable Ergonomic Toolkit
If you’re planning to work from various locations this summer, think of these items as essential business tools rather than luxury add-ons. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re working comfortably instead of counting down the minutes until you can escape that torture device masquerading as a vacation rental chair.
Laptop Stand or Adjustable Laptop Riser This is my number one recommendation for anyone working remotely. Your laptop screen needs to be at eye level to save your neck from the dreaded “turtle position” we all slip into when hunched over a low screen. Look for collapsible stands that weigh under two pounds—they’re worth their weight in gold when you’re trying to pack light.
External Keyboard and Mouse Once your laptop is elevated (and it should be!), you’ll need these separate input devices. A compact wireless combo is perfect for summer travel. When you’re typing, your elbows should sit at about 90 degrees—think of it as finding your arms’ happy place.
Supportive Seat Cushion Let’s be honest: holiday rental furniture is chosen for looks, not for supporting your spine through a full workday. A portable lumbar support cushion, even an inflatable one, can be a game-changer, transforming even the most challenging chair into something workable. Some travel-friendly options come with straps so you can secure them to any seat.
Making the Most of What You’ve Got
Here’s the reality: you’re not always going to have the perfect setup. But with a little creativity and these tried-and-tested strategies, you can make almost any space work for you this summer.
The Kitchen Table Setup Kitchen tables are often your best friend in vacation rentals—they’re usually the right height and sturdy enough for extended work sessions. The chairs, however, are a different story. Use your laptop riser or stack some books under your laptop to get that screen up to eye level, add your trusty cushions, and make sure your feet can rest flat on the floor. If the table height leaves you hanging, grab some books, a step or a box for an impromptu footrest.
When You’re Stuck in the Bedroom I know, I know—working from bed sounds tempting, especially when you can see the ocean from the window. But please, resist the urge! Your spine will stage a rebellion. If the bedroom is your only option, commandeer the dresser or any available desk space. Use pillows to support your lower back if the chair isn’t cutting it, and make sure you have enough light to avoid squinting at your screen.
Living Room Logistics Coffee tables might look inviting, but they’re ergonomic enemies for anything longer than answering a few emails. If you’re truly stuck, use the couch arm as a temporary desk for quick tasks, but migrate to the dining area for your main work sessions. And if all else fails and you find yourself at floor level, grab cushions, tuck them under your bum and behind your back and commit to taking frequent stretch breaks.
Your Summer Workspace Setup Checklist
Before you dive into your first work session at any new location, take two minutes to run through this checklist. Your body will thank you later:
Screen height is spot-on when the top sits at or slightly below eye level. If you’re tilting your head up or down, adjust accordingly.
Your arms should feel natural and relaxed, with elbows at about 90 degrees and wrists straight—no awkward bending or reaching.
Check that your lower back feels supported. If not, grab whatever cushions or pillows you can find to fill the gap.
Make sure your feet rest comfortably flat on the floor or a footrest. Dangling feet lead to poor circulation and discomfort.
Position your screen so it’s perpendicular to windows to minimize that annoying glare that has you squinting all day.
Keep your screen about an arm’s length away for optimal viewing without strain.
Keep Moving (It’s Summer After All!)
One of the biggest challenges with temporary workspaces is that they often lack the natural movement cues you might have in your regular office. Set those phone alarms to remind yourself to stand, stretch, and move around every 30-45 minutes.
Here’s where summer workstations have a serious advantage: you’ve got built-in variety! Take that client call from the porch, review documents poolside (in the shade, of course), or suggest walking meetings along the beach. Your change of scenery can become your secret weapon for staying active throughout the workday.
Smart Solutions That Won’t Break the Bank
Not everyone wants to invest in a collection of premium travel ergonomic gear, and honestly, you don’t need to. Some of my best workspace hacks use everyday items you’ll find almost anywhere.
Books are fantastic short term laptop stands and monitor risers—just make sure your stack is stable. A rolled-up towel behind your lower back works wonders for lumbar support. Even a firm pillow can transform an uncomfortable seat. The magic isn’t in expensive gear; it’s in maintaining those key ergonomic principles whatever materials you have on hand.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Before you head off to your summer workspace, do some detective work. Ask your host about the furniture situation, desk availability, and lighting setup. Even a quick look at photos can help you identify potential challenges and pack accordingly.
When you’re packing, keep your ergonomic essentials easily accessible. The sooner you can set up properly, the better you’ll feel throughout your entire stay. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way after spending a miserable first day hunched over a laptop while my ergonomic supplies sat buried in my suitcase.
Your Summer, Your Way
Working from anywhere shouldn’t mean compromising your health or comfort. This summer, as more of us embrace the freedom to work from beautiful locations, remember that a little ergonomic planning goes a long way toward ensuring you can truly enjoy both your work and your time away from the traditional office.
You don’t need to recreate your perfect home office setup at every destination. The goal is simply to maintain healthy working positions that keep you comfortable, focused, and ready to make the most of both your professional responsibilities and your summer adventures.
The freedom to work from that mountain cabin or beachside cottage is one of the greatest perks of our digital age. With some thoughtful planning, you can make sure that freedom enhances rather than detracts from your wellbeing. Here’s to a productive, comfortable, and absolutely amazing summer of working from wherever life takes you!
