One of the greatest perks of working remotely is the freedom to choose your office. While many people imagine a traditional desk setup, summer offers an opportunity to rethink where—and how—we work.
For me, that often means heading out to my “treehouse” office. It’s not an actual treehouse, but it feels like one: surrounded by greenery, birdsong, and enough fresh air to make even the busiest workday feel a little lighter.
After decades of working remotely, I’ve learned that a change of scenery can do wonders for productivity, creativity, and overall happiness.
Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Refresh Your Workspace
When you’re working from home year-round, it’s easy to fall into routines. The same desk. The same walls. The same view.
Summer invites us to step outside those routines.
Natural light can improve mood and reduce eye strain. Fresh air helps combat that “stuck indoors” feeling. Even a short change of environment can spark new ideas and make everyday tasks feel less repetitive.
You don’t need a fancy backyard office to enjoy the benefits. A patio table, porch swing, deck chair, or even a shaded spot under a favorite tree can become a productive workspace.
My Favorite Summer Work Gadgets
A few simple tools can make outdoor work much more enjoyable.
Portable Power Station
Nothing ruins a productive afternoon faster than a dying laptop battery. Portable power stations have become more affordable and can keep laptops, phones, and tablets running for hours. Something like this one would be great for backyards and camping.
Laptop Sunshade
Bright sunshine and computer screens don’t always get along. A collapsible laptop sunshade or privacy hood makes outdoor work much easier and reduces glare.
Comfortable Wireless Headset
Whether you’re taking client calls or listening to music while working, a good wireless headset provides freedom to move around without being tethered to your desk. If you’re like me, you like a really good headset – one that is over the head, not hooked to the ears (I can’t stand that!). I have used Jabra headsets for decades – literally! My favorite for travel or working in my Treehouse office is the Jabra Evolve. It’s steady and reliable and has an incredible battery.
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot
If your backyard Wi-Fi is spotty, a mobile hotspot can provide a more reliable connection and allow you to work from almost anywhere. If you’re not using the hotspot on your phone, many of the cellular companies have hotspot devices and plans that could work – compare!
Lightweight Folding Table
Sometimes the perfect office is simply wherever you decide to set up. A portable table can transform a garden corner, deck, or poolside area into a functional workspace.
Remote Access Software
I love Splashtop for logging into my office computer from wherever I might be. It’s secure and affordable, and very necessary for grabbing that file you forgot to upload to the cloud, which is stored on the office computer’s desktop.
Working Poolside (Without Losing Your Laptop)
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a pool, it can become a surprisingly effective workspace—with a few precautions.
Keep electronics away from splash zones.
Use a waterproof case for your phone.
Choose a shaded area to protect screens from overheating.
Schedule lighter tasks such as emails, planning, reading, or brainstorming while outdoors.
Save intensive projects for cooler indoor hours if temperatures become uncomfortable.
Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Season
One lesson I’ve learned over the years is that working from home isn’t just about productivity—it’s also about flexibility.
Take a few extra minutes to watch the hummingbirds at the feeder.
Step away for a quick walk through the garden.
Enjoy that second cup of coffee while listening to the rain on the roof.
The work will still be there when you return.
Summer is fleeting. One of the hidden benefits of remote work is the ability to appreciate those small seasonal moments without waiting for a vacation.
So whether your office is a treehouse, a porch, a patio, or simply a sunny window, take advantage of the season. Open the windows, step outside, and create a workspace that reminds you why working from home can be such a gift.
After all, some of the best offices don’t have four walls.
Have a great rest of your day! Kathy (TheBestVA)