The art of commuting

If you’re one of the unfortunates who has to work  – and I mean actually go out to work, not stay at home writing in ‘leisurewear’ like I do half the time – then you’ll know it’s not just a case of getting on a train or jumping in the car in the morning. You need to prepare beforehand if you want your commute to be tolerable.

In the past few weeks I’ve been working in an office that takes me two hours to get to, door to door. I’ve slowly realised how to make it all go smoothly, and here are a few of my pearls of wisdom:

1. ALWAYS put your clothes ready the night before. Morning decisions are usually terrible and you’ll probably end up being late because you can’t find any shoes that even vaguely match the outfit you’ve pulled out.

2. ALWAYS take an umbrella. The day that looks promising at 7am usually turns to worryingly grey by 8.30am and torrential rain by 8.45am.

3. ALWAYS take make-up with you. By the time you arrive in work after a long commute you’ll probably have to retouch.

4. DON’T forget your money and cards. Funnily enough ticket collectors and car parking meters don’t accept smiles and promises of payment ‘tomorrow’.

5. MAKE SURE your phone is charged. If you’re delayed you’ll really regret it if you can’t phone in.

6. ALWAYS have emergency chocolate about your person.