To connect remotely, you need some software on your laptop, see Software. Install this first.
Then connect to the RPi in Desktop mode (see RPi in Desktop Mode) and make sure your Wifi is turned on. Next, find the IP address for your Wifi (or Ethernet) connection, as described in Find the IP address. You only need to do this once. Your IP addresses will normally stay the same.
SSH only gives you access to a remote terminal window, but it is quick and easy. Follow the instructions in Connecting with SSH and use the Wifi IP address or Ethernet IP address you found earlier.
VNC gives you access to the entire RPi desktop. Follow the instructions in Connecting with VNC and use the Wifi IP address or Ethernet IP address you found earlier.
You can transfer files to/from your RPi using a USB flash drive or do it remotely, as explained in Copying Files. Another option is to use the web browser on your RPi to copy to a Google drive.