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As most of us know the new World of Warcraft expansion Mists of Pandaria (MoP) is coming out this month (Tuesday September 25, 2012) and the tank and I have returned to the game.  As part of returning we decided to take a look at the top ten things we do when we prepare for an expansion. I hope this helps some of you out there!

1.) Clean out your bags, bank, void storage. Going into an expansion you never know how much stuff you will pick up, not just gear but also stuff for your professions.  Now is the time to prep for this!  Go through and make tough decisions about items you have.  Do you really need to be storing all that mageweave cloth for your alt? Don’t throw out gear or items that are dear to your heart but get rid of the junk you don’t need.

2.) Sell any old expansion materials.  Some people will be leveling alts during this down time and will be working on their professions.  If you go through your bank and bags and find embersilk cloth sell it! It might bring in a few coins for you and free up space! Do this for your extra profession materials from the previous expansion, more than likely you will never need this again for your main toon.

3.) This is a good time to cap out your professions or switch them!  The tank is considering picking up engineering on his Death Knight and now is the time! People are selling materials cheap and since there isn’t much to focus on in game it’s a great way to spend time in Azeroth and get prepared to help yourself, your guild and your friends.

4.) Test out other specs.  We all have options and you still have time to claim what your main will be in the new expansion.  Since the last patch we all have our new talent trees, glyphs and abilities.  Test them ALL out, make sure you will be playing the class and spec you want when the expansion drops.

5.) Test your new talent point system, glyphs and abilities.  This is a wonderful time before an expansion when we have been given a peak into our abilities and talent points.  Abuse this for your advantage so when you enter MoP you are ready to play your class/spec to the best ability.

6.) Research your area of focus for the new expansion.  If you plan on jumping in and running 5-mans research them now and plan how your class/spec would react to each fight.  If you plan on being the first level 90 on your server research it! There are plenty of wonderful blogs and resources out there that can help you out.

7.) Farm things you might want.  When the new expansion drops your friends, yourself and your guild will be super busy.  You might want to spend this time before an expansion bonding with them while trying to farm transmog gear, mounts or just get achievements for things people might not want to see right away after a new expansion drops.  Also don’t forget, no flying in MoP till level 90 so your land mounts will be out for show!

8.) Don’t waste money.  Now is the time to save your money (don’t buy a mount that only works in one area for $75,000 +). Going into an expansion you need to be prepared with your character and with your wallet.  This could benefit you in numerous ways.

9.) Clean out your quest log. Don’t slow down your leveling progression by hanging onto a quest you accidentally picked up while working on reputation.  Keep your quest log clean so you can stock up on as many of the as possible and level without worry.

10.) Plan. This covers many things, but think of how you are going to level (alone, with friends) and plan it out.  For example the tank and I are a guild of two and depend on our two main toons for their professions.  We have planned to level a pair one night, then let them rest the next night and work on the other pair.  This can also cover planning on how to access the new starting area so that you can be one of the first to get a jump start.  Planning can cover everything above and anything else.

See you guys in MoP!