Zero day preparation

With each expansion I have typically rolled at least one new character for the expansion.  This allows me to experience the game and enjoy the leveling process again.  To keep leveling enjoyable and make sure it does not become too much of a grind prior to the expansion coming out I usually collect a few items for my new character.  

For cataclysm I knew I would be rolling and leveling a goblin shaman.  Below is my check list of the items I collected for this character.  

Goblin Shaman:
Heirloom mail shoulders
Heirloom mail chest
Heirloom hammer
Heirloom hammer
crusader enchant x 2
Frostweave bags x 4
Stacks of Wrath-era epic red gems

For Mists of Pandaria I am planning on rolling and leveling a Pandaren Monk.  Since I am absolutely pants at healing, I will likely be leveling my pandaren as MDPS and a Tank.  

Pandaren Monk:
Heirloom leather shoulders
Heirloom leather chest
Burnished warden Staff
Stacks of Wrath-era epic red gems
Embersilk bag x 4
Agility enchant for two hander

The stack of Wrath-era epic red gems is fill out the slots in the blue quality items that will be picked up in the outland dungeons in Hellfire Peninsula.  On my shaman I remember getting a pair of legs that had 3 sockets.  This item did not need to be replaced until late in Wrath content.  This along with the heirloom items makes leveling go quickly.  If you have access to the Guild heirlooms by all means incorporate them into your leveling checklist.