I’ve been doing this convention gig for a few years now, and I like to think that I’m pretty good at it. But there is one thing I just can’t seem to get a good handle on (despite years of vowing, “Things will be different for the next show!”): packing in advance. I always leave packing for the last minute, and I always end up forgetting something—if you want to hear a tragic tale, ask me about the Gen Con when I forgot my cellphone.

This year, however, things are ACTUALLY going to be different. This year, I have a plan. This year, I’m going to be ready for show time. Because this year, I have WARJACK—a mnemonic device that is going to get me squared away ahead of time—so I won’t be panicking at 1:00 a.m. like a chump with a half-packed bag and a flight that leaves in a few hours.

W—Write a list. Put everything you need to bring with you for the event on a piece of paper. Clothes, chargers, toothpaste, models, tape measure, tablet—write it all down. In my experience, the small things that go missing cause the biggest headaches. So, be as thorough as you can with this list. No one wants to find out they only packed white pants after Labor Day.

A—Ask a friend to double check. We’re only human, and we’re all bound to forget things, especially when we’re planning for something we’re excited about. Getting a second set of eyes on your list ensures your tape measure is going to make its way into your Battle Foam bag. (Tape measures are one of my most forgotten items.)

R—Rank your list. Suitcases are only so big. Go down your list and figure out which items are core essentials and which ones you can let slide. Clothes, medical needs, and, of course, models go at the top of my list. What can I let slide? Snacks, reading books, and basic toiletries are all low priority. I can probably hit a grocery store for some food on site, most basic toiletries are provided by the hotel or available nearby for a low price, and I can always watch a movie instead of reading, if I so desire. Rank things according to your own scale, but don’t skip this step.

J—JUST DO IT. This is the hardest part for me. I spend days thinking, “I should pack,” and then never doing it. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. Schedule an evening that is at least 2–3 days from your travel day and pack your bag. Do any laundry you need, get your armies out of the display case, and pack all your tokens, templates, and game aids. It doesn’t take very long, and the peace of mind you can gain by taking care of everything a few days early is huge. At least, that’s what everyone at work tells me…

A—Assess your packing job. This is the moment to be honest. Is that suitcase going to close? Are you buying a new gargantuan at the show? Picking up Level 7 [Omega Protocol]: Extreme Prejudice? Then you’re going to need some extra room to bring things back. What can you leave out of your bag? Consult your ranking to make this decision. It may seem like a good idea to leave out clothes for more storage on the way back, but you’ll regret that decision on day four of the con. If you’re planning to take back a lot more than you bring, just cough up the cash to check an empty bag. It’s cheaper than shipping everything home, and you won’t have to wait to play with your new toys when you get back.

C—Call ahead with any questions you have. This is the time to call the hotel and find out about amenities. Is there a shuttle? Do you get a refrigerator in your room? Is there a charge for an extra roll-away bed? How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? It’s better to go in with all the knowledge in your hands. Remember, you’re in charge of this trip, and you can make better decisions about your weekend if you have all the details.

K—Kick back, relax, and enjoy the trip! Congratulate yourself on avoiding pre-show stress and have a great time with all of your friends. There’s a lot of build up before a convention—and now it’s time to reap the rewards.

I hope WARJACK helps you prepare for all of your travels this year, and I’d love to hear how it worked out for you at any of the shows where we cross paths. If you have your own tips and tricks for getting ready to travel, please feel free to share them with me throughout the year!