<p>This article discusses pre-migration resources mobilisation in the framework of aspirations and capabilities. Drawing on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 27 irregular transit migrants in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkan route, it attempts to shed light on various resources that migrants need for their journeys. Among them are tangible and intangible resources and social capital. All of them are important but can, to an extent, be replaced by other resources. The resources for migrant preparation were mainly described in the context of regular migration or return migration. At the same time, the impact of border regimes and other restrictions make migrants re-consider their plans en route as they need to amass their resources multiple times and resume their journeys. Therefore, we examine the processes used to increase capabilities both before leaving and on the way.</p>