They say moving home is one of life’s most stressful events, but having previously worked through University for a removal company, I knew it all relied on good planning.

D-day arrives, old home packed, rooms cleaned, and a happy handover of keys, my best-laid plan is coming to fruition, and it is only 1pm.

However, the best-laid plans often go wrong, and they did, you can imagine the stress and trauma of not getting into your new home and closing the door until 1am!

I cannot begin to describe the chaos that ensued when we arrived at our new home. The owners, with 25 years of history had not even packed, and their removal team where considering walking out in anger. However, with good friends rallying to my aid we literally moved the disorganised folk out of the house, so we could get in, boxes were randomly thrown into unclean rooms in quick succession.

So when one of said friends said ‘climbing Kilimanjaro most be the most challenging event of your life? I replied, “I have filled and emptied 8 large Luton vans over two days, I have literally moved in excess of 400 boxes and endless amounts of furniture several times, and ascended and descended the length of more flights of stairs than I have mountains this year, and to top it all off I’m living out of boxes”

At that moment, Kilimanjaro was a challenge I couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

But what did I learn, and what can I take with me to Kilimanjaro?

Moving home is great for fitness, but terrible on the back

Never assume others think and behave as you do, reach out early, and ask questions.

Never be afraid to ask for help, and do not leave it too late to ask.

Finally, it takes a team to complete a mammoth task; on the day of the move, good friends came to my aid. I already know I am part of an awesome Kilimanjaro team, which is why I feel ready for the challenge ahead, I am surrounded with people I trust, making memories that will last a lifetime.

So bring on Kilimanjaro I say, besides which, I need the peace

Now where did I pack all my equipment………….