Phrasal Verbs for Moving House

Moving house is a significant life event that can be as stressful as it is exciting. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a different country, the process involves a series of actions that are often best described using phrasal verbs. These multi-word expressions add flavor to the English language and are commonly used in everyday conversation. Let’s explore the phrasal verbs that perfectly depict the whirlwind of activities associated with moving house, complete with examples to help you understand and use them in context.

Table of Contents

Getting Started

Before the move, you generally start off by searching for a new place and deciding to make the leap.

Example: We started off by looking at several apartments online before finding the perfect one.

Once you’ve found a place, you check out potential new homes or spaces, visiting them to see if they fit your needs.

Example: We checked out four houses this weekend, but only one had the large backyard we wanted.

Before the move, it’s common to go through all your belongings, which means to examine them to decide what to keep.

Example: I spent the whole day going through my old clothes to see what I could donate before the move.

Packing Up

When you’re ready to pack, you box up your items, placing them into boxes for transportation.

Example: I boxed up all the kitchenware yesterday, and I’ll tackle the living room items today.

Sometimes, you might need to sort out various items, which involves organizing them into categories.

Example: We need to sort out which books we’re bringing with us and which ones we’ll sell.

For items you no longer need, you might give away belongings to friends, family, or charity.

Example: We decided to give away our old sofa to a student moving into her first apartment.

Moving Out and Moving In

When the moving day arrives, you move out, leaving your old home behind.

Example: We moved out at the crack of dawn to make sure we had the whole day to get settled into our new place.

After transporting your belongings, you move in, or start living in your new home.

Example: We’re planning to move in next Saturday and hope to have everything unpacked by Sunday evening.

Upon arrival, you’ll likely set up furniture and electronics, assembling and arranging them in your new space.

Example: After we moved in, we set up the beds first so we’d have somewhere to sleep that night.

Unpacking

As you settle in, you’ll unpack your boxes, removing the contents to put them away.

Example: It felt like a small victory to finally unpack the last box of books and place them on the shelf.

You may need to hang up clothes, pictures, or curtains, meaning to place them on a hook or hanger.

Example: We can’t wait to hang up our new curtains to really make the space feel like home.

To put away means to find a suitable place for your belongings in your new home.

Example: My favorite part of moving is deciding where to put away all my things.

Settling In

After the initial move, you’ll want to settle in, which means to become comfortable in your new environment.

Example: It took a few weeks to settle in, but now our new place really feels like home.

To fix up a place is to repair or refurbish it, making it more pleasant or functional.

Example: The kitchen needs some work, but once we fix it up, it’ll be perfect for entertaining.

Sometimes, you may clear out old or unwanted items from your new space to reduce clutter.

Example: We decided to clear out the attic before we started turning it into a home office.

Adjusting

During a move, you might come across unexpected issues or items you had forgotten about.

Example: While unpacking, I came across a box of old photos I hadn’t seen in years.

If you run into problems, such as a delay or a broken item, you encounter them unexpectedly.

Example: We ran into a snag when the couch wouldn’t fit through the front door.

To deal with means to handle or resolve issues as they arise during the moving process.

Example: We had to deal with a leaky faucet our first week in the new house, but it’sfixed now.

Organizing the Aftermath

After the movers head out, or leave your new place, you’ll be left with the task of organizing.

Example: Once the movers headed out, we were overwhelmed by the sea of boxes waiting to be unpacked.

In the following days, you may need to chase up any delayed items or services, ensuring they’re on track.

Example: I had to chase up the internet provider because our connection wasn’t set up on the day we were promised.

The Final Touches

To spruce up your new home means to make it look nicer, often with decorative touches.

Example: Some fresh paint and new curtains were all it took to spruce up the living room.

Once you’re almost done, you finish off the moving process by completing the last few tasks.

Example: We finished off our moving checklist by installing the new washing machine.

Embracing the New

When you finally settle down after moving, you start living a normal life again in your new place.

Example: Now that we’ve settled down in our new neighborhood, we’re looking forward to making new friends.

To look forward to something, like exploring your new community, means to anticipate it with pleasure.

Example: We’re really looking forward to discovering all the little coffee shops and parks around here.

Final Thoughts

Moving house is a complex endeavor filled with tasks that can be both physically and emotionally taxing. As we have seen, phrasal verbs offer a rich vocabulary to talk about each step of this process. From starting off the journey to settling in to your new abode, these phrases help capture the essence of the experience.

Understanding and using these phrasal verbs not only makes describing the moving process easier but also enables you to communicate more effectively with movers, landlords, and those helping you along the way. They encapsulate the actions, decisions, and emotions of moving, making them indispensable tools for anyone undergoing this life change.

Remember, whether you’re boxing up your life’s possessions or sorting out the logistics of a big move, these phrasal verbs can be your guide. They serve as linguistic companions, helping you to articulate the chaos and excitement of moving in a way that is both colorful and clear. As you look forward to your new home, let these expressions move in with you, enriching your language and easing your transition.