Learn useful English phrases related to relocation and house moving.
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Harry
English Vocabulary related to Relocation
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Many of you I am sure have or will at some time in the future relocate to an English speaking country. Here is my experience with some English phrases related to relocation.
Moving home is a very stressful (worrying) time and is the top 4 list of the most stressful (comparative format of stressful) life experiences. I believe that when you relocate to another country then that stress is multiplied by a factor of 2 or 3 (two or three times greater).
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon
INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
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I recently relocated within Europe but to a different country. The idea of a move (relocation) is always exciting and a bit of an adventure. However, when you actually do it and try to organise everything to fall into place (to happen at the same time) it can be extremely tricky (difficult) as problems you did not envisage (think about) arise and knock you off track (delay or prevent you from completing your task).
Usually, you need to have an apartment selected (chosen) before you arrive unless you are going to spend some time living out of a suitcase (literally all your clothes in a suitcase in a hotel room). You need to locate an apartment but it is impossible without the help of a real estate agent (realtor, a person who sells and rents out apartments and houses) who knows the market in the city you are moving to. Then you have to, as happened with me, register with the local authorities but to do that you need a permanent address. So it is a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation! (What came first the chicken or the egg? What do you do first?) so should you register first or rent? Then you need to organise utilities (phone, internet, water, electricity and heating).
These are all achievable (can be done) assuming there are no language issues. There was of course in my situation as I did not speak the local language. Luckily I discovered (found) a specialist who assisted poor people like me and offered to bring me around (introduce me to) the appropriate services that I needed. This of course cost me a fee but it was invaluable (very useful).
Of course, in the modern world of a cashless society (credit and debit cards only) you also need to have a local bank account so that rent payments and utility bills can be set up (arranged) as direct debits on your account (payments that are deducted monthly from your account).
It always works out well in the end (eventually) and you can start to enjoy your new surroundings.
English Phrases Related to Relocation
Here are some other English phrases related to relocation:
Up sticks
Meaning: to pack everything you have and move somewhere new
Example:
They would not grant Sam a work permit, so we’ve had to up sticks and return back to the UK.
Pastures new/Greener pastures
Meaning: new place, or activity that offers better opportunities
Like a horse when it finishes eating the grass around him, it will move on.
Examples:
Tom is thinking of giving up his current job and moving on to pastures new.
Many of my friends have left my hometown for greener pastures.
Home is where the heart is
houses and flats are made of bricks. The real home is where your heart is.
To move on
Meaning: to start doing something new
Example:
I’ve lived with my family long enough – it’s time to move on.
English phrases related to relocation
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To go through
Meaning: to deal with something
Example:
There are a lot of formalities you’ll have to go through when you move to another country.
To adjust
Meaning: to get used to something
Example:
It is hard trying to adjust to living in a new country.
To move out
Meaning: to leave a place
Example:
My brother moved out of the house to go to college when I was 12.
To resettle
Meaning: to make your home in a new country (city)
Example:
Many countries provide services to help refugees to resettle in a new environment.
To downsize
Meaning: to move from a larger home to a smaller one
Example:
My parents downsized their house last year and moved into a smaller apartment.
Upfront costs
Meaning: payments that you have to make in advance
Example:
We don’t want to pay too much upfront costs when moving to a new place.
English phrases related to relocation
To cut down (on something)
Meaning: to reduce the amount, size of something
Example:
When we moved to a new country, we cut down on clutter.
To fill out
Meaning: to complete
Example:
You have to make an appointment to open up a bank account and fill out the form.
To stand out
Meaning: to be easily noticeable, to attract attention
Example:
In societies where people mostly socialise with their neighbours and relatives, you will stand out as a foreigner.
To fit in(to)
Meaning: to be accepted as similar by a group of people
Example:
It’s not always easy to fit into the new country.
English vocabulary about relocation
To take out
Meaning: to remove
Example:
Moving somewhere that’s going to take you out of your comfort zone is really brave.
To end up
Meaning: to be in a particular situation, state, or place after doing something
Example:
If you were to end up going back, your life and mind have completely been completely changed by this experience.
To figure out
Meaning: to understand something
Example:
There are so many things you have to figure out when you move to a new country.
To set up
Meaning: to arrange
Example:
You can set up your utility bills to be paid directly from your bank account.
So here are my useful English phrases related to relocation. Try to put them into sentences, this will help you better remember them. Use new vocabulary words and speak English with confidence!
More Information
For more information in English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check out the following links:
Common idioms about FRUITS in English
English phrasal verbs about RELATIONSHIPS
Check out advanced English learning materials at Learning English with the British Council
