move house: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "move furniture" is closely related to the expression "move house." When someone decides to move house, it often involves the physical task of relocating their belongings, including furniture, from one residence to another. This can be a challenging and time-consuming process, as furniture items can be bulky and require careful handling. Many people enlist the help of professional movers or friends to assist them in moving furniture during a house move.

Another related idiom is "make a move." While "move house" refers to changing one's place of residence, "make a move" is a more general expression that can apply to various situations. It can mean taking action or making a decision to change or progress in some way. In the context of a house move, making a move can involve initiating the process of searching for a new property, securing financing, or signing a lease agreement. "Making a move" encompasses the entire journey of transitioning to a new home, from the initial steps to the final move-in day.

An interesting idiom associated with "move house" is "out of house and home." This phrase emphasizes the drastic change that occurs when someone moves to a new residence. It suggests that the person is leaving their current home empty and devoid of possessions. When someone is "out of house and home," it implies that they have completely emptied their previous dwelling and have taken all their belongings with them to their new residence. This idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who has been deprived of their possessions or has lost everything.

The phrase "to go" is another idiom related to "move house." When someone announces their intention to "move house," they are essentially saying that they plan to "go" or transition to a new living space. "To go" signifies the act of leaving one place and heading towards another. It can also imply a sense of movement and progression. The idiom "move house" captures this notion of going from one residence to another, indicating a physical and spatial transition.

The idiom "pull up stakes" is also connected to "move house." When someone decides to "pull up stakes," they are making a deliberate choice to uproot themselves and leave their current living situation. This expression has a sense of finality and decisiveness, as it implies that the person is severing ties with their current residence and moving on to something new. "Pulling up stakes" can involve mentally and emotionally detaching oneself from a particular place and embracing the unknown and the opportunities that lie ahead.