Friends want to stay for two months - while moving house - help?

Have these casual friends asked you if they can stay with you or is it something you are contemplating as your post doesn't make it too clear. If the latter, I would refrain from offering, it could open up a whole can of worms, and if the former, I'd say "no" as it's quite an imposition on your time and freedom. I wouldn't like it, personally.

I also can’t believe they have asked a casual friend. Do they not have family members they could ask? Why can’t they rent like most other people have to, and put their furniture in storage? (I dread to think what plans they might have for storage of all their possessions - which could also include using your space).
Just say no, very sweetly, and say it doesn’t fit in with other plans you have.

I think the fact that these casual friends have asked you would make me wary. I don't think I would ask even very good, longstanding friends to put me up whilst awaiting moving house. And to expect you to board a family with children for what could be an indeterminate length of time seems very unreasonable to me.

My son and his partner and their daughter lived with us for around a year while they were in the process of selling their flat and purchasing a house. It could be quite tiring at times just keeping things tidy, etc., but we had the pleasure of their company and forming a strong bond with our granddaughter and there was no awkwardness in speaking out if there were any little niggles.

I would feel very uncomfortable having people I wasn't that close to staying for a prolonged period and, to be honest, I think it's rather a cheek.

I think you should say it would be too much for you.

From your post, these people are not even close enough for a one night sleepover. It's your home and you shouldn't let anyone take advantage. If they haven't been invited, this is a barefaced imposition on their part!

Clearly your house is not a hotel! How well do you even know these people? Would they go out of their way to show some appreciation afterward? Have they even offered to share for extra groceries, water, heating and electrical? What about housekeeping and laundry services?

You may want to suggest that they move to a hotel 'efficiency' suite. If they still don't get the hint, tell them outright that the proposed arrangement may work well for them, but it doesn't work for you. You don't owe them anymore explanations. Above all, do what you want, NOT what they want.

They won't like it? Better they get upset for a few minutes instead of you being upset for a long, long time.

You are being used - say NO - no excuses needed (get it over with.

NO ...definitely NOT ....do what I did send them a list of local hotels, B & B's, mobile homes , property for rent short term ........see if these 'casual' friends are still friends after..........you don't say how 'casual' they are ....but I would only do this for family, and then only if they were desperate ! When we were between houses we stayed in a cheap hotel with our furniture in storage ......find local storage facilities for them ! May go against the grain but you will not regret making that decision. Good luck

Just say NO.

Family or a very close friend - yes.

Casual friend - no.

I f you feel you have to do it, then definitely set ground rules.

I'd say No, because 2 years ago we had a work colleague ask if she could stay for a 'few days' as she was selling her house but as we were decorating I said no it wasn't convenient. She went to stay with someone else and was there for nearly 6 months! It was a lucky escape as the person she stayed with was desperate for her to leave, she was untidy, expected her washing and cooking done for her and had to be reminded to contribute to the budget.

I did this for my late husband's family for about 6 weeks/2 months - there were two young children as well - their house sale went through quicker than expected at the time, and the new house wasn't quite ready. I felt that I couldn't say no and although glad of some company was really glad when I "got"my house back. To be fair they did help out, and included me in their meals - paid "rent" to cover extra bills etc. This was a very long time ago, don't know if I would do it again for a family - one person would be ok though I think.

If in doubt , don't!!
One of my hard and fast rules in my life.

No. Don't do it.
What seemed like a good idea a few years ago, my SIL needed to leave Australia in order to get a visa so she could apply for permanent residence.
She asked if she could stay with me for six months.
Seemed like a good idea, but the reality is that you have to take into consideration their tv viewing preferences, meals have to be accommodated, leisure activities etc.
Whilst she was very pleasant, I found her hard work as she seemed to find everything funny and continually laughed at everything. In the end I felt it a great strain and couldn't wait for her to leave. There will always be a clash of personalities. Take everything into consideration.

It's that word NO again. Something which so many of us struggle to say and yet far easier than the consequences of having house guests, especially when there's no confirmed end date. We did it once and frankly it was horrible and was for far longer than had been anticipated. So just say "no" ...

I have to say that I count myself lucky that I have 3 friends who I could live with full time. 2 are male and 1 female.

Thank you - upbringing where I was expected to please - difficult to change.

Rhinestone
Oh how true, I'd forgotten that: it's exhausting!

I cannot fib either. I do have plenty of space now - empty nest - but that space is for when the offspring fly back with assorted friends - lovely.

Absolutely say no. I had two people I adore stay with us for four nights. They were loud and noisy every morning and didn’t stop talking all day. Be kind to yourself and say no that it’s wouldn't work right now.

Gil who says they are stuck They are buying a big house they are not refugees or homeless though bad luck They need to do what most people in this situation do plant themselves on RELATIVES or PAY for a stop gap home a mobile home, caravan or B and B they have taken the easy route expecting a friend of a friend to sort them out and it sounds like they are also looking for a free ride bloody cheek
Don’t go near it and don’t be pushed into feeling guilty Feelingmyage

They stated their intention. Friends of friends they problem guess I WOULD do it for. Moving short distance actually closer to me/us.

Didn't ask - stated intent - did my usual to play for time - said DH would have to be consulted. Inequality so useful sometimes.

Hadn't thought of that - would be grinding my teeth!

I honestly think it depends on you as a person; how good a friend do you want to be to these "casual" friends? Would you like them to become close friends or are you happy for them to be kept at arms' length? I often find it helps to reverse the situation. If you were stuck for somewhere to stay for a couple of months, would you want someone to help you out in that way?

Very good concise advice! Thank you.

Would and do, do anything for my family and that includes closest longstanding friends who I feel are family and we all know it.