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

Great advice - we have no cupboard space - DH loves his hobbies. Cannot imagine where they would put more than average holiday packing. Spare rooms are - and shouldn't be - used for "stuff".

I am the first to admit I do not have the patience of a saint nor any other saintly attributes. I am good at knitting ............

Feelingmyage55
I shuddered at the mere thought of it. Casual friends do not subject this to casual friends.
DH is abroad even if he wasn't you would still be out numbered .I think they have got a cheek asking you.
NO is the answer.

Too late - I should have posted here sooner. Lesson learnt. A stitch in time etc.

Well if they are "massively upsizing" then should have planned the extra cost of the accommodation into their original plan. They are probably a lot better off than you.

That sounds like envy doesn't it.

If is was a hard pressed young couple with a low budget I would be more sympathetic.

Already volunteer at other things which I believe to be useful and which I enjoy and socialise while doing. Cannot imagine cooking for six people for six weeks or being cooked for in my own home? Am I peculiar? Queen of my own kitchen!

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

Very good concise advice! Thank you.

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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" ...

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.

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

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.

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.

Family or a very close friend - yes.

Casual friend - no.

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

Just say NO.