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

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!

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.

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

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.

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 ............

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 would always worry if I fibbed about my health in a situation like this that I would find it backfires on me.
The effect of bad karma will get me.

A colleague and her fiance needed somewhere to stay for about 6 weeks while their accommodation was being completed so I let them stay with me. It ended up being 6 months, which I would have never offered in the first place had I known that, although the delay was not their fault. I was able to make some house improvements with the rent paid so that was one good thing but I would never do it again. Having to share the kitchen, washing facilities etc. I hated that. Her own mother wouldn't accommodate her so I felt sorry for her but now she has moved job and there is no contact at all. With winter approaching these casual friends will be under your feet more so I'd say no especially as there's children involved. Their situation is not your problem.

They have no budget for this otherwise I would say yes - if only!

Going into hospital to avoid them would be extreme no/yes???

grrr personal

Personalty I think it's a bit cheeky!
I'm sure there are plenty of short term lets around/flats/mobile homes etc etc even travel lodges etc.
I am asumming they don't really want to pay rent/bond and by asking a friend they think it may be a cheaper option,, well yes it maybe for them! but not for you! they of course are prob going to contribute to your household income, but after a few weeks ....will it still stand or will they think they have paid their wack..it could last for months and months. hard to say No but!! and of course the friendship may diminish because you haven't "obliged"
I can see it is a difficult situation and wouldn't like to have to make it.Good luck whichever way you go.

They are friends of close friends who I have helped - and enjoyed helping - a lot. I think think thought I would be as helpful to them. But also it is coming to Christmas time and I definitely want to do our own thing.

They didn't ask - announced they would be staying because on tight budget, upsizing massively and said I could babysit while they deal with the move. I mentioned budget and they don't have a budget for the gap. I also want the house back for DH's return over Christmas plus family and friends.

I would definitely advise against this. Tell them kindly, either as someone else suggested that your health is not up to it, or say that you would need to charge them rent and housekeeping money and that you cannot ascertain how that would affect your pension and income tax. You can also truthfully say that you are not certain that your household insurance would cover anything that was damaged or went missing either of your or their property.

Actually, you are under no obligation to state your reasons for saying no. I wouldn't myself, as I would regard it as an imposition that casual friends would even make the request. Just say, you are sorry, but you cannot help.

Lyndie - had not thought about being naked! How true, I normally never think about that! Also clean the bathroom in my undies - only practical way - now wondering if other people clean the bath fully clothed or ....

I'm sure you know it would have to be a no to this cheeky request,even if the children are at after school club until 5pm they will still be about until maybe 9/10pm,think of the extra wear and tear on your appliances etc,and extra bills,if you can't say no to them give them an outlandish rental amount which they will refuse,I think they are taking advantage of the space they know you have available.

It does seem very cheeky if they are casual friends to expect this from you. How did this come about? Do they think as you have plenty of space it's a foregone conclusion you will say yes. I would say no, as I think it's taking you for granted. Even very close friends could become a bit of a pain after a while. If you don,t want to have them staying let them know asp and then they can make alternative arrangements. You don"t have to have lots of explanations .....just no, sorry.

If they are bringing their own electronic items eg,laptop, tablets and mobile phones etc, how will this affect your insurance premiums for the period they would be with you? It may be worth calling your insurance company for clarification on how it would work especially as it could be for longer than anticipated.

If your heart isn't in it then don't do it.. You owe them nothing. Casual friends should not even consider taking advantage of you in this way. Just say no.

Hey, we often have visitors staying over for a week or more and I’m the kind of person who loves it when people drop in unannounced for a chat and a coffee.....but I say don’t do this, there’s too much can go wrong.

Even with the easiest of guests it’s difficult, and 6 weeks or more will almost certainly be a disaster.

just say no,and don't feel guilty,they shouldn't be asking you to do this.

If you feel absolutely obligated, lay down the ground rules - your house, your rules! AND make sure that they pay rent/utilities etc. so that you are not out of pocket. It isn't fair/right to assume that because you have an empty house, you are loaded...
And TBH the assumption that you would say yes is frankly insulting!!!

I had this situation last month, and these are very good friends. I lied through my teethe to get out of it.
The last time they stayed with us OH and I had the most awful falling out because I was so stressed.
It was a shame because I love my friend dearly but unfortunately she's married to a slob. Sorry if that offends, but it's the truth.

Def not four casual friends