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

No two ways about it - just say NO!!

TBH I think this is them taking you for a ride; they know you're on your own so it will be difficult to say no. Surely if they weren't moving house they would have overheads at home, so suggest that they use something like airbnb to rent a house. What a cheek! As other posters have said, it would be completely different if they were close friends...

I had a similar worry a couple of years ago. My boss was moving house and didn’t even ask me if he could stay until he completed on his house purchase - he just assumed that I would let him stay and told all our colleagues that he was staying with me!! It shocked me that anyone would be so presumptive. As luck would have it the dates for completion of his house slipped which meant that his stay would have coincided with a holiday which I had booked. Even he realised that he would not be able to stay and arranged to stay with his brother who also lives close by but meant that he had a longer commute.

With the best will in the world I think I'd say No as well. I was recently looking at long term holiday rentals for this time of the year for myself and there is a lot available and at off season prices too. If I was them I would prefer that especially, as you say, they might need to stay longer.

That you have come on here asking for advice indicates that you really don't want to do it. I wouldn't either - so just say no! You can put it more diplomatically but don't go into detail about why not otherwise they will be likely to come up with "solutions"!

hello FMA55,
you say these are casual friends , I think they have a cheek asking to come for what might end up being an indefinite time!
I would find it hard sharing my home with best friends. It sounds as if they think you have plenty of space with only one person living in it so thought , we'll just ask her.
There are plenty of places that could be rented on a short term lease suggest that to them. It won't be easy telling them though. Good luck!!

It would be my worst nightmare. I have a friend who moved to another country ten years ago. She assumed that she could stay with us every time she visited home. My husband found it uncomfortable having her here. He felt he couldn't come downstairs in his dressing gown. He likes to sit up late and watch tv, while I go to bed early. The friend would sit up late with him, and expect to drink lots of alcohol.

I feel these people have put you in an awkward situation, but you need to have the courage to say you like being on your own and it wouldn't suit.

If I am reading this right this is a couple with two children and you are on your own. I would definitely say no. You could end up feeling out of place in your own home as with so many people it would feel they were taking over.

As others have said they could try Airbnb or look for holiday or short term lets (their estate agent may be able to help them).

When i said that I had friends staying for a couple of months after they returned from an overseas posting, I should have mentioned that I was in my twenties then.

I'm not so sure that I would do the same now I'm a few years older.

I wouldn't do it! I used to do foreign students but one weeks was enough. Two weeks and neither party seemed particular happy.

I'm afraid I would have to say no but in the nicest possible way. I like my own space. To ease the blow I would be suggesting alternatives such as short term renting etc. It would be interesting to see if they are willing to explore paying for accommodation.

From my experience - years ago we had close friends staying for a month, similar situation, then at the llth hour their sale broke down and they had to start again finding a new house. I am a pretty easy going person but everyone's nerves were frayed by the time they left. Hardly see them now. I would say tell them you haven't been feeling well lately and you are not sure it would work. They will probably appreciate your honesty now.

Excellent advice has been given here. Just say no!!

"Casual" friends? How on earth did they ask you, a casual friend, such a massive, massive favour? My reflex response would me 'Absolutely not!'.

You say "Usually I just say okay but ... Help?" Is them asking you for favours a usual thing, then? And have those favours been increasing in size?

Oooops! "Their" request, not " there" request! One of my pet hates, a cardinal sin!

My daughter recently agreed to house a neighbour and her ten year old daughter for two months. She now feels pushed out and never comfortable at home.
She will be very relieved when the two months is up!

I think they have a darned cheek to even ask this of you! Your home is your sanctuary and there request is way beyond what could ever be exoected of casual friends! When we moved last year, we had a few days before we could move into our new bungalow, whilst carpets were being laid, furniture installed etc and i know anyone of my family or friends would have accommodated us but it did not even cross my mind to ask! We hired a lodge in a beautiful country park nearby, ok yes it was only a few days but that made no difference. Just tell them you cannot imagine living with them in your home and leave it at that! If they take offence, its no great loss as a true friend would not put you in that position in the first place.

As the saying goes.... When in doubt do nowt. I think you will regret it if you say yes. And what would you do if it wasn’t working after the first week, you would be in an awful position. Best to say I really don’t think it’s what I want to do and offer them a few numbers of maybe estate agents in the area for short term rent. If you’ve heard of Nextdoor formerly Streetlife in my area people request for short term let whilst there homes are being renovated this maybe another option. Keep us posted and good luck.

It is often possible to do deals with properties on AirB&B (or other holiday rental sites) over the winter for a couple of months. In places where demand drops in the winter owners will usually be glad to negotiate a letting at a reduced rate.
Don't be pressured into agreeing to something you don't want. If you do want to do it, agree a sensible rate of rental for all the facilities they will enjoy - and agree it UP FRONT!!!
Overall I'm with the "don't do it" mob. It's trying it on for casual acquaintances to even suggest it without mentioning money IMHO

If you do let them move in agree a set date to move out. SIL moved in with us for 3 weeks whilst looking for somewhere to live - and ended up staying for 7 months! She still hasn't found anywhere she likes 7 years later and is living with MIL!

One of my mum's favourite expressions was "if in doubt - DON'T"

The fact you have posted on here asking for advice shows that you are doubtful.

I would agree with everyone who is saying no, don't do it. "Casual" friends AND their children? Gosh no.

The cons far outweigh the pros (I can't even think of a pro, given they are not close friends or family)

Having been a B and B owner with other people in the house most of the time. I would say no. It's stifling. You feel you have to think about the way you live the whole time. Eg noise, being naked etc. that's without their behavior. In your eyes they could be anti social. No manners. Demanding.

OMG - poor you. I'd hate to be asked to do that and I don't think I would, not unless it was family or very very good friends. Actually, it's a bit cheeky of them to even ask you, isn't it? Your problem is how to say no? There's no easy way, and I wouldn't make an excuse, I'd just say 'sorry, it's really not on' and leave it at that. Good luck!

Have they asked you?

How well do you know them