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

No, and am guessing it won’t bother you either.

Said my no. Thank you all. Actually I am untidy,just couldn't be tidy for six weeks!

Quiet night in with DH if he is still home and we can squabble amicably over the remote and have a glass or two of something special!

Good for you Feelingmyage55! Here's to six weeks of happy untidiness!

Well done!

Phew! Just read through all the posts muttering no, no, no don't do it, to myself . What a relief to get to the end and find a decision has been made

Thank goodness you found the courage to say no - what a blooming cheek just assuming you'd accept your house being invaded. The chances are that it will take longer than they expect to complete their move so you would have been stuck with them over Christmas. I must confess I'm a little apprehensive about our own family descending on us for 6 weeks from NZ soon. We've spent the last 9 months preparing for it but reality will be that my husband will find it very difficult coping with the noise and mess of 2 small children after nearly 20 years of being on our own - we still can't wait for them to arrive though and counting the weeks now!

Definitely not!Why on earth can't they rent?No matter how hard they try not to disturb your routine with three children there is bound to be disruption!
Recently our DD and GS stayed with us for 5 weeks they were up very early for school and work and didn't return until 6 when SIL would also arrive to join them for dinner.They were extending their own home.I love them dearly but was very happy to get our house back when they returned home.

Enjoy! NZ is so far away and what a chance to really get to know the grandchildren. Sounds like your OH needs the most preparation - all the children will want from him is his time and affection. Visits to the park, sledges if there is snow and plenty of crafty things. There is always the kitchen for him to make a mess in with them. My DH would take them out at least every other day. Lots of mix and match for everyone to have fun together but still have some space. Living far away has its downside but the upside is the wonderful intensity of a long visit. Have a wonderful time.

Thank you. I needed affirmation from others. Now, to myself - learn it is ok to say - NO.

I don’t think anyone except family should ask to come and stay. They should wait to be invited (or not). What a cheek.

Brilliant,Feelingmyage55, well done it's not easy I know but sometimes you just have to say No, you must feel very relieved & proud of yourself ?

Whew! Maybe I should start a thread on how to say no on other topics? Thank you for the encouragement.

Many years ago I suggested my daughter, son-in-law and 2 boys moved in with me for a while so they could sell their house and be in a better position to buy another. They were very grateful and it worked out fine, though when they left I vowed never to watch another programme about cars. ? but there is no way I would have done it for casual friends. The only downside was that my eldest son and his family were homeless at the time and I was unable to help. He had gone into the pub trade and rented out his own house, but when the job folded his tenants were unable to find anywhere suitable. It all worked out eventually I'm glad to say.

Well done, granpower!

Well done, Feelingmyage55.

Huffing and puffing about having to pay for somewhere, indeed! It's their problem, not yours.

They are what Mumsnet calls CFs.

I need to look up CF.

Massive sigh of relief from me! Phew!!!

My son's then girlfriend was supposed to be staying with us for 6 weeks. She moved out 3 years later when they got a place together before splitting up within a year

Feelingmyage55

Well done that woman!

Well done for saying your NO! It's rather liberating and confidence boosting isn't it? LOL

No way. They are spongers, and brass necked ones at that. No thoughtful or caring person would dream of asking a casual friend to provide them with a home for six weeks, and, as you say, it could be longer.

They are looking for a way to save themselves money and live at your expense. If they come they will expect to be looked after and fed, with them making only token payments.

Just tell them firmly that you are not prepared to provide a home for anyone, other than immediate family for more than a weekend and you cannot possibly do it.

No excuses, no embarrassment, just be as upfront in saying no as they have been in asking you.

In my opinion it would be different if this family were close friends, even then I would think twice but casual friends, I wouldn't even consider it.

We had to put our stuff into storage and rent for three months because we couldn't find anywhere we liked.
Luckily we found somewhere and were able to proceed very quickly because we had already sold our previous house.