13 Ways To Ask A Relative If You Can Move In With Them For A While
It’s okay to ask for help sometimes, and there are different ways to do it
Times are tough and they’re only going to get tougher. If you could be facing eviction or foreclosure in the coming months, you might start to think about moving in with a relative.
Yes, you may not be able to stand the thought of sharing space with certain folks, especially because of what happened at the last family reunion, and you really can’t bear the idea of paying money to them for any length of time. But these are hard times and you have to do what you have to do.
I’ve been in that tough spot before myself, so I know what it’s like to live in a big city and not have enough money for the next month’s rent. I’ve felt the anxiety of knowing which week was the deadline for me to give my notice if I wanted my deposit back. It’s hard and I didn’t like it one bit.
Some people communicate directly and straight to the point, while others speak in a rather indirect manner and hope people understand the context or message of the communication and not just the words.
Here are my suggestions on how a person could ask to move into a relative’s place for a while:
- Hey man, I lost my job. Would it be all right if I stayed with you for a while? I’m happy to pay some type of rent.
- Do you need some extra security at your place for days and nights?
- Hey cousin, I know you have a walk-in closet downstairs. And, well, do you mind if I use it for a while during day and night?
- I would like to offer you some extra cash on a monthly basis in exchange for one small thing. Deal or no deal?
- I have a background in education/teaching, and I know that your children are doing some distance learning. And I would like to help them with school and also babysit them in the evenings while you two enjoy some well-deserved time together doing relaxing walks around the neighborhood. Sound good?
- I am not going to make rent this month so I kind of need another option. Do you know of anyone who could provide a space for a wonderful family member who is quiet, neat, tidy, and prompt with rent payments?
- I’ve been doing couch surfing for a while and, well, the waves are not what they used to be, and the tide is out.
- Hey man, it’s been real hard lately.
- Would it be all right if I rented a space in your garage for me to sleep? I can share food costs and all that other stuff.
- I am calling to see if I could move into your spare bedroom. I know you use it as an office and, well, I could help you with your business while I’m there.
- Do you know that camper you have in the back and how it is missing someone to live in it?
- Hey man, I’ve got some tools to return to your tool shed out back and, well, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something.
- Hey brother. I’ve got a van and you’ve got a big side yard. And do you think it can work?
We all have to make it and find ways to helping each other in times of need. If someone asks you for a space in your home, make sure that both parties expressly communicate the terms, and put it in writing if you need to. Everyone wants to end on good terms, or at least on okay terms so you can smile to each other at the next family reunion.
I’ve gone through difficult times myself when I was young and didn’t have a place to lay my head. I remember sleeping in my car when I was trying to make it as a movie extra in Hollywood, and I handled it because I knew it was temporary. Instead I should have asked my family members in San Bernardino if I could crash with them for a while. I’m sure they would have said yes.
