How to Tell a House Guest to Leave
Sometimes you can get too much of a good thing.
Having house guests can be like sweet tea on a summer day—refreshing and delightful. But sometimes, that tea sits out a little too long and starts to sour. If your house guest has overstayed their welcome, here’s how to guide them out with grace, kindness, and just the right amount of firmness.
Start Here
Plan your exit cues in advance. Before they arrive, decide how you’ll transition from hosting to saying goodbye.
Take the lead. It’s your home, and it’s up to you to signal when the visit is winding down. Most folks aren’t mind readers.
Stay kind, but firm. Hospitality is a beautiful thing, but your home is your sanctuary. It’s okay to prioritize your space and peace.
Pick the right moment. Timing is everything. Choose a calm, private moment to have this conversation—no need to make it a dramatic affair.
Don’t wait until resentment forms. The longer you wait to address an overstaying guest, the harder it becomes to set boundaries. Some folks just don’t pick up on hints, and waiting too long might leave you feeling resentful. Remember: you’re allowed to protect your peace, and asking someone to leave doesn’t make you a bad person.
Talking Points - Subtle Hints
Tip: Start tidying up, clearing dishes, putting away decorations, dim the lights or turn off music to create a natural wind-down atmosphere.
Well, this has been such a lovely visit! I love how time flies when we’re together. Can you believe it’s already [mention the time]?
I’ve got a few things I need to finish up this evening, so I’ll need to start getting to them soon.
I need to run a couple of errands soon. What a nice way to spend the day before getting back to my to-do list.
This has been such a great day. I’m so glad we got to catch up! I have to start getting ready for [errand/commitment], but let’s do this again soon.
It’s been such a great afternoon. I know you probably have other things to get to, so let’s plan another visit soon.
I should probably start on the laundry/dinner prep soon.
What time is it? Oh my, I didn’t realize how late it’s gotten.
I didn’t mean to keep you all day—I hope you’ve still got time to enjoy the rest of it!
I’d keep you all day if I could, but I don’t want to be too greedy with your time!
You’ve been so great today—don’t let me monopolize all your energy!
Talking Points - Polite Yet Firm Goodbye
I hate to cut this short, but I’ve got [a meeting, chores, plans] coming up this evening. It’s been so good having you here!
I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you today. I do need to wind things down now to handle a few things, but I’d love to see you again soon.
Let me grab your things for you so you’re all set to go.
It’s been so wonderful having you here, but I need some quiet time to reset my space. Let’s figure out a good time for you to head out.
I’ve loved catching up with you, but I’ve got some commitments coming up, and I need my space back. When do you think you’ll be able to leave?
I want to be honest—I hadn’t planned for your stay to go on this long. When are you planning on heading out?
I hope this doesn’t catch you off guard. I just need my home to get back to its usual routine. I appreciate you understanding.
We’ve really enjoyed hosting you, but our schedule is getting busy, and we’ll need the house to ourselves by [specific day]. Let me know how I can help to pack.
It’s been so wonderful having you over! I’ve got a busy evening ahead, so I’ll walk you out.
I don’t mean to rush you, but I’ve got a few things I need to take care of soon.
I’ve got an early morning tomorrow, so I need to start winding down for the evening.
It’s been great catching up, but I’ve got some things I can’t put off any longer.
I hope you’ve had a great time today! I need to wind things down now, so let’s get you on your way.
I want to thank you for coming over, but I’ve got some things to take care of tonight, so I need to see you out.
It’s getting late, and I’ve got an early morning ahead. I really need to end the visit here.
Talking Points - If They Still Won’t Leave
Sometimes, you’ve got to drop the sweet tea and pick up the strong coffee.
I really hate to rush you, but I need to have the house to myself now. I hope you understand.
I’ve mentioned a couple of times that I have things to do. I truly need to wrap this up now.
I appreciate you visiting, but it’s time to say goodbye.
I understand you might not want to go just yet, but I really need to end the visit here. Let’s catch up again soon!
I need you to leave now. I’ve got things to take care of, and I can’t host anymore today.
This visit has been great, but it’s time to wrap things up. I need my space back.
I’ve been clear that I need to end the visit. It’s time for you to head out.
I understand you’re enjoying yourself, but I’ve made it clear that I need this visit to end now.
I’m not asking—I’m telling you. It’s time for you to go.
This is no longer up for discussion. Please leave now.
I don’t feel respected right now. I’ve asked you to leave, and I need you to respect my boundary.
Note: This isn’t the time to worry about being polite. If someone is blatantly disrespecting your boundaries, you owe it to yourself to stand firm. Kindness doesn’t mean being a doormat. Your home is your sanctuary, and anyone who can’t respect that has no business being there. Say it clear, say it strong, and don’t feel guilty.
Prevention is Key
Here’s a nugget of wisdom for future visits: set expectations from the start. When you invite someone, share the timeline upfront:
We’d love to have you from Friday to Sunday.
Feel free to stay for the weekend. We’ll need Monday to get back to our routine.
I’m so excited to see you! I’ve got about [a specific amount of time], and then I’ll need to wrap things up for the day.
I’d love to catch up this afternoon. I’ll need to head out at [specific time], but let’s make the most of it!
When boundaries are clear from the beginning, everyone knows what to expect, and you’ll avoid those awkward moments down the road.