A date with Sarah-Kate; Kate’s home truths
Sarah-Kate has tips to never overstay your welcome
Holiday season is upon us and I have some seriously good advice to hand out. No, it’s not about eating small portions and avoiding hangovers. Sadly, I can shed no light where those festive pitfalls are concerned.
But when it comes to staying with friends and family – often a large and potentially hazardous part of the season to be jolly – I have gathered much new intel in the recent weeks (make that months) we have been couch-surfing while our house is being renovated.
I’d put being pathetically grateful at the top of the list except that I think too much pathetic gratitude can be annoying. Instead, I’ll start with something that should be obvious but isn’t – do everything you can to make your host’s life easier.
When we stayed with my sisters, we took turns at providing the evening meal. The thing is, that’s a treat for everyone. The Ginger usually has to produce a meal every night of the week, so he was totally into it. And it was super-fun to get together at night for an extended family catch-up, just like in the olden days.
Where possible, I tried to be as helpful as I could, asking if there was any other laundry that needed doing, chores I could take over, errands I could run etc. Most of the time, the answer was no, but from a host’s point of view, it’s nice to be asked. It’s possible word had got out that when it comes to laundry, chores and errands, I’m not much chop, but as I say, it’s the thought that counts.
Another helpful hint is to be tidy. Living out of a suitcase and tidiness don’t always gel, but that’s no excuse for letting standards slip and it can pay off. I have a lovely friend with apartments in London, New York and Australia who is understandably very popular with couch surfers – although not all couch surfers are popular with her. However, one of her mates was so tidy and helpful that she was able to stay on the London couch for months!
I don’t have that much helpfulness or tidiness in me. In fact, in general, I would recommend not staying with anyone longer than three nights. You can stretch it out for families (thanks, sisters!), but as another expat mate of mine with a constant string of hopeful holidaymakers turning up on his doorstep says, “Can’t Kiwis spell ‘hotel’?”
No. We can’t. But you really should not treat your pals’ spare rooms as freebies. Fill the fridge with food that they like, buy some nice wine and maybe take them out to dinner before you go – especially if you’ve over-stayed.
And strip the bed and make it up with fresh linen so they don’t have to do it. This guarantees you a place in our spare room (when we have a house).
Also, if you’ve had every heater turned on, throw in some cash for the power bill. We house-sat once and the Eskimo-like owners were shocked by the resulting $150 spike. Actually, I’m not sure I paid it. Hmm. Don’t think we were ever asked back. Note to self: Take own advice.