Letting family members use washer and dryer?

Question

Now for starters, I don't mind helping out friends and family members in need, however, I think this is less of a need and more of a lack of budgeting and common sense. My sister-in-law has begun to bring her laundry over to both mine and my mother-in-law's home every week to use our washer and dryer. It's to the point now where she doesn't even ask, just asks to visit and then brings 8 loads of laundry along with her. She's washing for a family of 5. While money is a bit tight for them right now, they are still buying unesessary items, such as fast food, new clothes, and many expensive "toys" as I call them, while the husband is only working a few days per week to support the family. In my opinion, they could be saving that money that they spend and using it to get their laundry system straightened out. It upsets my husband because he works very hard to make money to pay for our appliances and our utilities and feels his family is using us. How do you kindly tell your family to get a job, or get their finances in order and quit bumming off of everyone?

Answer 1

You can "kindly" tell them til the cows come home and they'll still be insulted. You have to use tough love on people like this and if they are a family of 5 and still need tough love, I somehow doubt that it will work. Your best bet is to just tell her your washer is broken and you can't afford to get it fixed any time soon so you're all going to have to use the laundry-mat for a while.

Answer 2

its his sister so he should tell her

Answer 3

just   them   save  money   for  washer

Answer 4

If you talk to your sister-in-law and she still does not listen,then I would start charging her to use the washer and dryer. It may sound mean,but maybe she may get the hint and get her own or go to the laundry mat. Make her put in for the utilities bill and if you pay for water,make her pay for that to.Can they rent a washer and dryer?

Just because you are family does not mean that you have to help out,especially if family is taking advantage of you. But you are right,if they can buy McDonald's and new clothes,and stuff like that,then they can go get a washer and dryer.

Answer 5

this is one area you need to tread through softly

talk to them but be nice and dont point out what you think  they dont need. you dont know their whole situation and pointing out what you think their doing wrong wont help be nice and supportive

Answer 6

Gosh, what an awkward situation. I think you should be blunt with your sister in law and explain how you feel. It may be difficult but you have to put your own family first, and it does not appear that she is being very considerate or responsible when it comes to money and saving.

It is not a topic that can be approached kindly, however perhaps you could make sure the washing machine is full and in use whenever she need to use it, and say it isn't convenient, then slowly she could get the message that her washing is not welcome. I would go for the direct approach though, easier for all.

Answer 7

You're going to have to use "tough love." As long as you provide free laundry they will never gets theirs fixed. Why should they? They know they can use yours whenever they want because you have never told them differently. If the husband is working a few days a week and he has a family of five, that is a huge problem right there. Your husband needs to put his foot down and say due to the high cost of maintenance and water and electricity, they can no longer use your facilities. Tell them to go to a laundromat. I guarantee you, within one month, their washer dryer will be working fine. Stop enabling them to take advantage of you, that is terrible.

You can also tell them to go to Aarons Rent to Own, they pay a small amount monthly and after one year they own the washer dryer.

Answer 8

You should install a coin slot on your washer and dryer.  Tell them the down economy is tough on everyone.  

Answer 9

I honestly would tell her that you can't afford to let her keep doing her laundry at your home. This gets expensive! The problem is, once you start something like this, you are sending a signal that it is fine. You need to be polite, but just explain that it is making it hard on you and your hubby financially. Your husband is right, you are being used. I wouldn't tell say anything to her about needing to save money, chances are it would go into one ear and out the other. It is not your responsibility to point anything out to her except what I already mentioned.