How to Start and End a Stay-Over in Sims 4

Thanks to the new Sims 4 expansion pack Growing Together, you can complete many unique interactions with your Sims, allowing you to experience new dynamics between families and friends. One of the new features enables Sims to stay over at your house by invitation or random circumstance. Here's how you can experience this event and end it if it goes terribly wrong.

How to Start a Stay-Over in Sims 4

A Stay-Over can begin in a few different ways. First, you can occasionally receive a random text or call from a Sim requesting to stay with you, which you can usually accept or deny immediately. These Stay-Overs are not always at the best time for you, especially if your living arrangements are not spacious enough or your Sims' schedules are already full. However, if you're looking to have a planned-out Stay-Over, there are some ways you can start one yourself when it's convenient.

How to Start a Stay-Over with the Phone in Sims 4

The first way to begin a Stay-Over is to open the Phone menu at the bottom left of the screen and switch to the Social tab, symbolized by the mouth and chat bubble. In this list of interactions, you can choose the Plan Stay Over to begin your get-together. Once you press this option, you can choose a Sim or multiple Sims you'd like to invite, as well as set the exact time and duration you'd like it to take place.

Starting a Stay-Over this way will require it to begin on the same day you select the option, even though you can adjust the time. If you want to begin it on specific days, you'll want to Start the Stay-Over via the Calendar.

How to Start a Stay-Over with the Calendar in Sims 4

Beginning a Stay-Over via the Calendar is not much different than the Phone, but it will allow you to be more specific on the date you'd like your Sims to come. This will ensure your Sims aren't busy working or doing school during their stay.

First, open the Calendar located at the bottom left of the screen, then select the day you'd like the Stay-Over to begin. On the left side of the Calendar, press the + beside the option Add Stay Over. This will open the same menu as the Phone, allowing you to choose what Sims you'd like to invite and the time and duration. The Sims will show up precisely at the time you set with their suitcase in tow and, of course, make themselves at home.

Related: All Sims 4 Family Dynamics, explained

How to end a Stay-Over in Sims 4

If you're suddenly feeling over your guests, or it isn't going as well as you might have hoped, you can end a Stay-Over at any time. All you'll have to do is cancel the Stay-Over.

Whether you began the Stay-Over through the Calendar or the Phone, the best way to cancel the get-together is to open up the Calendar again and find the Stay-Over event on the left side. Then, to cancel the Stay-Over, just press the trash bin icon at the top right of the event screen. This will immediately end the event, and the Sim guests will depart.

Looking for more Pro Game Guides Sims 4 content? Check out our guides on All Sim Characteristics in Sims 4 Growing Together or All Infant Milestones in The Sims 4!