Go with your gut on this one. In the year that it took to build our home, we lived in a hotel for six months and housesat for another six months. DH would have been content in the crappy hotel for another six months, but I had to get out of there ... and I don't have two toddlers like you! Building a house is insanely tough and I advise everyone to be in a comfortable living situation during the build, so do whatever you can to get your family in a comfortable situation. The year that we built certainly didn't fly by.

Best of luck!

"I advise everyone to be in a comfortable living situation during the build."

Extremely sound advice. We were amidst in laws for a few months since our house sold quick. That lasted 8 months and I can imagine the added strain on top of paying attention to the build. As soon as we broke ground we splurged on an apartment.

Best money we ever spent.

Peace

Everyone is going to have different thoughts on this, BUT - for the last 2 ½ years I have been moving - packing and unpacking.. and now in a rental, with most of our stuff packed up still. I personally would stick it out and pack and move one time. Added bonus is the money you will save - why waste it on rent when you could upgrade a light/faucet/etc... there will be MANY additional items that will blow your budget. Stay put - and realize that this year will go fast for you as you will be very, very busy with your build and before you know it - you'll be moved into your real home.

What happens if the house sells before your house is built. I'm taking you have to move back to where you are now and then this means 2 extra moves.

Maybe try to be creative and come up with things you can do away from the house during the days with the kids. Any libraries for rainy days that have reading for kids, go to the park, Any museums that might interest the kids within traveling distance by car? Try to create memories in a different way and enjoy the kids before going to school and do things they can't go do when off to school during the week.

The added bonus with rent-free is you'd be able to go to places with them that won't be as crowded as it is during the school week and have the money to do so.

Also if you need any extra money for the build you can save it up with the rent-free. Lets say you finally find a light fixture you love, but it is not in the house budget, well since you're not paying rent, could you still afford it?

I will just add one more thing to the great advice from all above posters. If the house remains on the market, you will need to have it neat and spotless, ready for people who come look at it at all times. You will need to be out of the house when these people come to see it. I mention this because it nearly drove me over the edge before our house was completed and we moved. The house remains on the market, but at least I know it's clean and ready for showings!

Amy

You have an opportunity that most folks dont have, free living space and should a negative crop up on your build incuring a high dollar unexpected cost, you will be glad you dont have a rent payment on top of that. I think you should be extremely grateful and appreciative to your uncle or whoever is giving you this "gift"!

Id also do things on the little house such as keeping the yard up, maybe do a little painting, basic maintenance to show appreciation. You dont have to sink a lot of dinero in the place, just keep it up as a way of saying thanks!

I am certainly with those who would favor staying put where you are. I have 8 children. I have lived in homes while we had them for sale and I tell you it is no small task to keep a house in 'show condition' all the time with kids. Talk about a situation that can make Mom very crabby, and the kids tired of her in a hurry. There were times when our family was going through illness that we had to clean up and clear out for showing, inspections, etc. If something breaks or the kids get it dirty, it will have to be fixed and brought back to perfect condition. I also wouldn't take on even the slight possibility of an extra move. No matter how short the distance, a move is a BIG undertaking.

As mentioned, we have 8 children, and many here are probably tired of hearing how we have lived in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 900 sq ft, 35 yr old, single wide mobile home for 2 years during our build...It was not in very good condition and things were deteriorating. We homeschool, so definitely know what it's like to be home 24/7 in tight quarters. It got old and crowded, and I'm here to tell you that the older the kids get, the more STUFF they accumulate! (We started with 'bare bones' belongings, but it all grew and multiplied over the 2 yrs) There were times and months I felt I was up to my eyes in clutter, and it was tough to have no privacy, no dinner table, and a really fouled up schedule. All that said, I believe it was the best decision for us, and would make it again, knowing what I know now. I am not claiming to be any kind of hero in this. I wasn't always as cheerful and thankful as I should have been. It was what we had available and we made it work. It was rent free and a blessing to have it while we built--especially when the build took longer than expected, extending our construction loan and the interest payments for it, and when cost overruns arose. I also have to say that it was an experience that brought our family closer and I bet we're all appreciating our new space all that much more because of it!

I know that I can't compare you to me, and don't mean to sound self-righteous at all...Just want you to think through the downsides of the green-looking grass on the other side of the fence, and the good of what you already have.

I'd have to agree with the majority. I'd stay put. Our family of 4, 2 dogs and a cat have lived in a trailer on our property for 19 months now, with 4-5 still to go (major contractor issues, delays, etc...). It hasn't always been easy but my husband and I have commented that we truly think we'll look back on all our memories of this "unique" time with our family fondly. We joke that the transition from a trailer to 4,400 sq feet could be a serious shock to our system and we might all end up cuddling on the couch every day (just kidding). Anyway, only you know your family and situation but I'd agree the savings, lack of multiple moves, etc. may make it worth it to stay.

LOL, ehoops. We're only going to 2750 sq ft, but have actually wondered if it'll be detrimental to the family relationships we've formed when everyone can 'go to their own corners' and do their own things, instead of almost being forced to talk things out, make decisions as a group, and spend time together...

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I have decided to pass on the rental, I just don't think my husband could stand one more move before our final move. I am grateful to our uncle, but rest assure that with this free rent comes Much unwanted parenting advice and griping if my three year old stomps in a mud puddle or my one year old picks a flower...etc.etc.etc....
Sorry, just venting!
I'm sure this experience will make me so much more appreciative of our new home.

Ain't family great sometimes? My in-laws note how great our kids behave, but apparently think it's in spite of all the decisions we've made that are wrong ('little' things like having too many kids and homeschooling). Just 'go to your happy place,' and you'll be in your new house and on your own soon! Stay focused and love your little ones. Best wishes!

Thanks rhome410, your story makes me feel like I can get through this. I think if I just get really focused on the new build, it wil make this situation not seem so bad. Thanks for your support.

I agree with many of the posters above, if you can stick it out and put the rent money towards your future home or more family outings and treats while living in your cramped quarters.
Having to pack up all your household goods and move into a rental and possibly another if that one sells, then finally into your new home will cost money, time and aggravation. Your children will have to adjust to the new home surroundings each time.
Focus on your new build, keep reminding yourself that you don't have to have strangers traipsing in and out of the house any time of the day and especially weekends looking at your home, even when your children maybe napping or acting up. Remind yourself that you can let the laundry pile up and the toys on the floor because it doesn't 'have to show'!
IMHO the current, small home is a better choice than the headaches of the larger rental!