Dealing with overstaying friends or relatives

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How do you deal with people you initially welcomed to your home but then have somehow managed to stay longer than expected? I live in the city and once in a while some friends or relatives from the rural area would come for a visit and eventually stay a couple of weeks or more. The thing is, such visits really messes up my social life. And these prolonged stay eventually causes some strain in my work. But if I ignore or keep them out I feel bad about it and hear bad things said about me. On one side you want to help and accommodate them, on the other hand I want my life back. Try setting some limitations and you are labeled rude and inconsiderate. I'm beginning to think of moving to another place, hide, and keep my address from them. But is that really necessary or does that make any sense at all? I prefer dealing and being honest with them but I guess some people just like to make things difficult or complicated. Or is it just me? What would you do or how would you deal with this?