Removals Scatford Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions apply to all services provided by Removals Scatford. By placing a booking or using our removal or associated services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:

1.1 "Company" means Removals Scatford, the provider of removal and associated services.

1.2 "Customer" means the person, firm or organisation requesting and purchasing the services of the Company.

1.3 "Services" means removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transport, storage, waste removal and any other services provided by the Company as agreed in writing.

1.4 "Goods" means all items, belongings, furniture and effects which are to be packed, removed, transported, stored or otherwise handled by the Company.

1.5 "Contract" means the legally binding agreement between the Customer and the Company for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation issued by the Company.

2. Quotations and Service Area

2.1 Any quotation issued by the Company is based on the information provided by the Customer and is subject to survey or further clarification where required.

2.2 Quotations are normally provided for standard removals and related services within the Company’s usual operating areas. Additional charges may apply for services outside usual routes, for access difficulties or for services carried out at unusual hours.

2.3 Unless otherwise stated in writing, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue and are subject to availability of resources and vehicles at the time of booking.

2.4 The Company reserves the right to revise a quotation or impose additional charges if:

(a) the Customer provides inaccurate or incomplete information;

(b) the volume or nature of Goods exceeds what was originally indicated;

(c) there are unforeseen access issues at collection or delivery points, such as restrictions on parking, narrow staircases, long carries or lack of lifts;

(d) there are delays outside the Company’s control, including waiting times at properties; or

(e) additional services are requested by the Customer.

3. Booking Process

3.1 A booking is only accepted when the Company issues a written confirmation of the booking and, where required, receives any deposit specified in the quotation or confirmation.

3.2 The Customer is responsible for checking all details in the booking confirmation, including dates, addresses, access details, inventory of Goods, and any special requirements. Any discrepancies must be notified to the Company promptly.

3.3 The Company may request access for a pre-move survey to assess the volume and nature of Goods, access conditions and any special handling requirements. The Customer must provide reasonable access for such surveys.

3.4 The Customer must ensure that suitable parking arrangements are available for the Company’s vehicles at both collection and delivery addresses, and must obtain any necessary permits or authorisations unless specifically agreed otherwise in writing.

4. Customer Responsibilities

4.1 The Customer is responsible for:

(a) making all necessary arrangements for access at collection and delivery addresses;

(b) securing appropriate permissions from landlords, property managers or other relevant parties for the removal to take place;

(c) preparing the premises for safe working conditions, including clearing walkways and ensuring adequate lighting;

(d) properly packing all Goods unless the Company has expressly agreed to provide a packing service; and

(e) adequately labelling boxes and containers to identify fragile contents, special handling requirements and destination rooms.

4.2 The Customer must not include in the Goods any items that are illegal, hazardous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, perishable or otherwise unsuitable for transport or storage. The Customer must notify the Company in advance of any items requiring special handling or which may be subject to specific regulations.

4.3 The Customer must ensure that all domestic appliances are disconnected, defrosted, drained and prepared for transport in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions before the removal date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 All charges for Services will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation. Prices are stated exclusive of any applicable VAT or other taxes unless expressly indicated otherwise.

5.2 The Company may require payment of a deposit at the time of booking. The balance of any charges is payable in advance or on the day of the move as specified in the booking confirmation.

5.3 Payment must be made using a method accepted by the Company. The Company is under no obligation to commence or continue Services where payment has not been received in accordance with the agreed terms.

5.4 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to:

(a) suspend or refuse to carry out the Services;

(b) charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate; and

(c) retain possession of Goods until all sums due, including any storage or additional charges, have been paid in full.

5.5 Where the Services involve storage, ongoing storage charges will accrue in accordance with the rates set out in the storage agreement or confirmation. Storage charges must be kept up to date, failing which the Company may exercise a lien over the Goods and take further lawful steps to recover sums due.

6. Cancellations, Postponements and Delays

6.1 The Customer may cancel or postpone a booking by giving written notice to the Company. The following cancellation charges may apply, based on the notice given before the agreed removal date:

(a) More than 10 working days: no cancellation fee, and any deposit may be refunded at the Company’s discretion, less any reasonable administrative costs;

(b) Between 5 and 10 working days: up to 50 percent of the agreed removal charge may be payable;

(c) Less than 5 working days: up to 100 percent of the agreed removal charge may be payable.

6.2 Where a removal is postponed by the Customer, the Company will use reasonable endeavours to accommodate a new date, subject to availability. Additional charges may apply for postponements, particularly where they result in lost capacity or rescheduling costs.

6.3 The Company will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform the Services where such delay or failure is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, road closures, accidents, traffic congestion, public disturbances, industrial action or acts of public authorities.

7. Conduct of the Removal

7.1 The Customer or an authorised representative must be present at the collection and delivery addresses to oversee the move, verify items loaded and unloaded, and sign any relevant documentation. If no representative is present, the Company’s assessment of the Goods and completion of the Services will be deemed accurate.

7.2 The Company reserves the right, at its discretion, to dismantle or disconnect certain items where necessary to facilitate safe removal, and to reassemble or reconnect them at the destination if agreed. The Company does not guarantee successful reassembly or reconnection of any item.

7.3 The Company may refuse to move any item that, in its opinion, cannot be moved safely, is prohibited by law or by these Terms and Conditions, or may cause damage to property or pose a risk to personnel.

8. Liability for Loss or Damage

8.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. Its liability for loss of or damage to Goods or property will be subject to the limitations set out in this clause.

8.2 The Company’s liability for loss or damage to Goods, arising from negligence or breach of contract, will be limited to a maximum sum per consignment or per item as specified in the quotation or booking confirmation, unless a higher valuation has been agreed in writing and an additional charge has been paid.

8.3 The Company will not be liable for:

(a) damage to Goods where such damage results from inherent defects, poor construction, previous damage, or normal wear and tear;

(b) loss or damage to items packed by the Customer where there is no external evidence of damage to the packing upon delivery;

(c) damage to premises or property that arises as a result of moving Goods under the Customer’s express instruction against the advice of the Company;

(d) any consequential or indirect loss, including loss of profit, loss of use, emotional distress or inconvenience;

(e) loss of or damage to cash, jewellery, watches, valuable documents, collections or other high value items, unless such items have been expressly declared and the Company has agreed specific arrangements in writing.

8.4 Any claim for loss or damage must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within seven days of delivery of the Goods or completion of the Services, whichever is earlier. The Customer must provide reasonable evidence of loss or damage and allow the Company a reasonable opportunity to inspect the Goods and premises.

8.5 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

9. Insurance

9.1 The Company may maintain insurance to cover its liability for loss or damage to Goods in its care, custody and control, subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.

9.2 The Customer is encouraged to arrange additional insurance cover for Goods if required, particularly where the value of Goods exceeds the Company’s standard liability limits or where the Goods include high-value or fragile items.

10. Waste and Environmental Regulations

10.1 Where the Services include removal and disposal of unwanted items, waste handling and disposal will be carried out in accordance with relevant waste and environmental regulations.

10.2 The Company will dispose of waste only at authorised sites and through lawful channels. Additional charges may apply for the disposal of certain waste streams or bulky items.

10.3 The Customer must not request the Company to dispose of hazardous, prohibited or controlled waste unless this has been expressly agreed in writing and appropriate arrangements have been made in compliance with applicable regulations.

10.4 The Customer is responsible for accurately describing items for disposal and for ensuring that no prohibited materials are included. The Company may refuse to remove or dispose of items it reasonably believes are not compliant with relevant regulations.

11. Storage Services

11.1 Where Goods are placed into storage, they will be stored in facilities chosen by the Company. The Company will exercise reasonable care in the storage and handling of Goods.

11.2 Storage charges will accrue from the date Goods enter storage until the date they are removed. Charges are usually payable in advance, as specified in the storage agreement.

11.3 The Customer must keep the Company informed of current contact details throughout the storage period. Failure to respond to reasonable attempts to make contact may result in the Company taking further lawful steps to recover charges due.

12. Exclusions and Customer Indemnity

12.1 The Company will not be responsible for any loss, damage or cost arising from:

(a) failure by the Customer to fulfil its obligations under these Terms and Conditions;

(b) defects in the Goods or inadequate packing carried out by the Customer;

(c) instructions given by the Customer contrary to the advice of the Company; or

(d) actions or omissions of third parties not under the control of the Company.

12.2 The Customer agrees to indemnify the Company against all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses arising from the Customer’s breach of these Terms and Conditions, including any breach of waste regulations or failure to obtain necessary permissions for parking or access.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

13.1 The Company aims to provide a professional and reliable service. If the Customer has any concerns or complaints, these should be raised with the Company as soon as possible so that they can be investigated and, where appropriate, resolved.

13.2 In the event of a dispute, the parties will use reasonable efforts to resolve the matter amicably through discussion and negotiation before considering formal proceedings.

14. Variations

14.1 No variation or amendment of these Terms and Conditions will be effective unless it is made in writing and agreed by an authorised representative of the Company.

14.2 The Company may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version applicable to a particular Contract will be the version in force at the time the booking is confirmed.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.1 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

15.2 The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided by the Company.

By proceeding with a booking or using the Services of Removals Scatford, the Customer confirms that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.