Terms and Conditions
Earl's Court Removals Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Earl's Court Removals provides removal, transport, packing, storage, and related services within the United Kingdom. By booking a service, you agree that these Terms and Conditions form the entire agreement between you and Earl's Court Removals, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
These terms are intended to provide clear information to domestic and commercial customers using our removal services, including services within and around the Earl's Court area and throughout the wider UK.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions:
1.1 "We", "us" and "our" refer to Earl's Court Removals.
1.2 "You" and "your" refer to the customer or business that books or receives our services.
1.3 "Services" means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, transport, storage, delivery, waste removal, or related services carried out by us.
1.4 "Goods" means the items, belongings, furniture, equipment, and any other property that we are required to move, transport, pack, store, or handle.
1.5 "Contract" means the agreement between you and us for the provision of services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation provided by us.
2. Booking Process
2.1 You may request a quotation by providing details of the property, access, inventory, locations, and required dates for our services.
2.2 Quotations are based on the information provided by you. It is your responsibility to ensure that all details are accurate, including but not limited to addresses, number of rooms, volume or type of goods, access restrictions, and any special handling requirements.
2.3 We may conduct an in-person or virtual survey where necessary. Any quotation issued following a survey is still dependent on the information remaining accurate and unchanged.
2.4 A booking is only confirmed when you accept our quotation and we issue written confirmation. Until you receive confirmation, availability of vehicles, equipment, and staff is not guaranteed.
2.5 We reserve the right to decline a booking at our discretion. This may include, but is not limited to, situations where it is unsafe, unlawful, or otherwise unreasonable to provide the service requested.
2.6 Any changes requested by you after the booking is confirmed, such as change of date, time, address, volume of goods, or additional services, are subject to availability and may result in additional charges.
3. Services and Access
3.1 Our services will be carried out with reasonable care and skill, using suitable vehicles, equipment, and trained staff appropriate for the agreed work.
3.2 You are responsible for ensuring that there is suitable and safe access to both the collection and delivery addresses, including access for removal vehicles. You must inform us in advance of any restrictions such as parking limitations, narrow roads, stairs, lifts, loading restrictions, or time restrictions.
3.3 Where parking permits, suspension of bays, or specific access arrangements are required, you are responsible for arranging and paying for them unless we have expressly agreed in writing to do so.
3.4 If access is restricted or different from what was described at the time of quotation, we may apply additional charges, adjust the service, or, where appropriate, refuse to carry out part or all of the service.
3.5 We will not be obliged to perform any work that, in our reasonable opinion, may cause damage to property or pose a risk to health and safety. We may suggest alternative solutions where possible.
4. Your Responsibilities
4.1 You must ensure that goods are properly prepared for removal, appropriately packed where you have chosen to pack them yourself, and that all goods to be moved are clearly identified.
4.2 You must remove and secure all personal items, valuables, important documents, cash, jewellery, and items of high monetary or sentimental value. We strongly recommend that you transport such items personally.
4.3 You must declare to us in writing any items of exceptional value or fragility prior to the service. Failure to do so may affect our ability to handle them appropriately and may limit our liability.
4.4 You are responsible for disconnecting, defrosting, draining, and securing appliances and equipment prior to removal, unless we have agreed to provide this service.
4.5 You must ensure that goods presented for transport or storage do not include prohibited items such as hazardous materials, explosives, flammable liquids, illegal items, live animals, perishable food, or any items that may cause damage or pose a risk.
4.6 You must be present, or have an authorised representative present, at collection and delivery locations to provide access, instructions, and confirmation that the service has been completed.
5. Payments and Charges
5.1 Prices are based on factors including the volume of goods, distance, access conditions, labour required, and any additional services such as packing, dismantling, or storage.
5.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, a deposit may be required at the time of booking, with the balance payable before or on the day of the service, as stated in our quotation or confirmation.
5.3 Payment must be made using the methods stated in our quotation or confirmation. All payments must be made in full and cleared by the due date.
5.4 If payment is not received when due, we may suspend or refuse to provide the services, and we may exercise a lien over any goods in our possession until full payment is received.
5.5 Where services are extended beyond the original estimate due to delays outside our control, additional waiting time or extra labour will be charged at our standard rates. Such circumstances may include but are not limited to delays in gaining access, keys not being available, or unforeseen restrictions at either address.
5.6 All prices are stated inclusive or exclusive of VAT as indicated in our quotation. If VAT becomes payable or the applicable rate changes, we reserve the right to adjust our charges accordingly.
6. Cancellations and Postponements
6.1 You may cancel or postpone your booking by giving us notice in writing.
6.2 Where you cancel or postpone the service with sufficient notice, any applicable cancellation or postponement charges will be stated in your quotation or confirmation.
6.3 If you cancel or postpone relatively close to the service date, we may charge a percentage of the agreed price to cover costs incurred and loss of bookings. The percentage charged will depend on when we receive your written notice, for example:
a. More than 10 working days before the service date: no charge or a nominal administration fee may apply.
b. Between 5 and 10 working days before the service date: up to 50 percent of the agreed price may be charged.
c. Less than 5 working days before the service date or failure to provide access on the day: up to 100 percent of the agreed price may be charged.
6.4 We may cancel or postpone the service if events beyond our reasonable control make it impossible or unsafe to proceed, including but not limited to severe weather, road closures, accidents, staff illness, or mechanical failure. In such cases, we will work with you to rearrange the service at the earliest opportunity. Our liability will be limited to any amounts you have paid for services not yet provided.
7. Liability and Limitations
7.1 We will exercise reasonable care and skill in handling, packing, transporting, and storing your goods. Our liability for loss of or damage to goods is limited as set out in this section, and you are encouraged to arrange additional insurance cover if required.
7.2 Our standard liability for any single item or package may be limited to a stated amount per item and per consignment, as specified in your quotation or confirmation. We will not be liable for any amount exceeding these limits unless otherwise agreed in writing.
7.3 We will not be liable for:
a. Loss or damage arising from your failure to properly pack, secure, or protect goods where you have chosen to pack them yourself.
b. Loss or damage to items that are inherently fragile or have a pre-existing defect, including but not limited to glass, ceramics, lamps, and items with loose or weak components.
c. Loss or damage to the contents of drawers, cupboards, or containers that were not emptied before removal, unless we have specifically agreed to move them full.
d. Loss of or damage to valuables, cash, jewellery, important documents, or items of exceptional value that you did not declare to us in writing and that we did not specifically agree to move with enhanced care.
e. Indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress.
7.4 We will not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from events beyond our reasonable control, such as weather conditions, traffic, delays caused by third parties, or structural weaknesses in the property, fixtures, fittings, or surfaces.
7.5 You must inspect your goods and property as soon as reasonably possible after completion of the service. Any claim for loss or damage must be notified to us in writing within a reasonable period, typically within 7 days of completion of the service or delivery of goods, unless it was not reasonably possible to identify the loss or damage within that time.
7.6 In all cases, our total liability to you in respect of any Contract will be limited to the total amount paid by you for the services under that Contract, unless a higher level of liability has been agreed in writing.
8. Property Damage
8.1 We will take reasonable care to avoid damage to your property, including premises, fixtures, and fittings. However, we are not responsible for damage arising from the normal movement of large or heavy items where access is restricted, and you have been advised that damage may occur.
8.2 It is your responsibility to protect floors, carpets, and surfaces where necessary. We will take reasonable precautions but are not liable for wear, scuffing, or minor marks consistent with normal removal activities.
8.3 Any claim relating to damage to property must be notified to us in writing within a reasonable period after completion of the service, providing details and evidence of the alleged damage.
9. Waste, Disposal, and Environmental Regulations
9.1 If you request us to dispose of items, we will only do so in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. This may include transporting items to licensed waste transfer facilities or recycling centres.
9.2 We may refuse to collect or dispose of items that are hazardous, prohibited, or not accepted by licensed facilities, including but not limited to chemicals, asbestos, gas cylinders, tyres, medical waste, and certain electrical goods.
9.3 You are responsible for describing accurately the nature and condition of any items requested for disposal. If additional costs are incurred due to misdescription, contamination, or special handling requirements, we may charge you accordingly.
9.4 Where we provide a clearance or waste removal service, you retain responsibility for any items left behind unless we have expressly agreed to remove them. We will not be responsible for checking or identifying items that you may wish to keep.
9.5 We will comply with relevant environmental obligations in performing our services, including proper handling of waste materials, minimising unnecessary journeys, and promoting recycling where practical.
10. Storage Services
10.1 Where we provide storage, goods will be stored in suitable facilities or containers, and reasonable care will be taken to protect them from loss or damage.
10.2 Storage charges will be payable in advance or as otherwise agreed. If storage fees are not paid when due, we may exercise a lien over the stored goods.
10.3 If sums remain unpaid for an extended period, and after giving reasonable notice, we may sell or dispose of some or all of the goods to recover unpaid charges, subject to applicable law. Any surplus proceeds will be accounted for after deducting our reasonable costs.
11. Insurance
11.1 Our charges may include a standard level of liability cover as set out in our quotation or confirmation. This is not a substitute for comprehensive insurance for your goods.
11.2 You are encouraged to obtain your own insurance to cover the full replacement value of your goods while being packed, moved, or stored.
11.3 If you require an increased level of cover beyond our standard liability, you must request this in writing prior to booking so that we can confirm whether it is available and what additional charges may apply.
12. Complaints and Disputes
12.1 If you have a concern or complaint about our services, you should notify us in writing as soon as reasonably possible, providing full details.
12.2 We will investigate complaints promptly and aim to resolve them fairly. You agree to cooperate with any reasonable requests for information or evidence in relation to your complaint.
12.3 If a dispute cannot be resolved between us, either party may seek to use mediation or other alternative dispute resolution procedures, where appropriate, before resorting to court proceedings.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
13.1 We will handle any personal data you provide to us in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws.
13.2 We will only use your personal data to manage your booking, provide services, handle payments, deal with queries or complaints, and comply with legal obligations.
13.3 We may retain certain records for a reasonable period for accounting, legal, or regulatory purposes.
14. Variation and Severability
14.1 We may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of your booking will apply to your Contract.
14.2 Any variation to these terms must be agreed in writing by us. Verbal agreements or assurances are not binding unless confirmed in writing.
14.3 If any part of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
15.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any Contract between you and us, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
15.2 You and we agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or any Contract, including any non-contractual disputes or claims.
By confirming a booking with Earl's Court Removals, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
