Stockwell Removals Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Stockwell Removals provides household and commercial removal, packing, storage, and related services within the United Kingdom. By making a booking or allowing our team to commence work, 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 definitions apply:
1.1 Client means the person, company, or organisation booking services from Stockwell Removals.
1.2 We, us, our means Stockwell Removals.
1.3 Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, storage, or associated services we provide.
1.4 Goods means all items handled, transported, or stored by us on behalf of the Client.
1.5 Contract means the agreement between the Client and Stockwell Removals, comprising these Terms and Conditions together with the booking confirmation and any agreed written variations.
2. Service Area
2.1 Stockwell Removals provides services within the United Kingdom, including local, regional, and long-distance moves between UK addresses.
2.2 Services outside the United Kingdom may be offered by separate arrangement and will be subject to additional terms, charges, and regulatory requirements, which will be confirmed in writing where applicable.
3. Booking Process
3.1 All bookings are subject to availability and are not confirmed until we have issued written confirmation setting out the agreed date, time window, services, and charges.
3.2 Quotations may be provided following an in-person survey, video survey, telephone consultation, or written description supplied by the Client. The Client is responsible for providing accurate information regarding the property, access conditions, inventory, and any special requirements.
3.3 Quotations are normally based on the information supplied and the services requested. If, on the day of the move, the actual work differs significantly from the description provided, we reserve the right to amend the charge to reflect the additional time, labour, materials, or vehicles required.
3.4 Quotations are valid for a limited period, which will be stated in the quotation. After this period, we may revise or withdraw the quotation.
3.5 The Client must notify us as soon as possible of any changes to the booking, including dates, addresses, access conditions, or service requirements. All changes are subject to availability and may affect the price.
4. Access and Parking
4.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring suitable access for our vehicles at both the collection and delivery addresses, including any necessary permissions from neighbours, building managers, or local authorities.
4.2 The Client is responsible for arranging and paying for any parking permits, suspensions, or dispensations required for our vehicles to operate legally and safely.
4.3 If our vehicles cannot be parked within a reasonable distance of the property, or if access is restricted by building design, lifts, stairways, or other obstacles, additional charges may apply to cover extra labour or time.
5. Payments and Charges
5.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment for services is due in full in advance of the move date or on arrival at the collection address, as specified in the booking confirmation.
5.2 We reserve the right to require a deposit to secure the booking. The amount and due date for the deposit will be confirmed with the Client. Deposits may be subject to the cancellation terms set out below.
5.3 Payment methods accepted will be confirmed at the time of booking. The Client is responsible for ensuring that cleared funds are received by us on or before the due date.
5.4 If payment is not made when due, we may:
a. Suspend or cancel the booking;
b. Retain Goods under our control until full payment is received;
c. Charge interest on overdue amounts at a reasonable commercial rate.
5.5 Additional charges may apply where:
a. Work takes longer than anticipated due to inaccurate information or circumstances beyond our control;
b. Extra items are included that were not specified in the original inventory;
c. Access is more difficult than reasonably described;
d. We are required to wait for keys, completion, or access beyond a reasonable period.
6. Cancellations and Postponements
6.1 If the Client wishes to cancel or postpone the booking, they must notify us in writing as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation is the date on which we receive written notice.
6.2 We reserve the right to apply the following charges for cancellations or postponements:
a. More than 10 working days before the agreed move date: no charge, and any deposit may be refunded or transferred at our discretion;
b. Between 5 and 10 working days before the agreed move date: up to 50 percent of the total quoted price may be charged;
c. Less than 5 working days before the agreed move date: up to 100 percent of the total quoted price may be charged.
6.3 If we are unable to carry out the Services on the agreed date due to reasons beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, road closures, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, staff illness, or regulatory restrictions, we will notify the Client as soon as possible. Our obligation will be limited to rearranging the Services for the earliest reasonable date and time. We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such delays.
7. Client Responsibilities
7.1 The Client must:
a. Ensure that all Goods are ready for removal, properly packed where packing is not included, and clearly labelled as required;
b. Arrange appropriate insurance for valuable or fragile items if additional cover is desired beyond our standard liability;
c. Declare any items of exceptional value before the move and obtain our written acceptance;
d. Ensure that all Goods are owned by the Client or that the Client has full authority to remove them.
7.2 The Client must not hand over for removal or storage any items that are dangerous, illegal, contaminated, explosive, corrosive, perishable, or otherwise unsuitable, including but not limited to:
a. Gas cylinders or pressurised containers;
b. Flammable liquids or fuels;
c. Firearms, ammunition, or weapons;
d. Chemicals, paints, or solvents;
e. Illegal substances or goods obtained unlawfully;
f. Live animals, plants, or perishable foodstuffs.
7.3 If such prohibited items are discovered, we may remove, dispose of, or render them safe at the Client's expense and without liability to us.
8. Our Responsibilities and Limitations of Liability
8.1 We will carry out the Services with reasonable care and skill, using appropriately trained staff and suitable vehicles and equipment for the work agreed.
8.2 Our liability for loss of or damage to Goods arising from our negligence or breach of contract is limited as follows unless a higher level of cover is agreed in writing:
a. We will not be liable for more than a reasonable replacement or repair cost, subject to an overall maximum liability per job, which will be stated in our quotation or standard liability schedule;
b. We are not liable for any loss of profits, loss of use, loss of business, or any indirect or consequential loss.
8.3 We are not liable for loss or damage arising from:
a. Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or inherent defects in Goods;
b. Pre-existing damage, weak or unstable structures, self-assembly furniture not designed to be moved assembled, or brittle or poorly constructed items;
c. Electrical or mechanical derangement of appliances or equipment unless there is visible external damage caused by us;
d. Changes in atmospheric conditions such as damp, mould, or rust that occur without our negligence;
e. Handling of Goods packed by the Client where there is no obvious external damage to the packaging;
f. Losses resulting from delayed completion, key release, or third-party actions outside our control.
8.4 Any apparent loss or damage must be reported to us in writing as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within 7 days of completion of the Services. We may inspect the Goods and request evidence such as photographs, purchase receipts, or repair estimates before considering any claim.
8.5 Where we accept liability for damage, we may choose, at our discretion, to repair the item, replace it with a similar item of equivalent quality, or pay a reasonable monetary compensation up to the agreed limit.
9. Time Limits, Delays, and Waiting
9.1 While we will make reasonable efforts to keep to agreed arrival times and schedules, all times are estimates. We are not liable for losses caused by delays beyond our reasonable control, including traffic, parking problems, or third-party delays.
9.2 If the move is delayed due to late key release, building access, or other factors outside our control, we may charge reasonable waiting time at our standard hourly rates or as otherwise set out in the booking confirmation.
9.3 If a delay makes it impractical to complete the move on the scheduled date, we may, with the Client's agreement, arrange completion on a subsequent date. Additional charges may apply for any further attendance, storage, or overtime required.
10. Waste, Disposal, and Environmental Regulations
10.1 Stockwell Removals operates in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. We are not a general waste carrier and will only remove items that form part of the agreed removal service.
10.2 Where the Client requests disposal of unwanted items, this must be agreed in advance. Additional charges may apply depending on the nature, volume, and weight of items, and whether special disposal arrangements are required.
10.3 We will not remove hazardous, clinical, or prohibited wastes. The Client is responsible for arranging lawful disposal of such materials through appropriate licensed operators.
10.4 We may refuse to remove or dispose of any item that in our reasonable opinion presents a health, safety, or environmental risk or would breach legal or regulatory requirements.
11. Storage Services
11.1 If Goods are placed into storage, whether in our facilities or through a third party arranged by us, additional storage terms and charges will apply, which will be notified to the Client.
11.2 Storage charges are usually payable in advance and on a recurring basis. If storage fees are unpaid, we may exercise a lien over the Goods and, after reasonable notice, may sell or dispose of them to recover unpaid charges, in accordance with applicable law.
12. Insurance and Additional Cover
12.1 The Client is encouraged to review their own household or business insurance cover to determine whether existing policies already provide adequate protection for Goods during removal and storage.
12.2 We may offer or facilitate separate insurance cover for Goods in transit or storage, subject to acceptance by the insurer and payment of the relevant premium. Any such insurance will be subject to the insurer's terms and conditions, which will take precedence over these Terms and Conditions in respect of insured risks.
13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
13.1 If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the issue with us as soon as possible so that we have an opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, put matters right.
13.2 Formal complaints should be made in writing, setting out the relevant facts and the remedy sought. We will acknowledge receipt and aim to respond within a reasonable period.
13.3 We will attempt to resolve disputes amicably. If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, either party may seek legal remedies in accordance with the governing law and jurisdiction provisions of these Terms and Conditions.
14. Data Protection and Confidentiality
14.1 We will handle personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. Information will be used primarily to arrange and deliver the Services, process payments, and manage our relationship with the Client.
14.2 We will take reasonable steps to keep Client information secure and will not sell or disclose personal data to third parties except where required to provide the Services, comply with legal obligations, or with the Client's consent.
15. Force Majeure
15.1 We are not liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from events, circumstances, or causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, strikes, industrial disputes, pandemics, or government restrictions.
16. Variation and Severability
16.1 Any variation to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed in writing by an authorised representative of Stockwell Removals. Verbal assurances or arrangements are not binding unless confirmed in writing.
16.2 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
17.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services provided, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
17.2 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 their subject matter.
By confirming a booking or allowing work to commence, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
