Terms and Conditions
These conditions explain the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of all parties to this Agreement. "You" or "Your" denotes the Customer, while "We," "Us," or "Our" refers to Central Removals & Storage Ltd. These terms and conditions may be modified or amended with prior written agreement.
In Clauses 8, 9, 10, and 11, We limit or exclude Our liability for loss and damage. We strongly advise arranging insurance to cover Your goods. Insurance can be arranged upon request, separate from this contract, and subject to policy terms.
1. Our Quotation
1.1 Our quotation, unless otherwise stated, excludes additional insurance, cancellation/postponement waivers, customs duties, port charges (demurrage, inspections), and fees/taxes payable to government bodies/agencies.
1.2 Our Quotation is valid for twenty-eight days from the date of issue. Reasonable additional charges will apply in the following circumstances:
1.2.1 If the work does not commence within twenty-eight days of acceptance;
1.2.2 Where We have provided a price for re-delivery within Our Quotation, and the re-delivery has not taken place within six months from the date of the quotation;
1.2.3 Our costs change due to currency fluctuations, changes in taxation, freight, fuel, ferry, or toll charges beyond Our control.
1.2.4 The work is carried out on a Saturday, Sunday, or Public Holiday or outside normal hours (08.00-18.00) at Your request.
1.2.5 We have to collect or deliver goods at Your request above the ground floor and first upper floor.
1.2.6 If You request collection or access to Your goods while they are in store.
1.2.7 We supply additional services, including moving or storing extra goods. These conditions apply to such work and may include situations where, upon collecting Your goods, it becomes apparent that there are additional items, goods, or other loads not included in the original quote.
1.2.8 The entrance or exit to the premises, stairs, lifts, or doorways are inadequate for the free movement of the goods without mechanical equipment or structural
alteration. Or the approach, road, or drive is unsuitable for Our vehicles and/or containers to load and/or unload within 10 meters of the doorway.
1.2.9 We have to pay parking or other fees or charges (including fines) where You have not arranged suspension of parking caused by Our negligence) to carry out services on Your behalf.
1.2.10 Delays or events outside Our reasonable control that increase or extend the resources or time allowed to complete the agreed work.
1.2.11 We agree in writing to increase Our limit of liability set out in Clause 8.1 before the work commences;
1.2.12 We have to pay operational charges to carry out the services, which may be brought in or amended at any time by the law. Such operational charges may include, but are not limited to, Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges and congestion charges.
1.3 You agree to pay any reasonable charges arising from the above circumstances.
2. Work not included in the quotation
2.1 Unless agreed in writing, We will not dismantle or assemble furniture, disconnect/reconnect appliances, take up/lay floor coverings, move items from a loft without safe access.
2.2 Dismantle or assemble garden furniture including sheds, greenhouses, garden storage units/shelters, outdoor play equipment or move paving slabs.
2.3 We recommend hiring a qualified person for these services.
3. Your responsibility
3.1 It is Your responsibility to arrange adequate insurance, obtain necessary documents/permits, pay parking charges, be present during collection/delivery, where We provide You with inventories, receipts, waybills, job sheets or other relevant documents You will ensure that they are signed and take steps to prevent leaving items behind or removed in error.
3.2 Other responsibilities include appliance preparation and arranging transport for Be present or have a representative during collection and delivery. Provide protection for goods in unoccupied premises. Securely prepare appliances and electronic equipment for removal. Defrost and clean refrigerators and freezers; contents are not Our responsibility. Ensure cleanliness and dryness of domestic and garden appliances. Provide an updated contact address and telephone number during transit/storage. Organise transport, storage, or disposal of goods listed in clause 4.
4. Goods that should not be submitted for removal and/or storage
4.1 Certain items must not be submitted for removal or storage, as outlined.
4.2 You agree to pay any charges incurred if prohibited items are submitted without Our knowledge.
Unless agreed upon in writing by an authorised company representative, the following items are strictly prohibited for removal or storage:
4.1.1 Hazardous Items such as gas bottles, aerosols, paints, firearms, fuels, oils, ammunition.
4.1.2 Valuables such as jewellery, watches, precious metals, money, deeds, securities, mobile phones, portable devices, stamps, coins, or similar items.
4.1.3 Goods likely to encourage vermin, pests, or cause infestation.
4.1.4 We will inform You in writing if any goods pose health risks or are unhygienic. We may refuse acceptance, with no liability.
4.1.5 Perishable items or those requiring a controlled environment.
4.1.6 Animals, birds, fish, reptiles, or plants.
4.1.7 Goods requiring special licenses or government permission for export/import.
4.1.8 Prohibited, stolen goods, drugs, or pornographic material.
4.2 Should any of the above be submitted without Our knowledge, We will make them available for Your collection. Failure to collect may result in disposal, and You agree to cover associated charges, expenses, damages, legal costs, or penalties which may be incurred.
5. Ownership of the goods
5.1 By entering this Agreement, You guarantee ownership or have full authority from the owner of the goods or anyone having a legal interest in the goods and agree to indemnify Us for any untrue statements.
5.2 Transferring responsibility to a third party requires written notice.
6. Charges for Postponement or Cancellation
6.1 If You decide to postpone or cancel this Agreement, We retain the right to charge reasonable fees based on the notice provided, as outlined below at 6.1.1 – 6.1.4. These charges are assessed considering potential losses incurred, such as administration costs, unfillable time slots, or engaging employees for the scheduled removal. "Working days" refer to Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and Public Holidays.
The cancellation policy is as follows:
6.1.1 If cancelled more than 10 working days before the removal: No charge.
6.1.2 If cancelled between 5 and 10 working days before the removal: Up to 30% of the removal charge.
6.1.3 If cancelled less than 5 working days before the removal: Up to 60% of the removal charge.
6.1.4 If cancelled within 24 hours of the move or any time after the work commences: Up to 75% of the removal charge.
6.1.5 If cancelled on the day the work starts or after work commences: Up to 100% of Our charges.
6.2 Cancellation/Postponement Waiver
If offered and paid for in advance, We agree to waive charges outlined in Clauses 6.1.1, 6.1.2, & 6.1.3. This waiver is valid upon receiving written notice of Your intention to Cancel/Postpone no later than 17:00 hours on the preceding working day before services commence. The Cancellation/Postponement charge waiver applies to a single instance only.
7. Payment
7.1 Payment in full by cleared funds is required at the time of booking for removal or storage, unless otherwise agreed in writing by Us. If payment is not received, We reserve the right to withhold the commencement of removal or storage.
7.2 For all overdue sums, We will apply interest on a daily basis at a rate of 4% per annum above the current base rate of the Bank of England.
8. Our liability for loss or damage
8.1 Considering the unknown value of Your goods, Our liability is limited to a fixed amount per item, as reflected in Our charges. If You wish to increase this limit per item, an adjusted price can be agreed upon, as stated in Condition 1.2.11.
8.2 In cases of negligence or breach of contract on Our part, unless otherwise agreed in writing, We will compensate up to £40 for each item lost or damaged.
8.3 For goods destined to or received from a location outside the United Kingdom:
8.3.1 Our liability is accepted for loss or damage resulting from Our negligence or breach of contract while the goods are in Our possession, or if We have been contracted to pack the goods, for loss or damage during the time they are in the possession of others due to Our failure to pack them adequately.
8.3.2 When engaging an international transport operator, shipping company, or airline on Your behalf, We operate subject to the terms and conditions set by that carrier.
8.3.3 If the carrier fails to deliver the goods for reasons beyond their control, Your recourse may be limited, and You might be liable for additional costs. It is Your responsibility to arrange adequate marine/transit insurance cover.
8.3.4 We disclaim liability for goods confiscated, seized, removed, or damaged by Customs Authorities or other Government Agencies, unless such actions resulted directly from Our negligence or breach of contract.
8.4 In this Agreement, an "item" is defined as:
8.4.1 The complete contents of a box, parcel, package, carton, or similar container.
8.4.2 Any other object or thing moved, handled, or stored by Us.
9. Damage to premises or property other than goods
9.1 Due to the frequent presence of third-party contractors or others during collection or delivery, determining responsibility for loss or damage may be challenging. As a result, Our liability is constrained as follows:
9.1.1 If, due to Our negligence or breach of contract, We cause loss or damage to premises or property other than the goods for removal, Our liability is limited to rectifying the damaged area only.
9.1.2 We shall not be liable if damage occurs as a result of moving goods under Your explicit instruction, against Our advice, and where such movement is likely to cause damage.
9.1.3 In the event of damage to Your premises or property other than the goods for removal or storage, it is crucial that You record this on the worksheet or delivery receipt as soon as possible after the damage occurs or is discovered, or within a reasonable timeframe. This documentation is fundamental to the Agreement.
10. Exclusions of liability
10.1 We will not be liable for loss or damage caused by fire or explosion unless Our negligence or breach of contract is proven. It is Your responsibility to insure Your goods. If You request Us in writing to arrange insurance, We will do so provided You declare the full replacement value of Your goods and pay the premium in advance.
10.2 We shall not be liable for delays or failures to provide services under this Agreement due to war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether declared or not), civil war, terrorism, rebellion and/or military coup, Acts of God, adverse weather, third-party industrial action, rescheduled sailing, departure or arrival times, port congestion, or other events beyond Our reasonable control.
10.3 Except for negligence or breach of contract on Our part, We will not be liable for loss, damage, or failure to produce goods resulting from:
10.3.1 Normal wear and tear, natural or gradual deterioration, leakage, or evaporation, or from perishable or unstable goods. This includes goods left within furniture or appliances.
10.3.2 Moth or vermin or similar infestation.
10.3.3 Cleaning, repairing, or restoring unless We arranged for the work to be carried out.
10.3.4 Changes caused by atmospheric conditions such as dampness, mould, mildew, rusting, tarnishing, corrosion, or gradual deterioration unless directly linked to the ingress of water.
10.3.5 For any goods in wardrobes, drawers, or appliances, or in a package, bundle, carton, case, or other container not both packed and unpacked by Us.
10.3.6 For electrical or mechanical derangement to any appliance, instrument, clock, computer, or other equipment unless there is evidence of related external damage.
10.3.7 For any goods with a pre-existing defect or that are inherently defective.
10.3.8 For perishable items and/or those requiring a controlled environment.
10.3.9 Loss of structural integrity of furniture constructed of particle board resulting from the crumbling of the board.
10.3.10 For items referred to in Clause 4.
10.4 No employee of Ours shall be individually liable to You for any loss, damage, mis-delivery, errors, or omissions under the terms of this Agreement.
10.5 Where goods are handed out from store, Our liability will cease upon handing those goods to You or to Your authorised representative. (refer to Clause 11.1 below).
10.6 We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by Us, Our employees, or agents in circumstances where:
There is no breach of this Agreement by Us or by any of Our employees or agents or such loss or damage is not a reasonably foreseeable result of any such breach.
11. Time Limit for Claims
11.1 If You collect the goods, written notification of any loss or damage must be provided at the time the goods are handed over; otherwise, We will not be liable.
11.2 We will not be liable for loss or damage unless a claim is notified to Us, Our agent, or the company handling collection or delivery on Our behalf in writing as soon as the loss or damage is discovered, and in detail within seven (7) days of the goods' delivery. Extension of this time limit may be considered upon Your written request within seven (7) days of delivery.
12. Delays in Transit and Waiting Time Charges
12.1 Unless due to Our negligence or breach of contract, We are not liable for delays in transit.
12.2 If, through no fault of Ours, We cannot deliver Your goods, We will take them into store. Additional services, including storage and delivery, will be at Your expense.
12.3 Transit times quoted are estimates and may vary due to factors beyond Our control. We will inform You of material changes to transit times as soon as We become aware. We are not liable for losses or damages resulting from delays unless directly attributable to Our negligence or breach of contract.
12.4 Waiting Time Charges due to delays in completion of contracts, late keys or access to your new property is charged at 15% per hour of the total removal charge from 2pm up until 5pm.
13. Our Right to Hold the Goods (Lien)
We reserve the right to hold and potentially dispose of goods if You fail to pay outstanding charges. While We hold the goods, You are liable for storage charges and costs incurred in recovering Our charges, including legal costs. “Lien” is the legal right of the remover to hold goods until the customer has paid all outstanding charges.
14. Disputes
If a dispute arises, either party may refer it to the low-cost independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme provided by the British Association of Removers (BAR).
15. Our Right to Sub-contract the Work
We reserve the right to sub-contract some or all of the work. These conditions will still apply if We sub-contract.
16. Route and Method
We have the right to choose the method and route for the work and the storage location. Unless agreed otherwise in writing, other space/volume/capacity on Our vehicles and/or containers may be utilized for other customers.
17. Advice and Information for International Removals
We will provide information to assist with the import/export of goods based on existing circumstances. You are responsible for verifying the accuracy of this information.
18. Applicable Law
Any dispute between Us will be subject to the non-exclusive law and jurisdiction of the English or Scottish Courts. If You presently reside or plan to move to a location outside the jurisdiction of the Courts of the United Kingdom, alternative laws or the jurisdiction of local courts may apply, provided there is a prior written agreement before the commencement of the work or services.
19. Your Forwarding Address
If You instruct Us to store Your goods, You must provide a correct and up-to-date address. Correspondence is considered received seven days after sending it by first-class post to Your last recorded address We hold on Our record. Please note that if We are unable to contact You, any costs incurred in establishing Your whereabouts will be charged to You.
20. Inventory of Goods or Receipt
If We produce a list of Your goods (inventory) or a receipt, it will be accepted as accurate unless You notify Us of errors or omissions within 10 days of sending.
21. Revision of Storage Charges
We review storage charges periodically and will provide You 30 days' written notice of any increases.
22. Our Right to Sell or Dispose of the Goods
If payment is in arrears, and after three months' notice, We may require You to remove Your goods. Failure to pay may result in the sale or disposal of goods, without further notice, with costs charged to You. The net proceeds will be credited to Your account and any eventual surplus will be paid to You without interest. If the full amount due is not received, We may seek to recover the balance from You.
23. Termination
If payments are up to date, We will not end the contract except with three months' notice. If You wish to terminate the storage contract, give at least 10 working days' notice. We may release goods earlier if the account is up to date. Storage charges are payable until the date the notice should take effect.