Terms and Conditions
South Kensington Movers Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which South Kensington Movers provides removal and related services within the United Kingdom. By placing a booking with us, 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 given:
Client means the individual, business, or organisation that requests and/or pays for the services.
Company means South Kensington Movers, the provider of removal and associated services.
Services means all removal, packing, loading, unloading, transportation, storage, and related services provided by the Company.
Goods means any items, furniture, personal effects, equipment, or property in respect of which the Services are to be provided.
Contract means the agreement between the Client and the Company incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation provided by the Company.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides residential and commercial removal services, including loading, transport, unloading, and, where agreed, packing and unpacking services. The specific scope of work will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation provided to the Client.
The Company reserves the right to sub-contract all or part of the Services to carefully selected third parties. Where sub-contractors are engaged, these Terms and Conditions will still apply.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Quotations
The Company may issue a quotation based on information provided by the Client, which may include property access details, inventory lists, distances, dates, and any special requirements. Quotations are normally valid for a limited period, which will be stated in the quotation. If no period is stated, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Quotations do not include insurance, customs duties, parking fees, congestion or toll charges, storage fees, or waste disposal charges unless expressly stated.
3.2 Acceptance and Confirmation
A booking is only confirmed when the Client has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and, where applicable, paid any required deposit. The Company will provide written confirmation of the booking. Until confirmation is issued, the Company has no contractual obligation to provide the Services.
The Client is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied during the booking process is accurate and complete. Any changes to the scope, dates, addresses, or inventory may require the quotation to be revised.
3.3 Changes to Bookings
The Client may request changes to the booking, including dates, times, addresses, and services required. All changes are subject to availability and may result in additional charges. The Company is not obliged to accept amendments requested at short notice.
4. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
Ensure that the Goods are ready for removal and properly packed, unless packing services have been explicitly booked.
Provide clear instructions and ensure that someone is present at both collection and delivery locations to provide access and sign relevant documents.
Ensure that parking, loading bays, and access points are available and lawful at both collection and delivery locations. Any charges or penalties arising from inadequate parking arrangements will be the responsibility of the Client.
Notify the Company in advance of any Goods that may be particularly fragile, valuable, or require special handling.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to hazardous materials and waste.
5. Excluded and Prohibited Items
Unless previously agreed in writing, the Company will not carry:
Hazardous, dangerous, or explosive materials, including gas cylinders, fuels, chemicals, and firearms.
Perishable Goods or items requiring controlled environments, such as refrigerated or frozen Goods.
Valuables including cash, securities, jewellery, precious metals, watches, or important documents such as passports, deeds, or financial records.
Animals, plants requiring special care, or any living organisms.
If the Client includes such items without prior written agreement, the Company will not be liable for any loss, damage, or delay in respect of those items and may remove or dispose of them at the Client's cost.
6. Payments and Charges
6.1 Pricing
Prices are based on the information provided by the Client, including inventory, access conditions, distance, and time estimates. If the actual work differs from the information provided, the Company may adjust the charges accordingly.
6.2 Deposits and Balance Payments
The Company may require a deposit to secure a booking. The deposit amount and due date will be indicated in the quotation or booking confirmation. The balance of the charges must be paid by the date specified, which may be prior to or on the day of the move.
The Company reserves the right to withhold commencement or completion of the Services if payment is not received as agreed.
6.3 Additional Charges
Additional charges may apply where:
There are delays beyond the Company’s control, including waiting time due to keys, access, or the Client's representatives not being available.
There are changes in the number of items, access difficulties, or distance that were not previously disclosed.
Parking is not arranged and the Company must pay for parking, tolls, congestion charges, or penalties.
Extra labour or specialised equipment is required to safely move particular items.
7. Cancellations and Postponements
7.1 Client Cancellations
If the Client wishes to cancel or postpone a booking, notice must be given in writing. The following cancellation charges may apply:
More than 7 days before the moving date: any deposit may be refunded, subject to reasonable administrative charges.
Between 2 and 7 days before the moving date: a proportion of the quoted price may be payable, up to a stated percentage of the total charges.
Less than 48 hours before the moving date: the full quoted price may be payable.
The precise cancellation terms and any applicable percentages will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation, to comply with applicable consumer legislation.
7.2 Company Cancellations
The Company may cancel or postpone the Services due to reasons including, but not limited to, severe weather, safety concerns, equipment failure, staff illness, or other events beyond its reasonable control. The Company will notify the Client as soon as reasonably practicable and will offer an alternative date or a refund of any payments made for services not provided. The Company will not be liable for consequential losses arising from such cancellations.
8. Access and Parking
The Client must ensure that suitable parking and access are available at both collection and delivery addresses. This may include arranging permits or temporary suspensions where required. If access is restricted, narrow, or otherwise unsuitable for standard removal vehicles, the Client must notify the Company in advance.
If the Company cannot safely access the premises or park within a reasonable distance, additional charges may apply for extra labour, time, or the use of smaller vehicles. The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry out the Services if safe and legal access cannot be achieved.
9. Liability and Limitations
9.1 Duty of Care
The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care in handling, transporting, and delivering the Goods. However, liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section and any specific contractual terms agreed in writing.
9.2 Exclusions of Liability
The Company will not be liable for:
Loss or damage arising from the Client's failure to pack Goods properly, unless packing services have been provided by the Company.
Loss or damage to fragile items not packed by the Company, including glass, china, electronics, or artwork.
Loss of data or software, or damage to internal workings of electronic equipment unless there is external physical damage.
Damage arising from inherent defects, natural deterioration, or pre-existing damage of the Goods.
Consequential or indirect loss, including loss of profit, loss of income, or loss of opportunity.
9.3 Limits of Liability
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Company's liability for loss of or damage to Goods is limited to a reasonable and proportionate amount per item or per consignment, consistent with industry practice and applicable law. The Client may request additional cover or insurance, which may be subject to an extra charge.
9.4 Time Limits for Claims
The Client must inspect the Goods upon delivery and notify the Company in writing of any visible loss or damage as soon as reasonably possible, and in any event within a reasonable period after completion of the Services. Failure to notify within this period may affect the Company's ability to investigate and may limit or exclude liability, in accordance with applicable law.
10. Waste, Disposal, and Environmental Regulations
The Company operates in accordance with UK waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a general waste carrier unless expressly stated and does not remove household rubbish, construction debris, or hazardous waste as part of standard removal services.
Where the Client requests disposal of unwanted items, this must be agreed in advance. Additional charges will apply for collection, transport, and lawful disposal at licensed facilities. Items may include furniture, appliances, and bulky waste that cannot be resold or reused.
The Client must not present prohibited or hazardous items for removal or disposal. If such items are discovered, the Company may refuse to transport them or arrange for specialist disposal at the Client's cost. Any fines, penalties, or additional costs arising from unlawful or improper waste presentation by the Client will be the responsibility of the Client.
11. Insurance
The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover in respect of its legal liabilities. This does not automatically constitute full replacement cover for the Client's Goods. The Client is strongly advised to maintain adequate contents or business insurance that covers items during removal and transit or to request information about additional cover that may be available through or alongside the Services.
12. Delays and Events Beyond Control
The Company will use reasonable efforts to carry out the Services on the agreed dates and times but cannot guarantee punctuality where events occur beyond its reasonable control. Such events may include traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, adverse weather, industrial action, or other unexpected circumstances.
Where delays occur due to such events, the Company will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption but will not be liable for consequential losses, and additional waiting time charges may apply if staff and vehicles are unavoidably held on site.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company will process personal data provided by the Client for the purpose of delivering the Services, administering the Contract, and complying with legal obligations. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. The Company may retain records of the Contract for a reasonable period for accounting, insurance, and legal purposes.
14. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the issue with the Company as soon as possible so that it can be investigated and, where appropriate, remedied. The Company aims to resolve complaints promptly and fairly.
If a dispute cannot be resolved directly between the parties, the Client may have the right to refer the matter to an appropriate alternative dispute resolution scheme or to pursue remedies through the courts, in line with applicable law.
15. Variations to These Terms
The Company may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the booking will apply to that Contract. Any variation to these Terms and Conditions for a specific Contract must be agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.
16. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision will be severed from the remaining terms, which will continue to be valid and enforceable.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
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 their subject matter.
18. Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Company in relation to the Services. No other statements, representations, or terms, whether oral or written, shall form part of the Contract unless expressly agreed in writing by the Company.
