Terms and Conditions

South Downs Removal Ltd – TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICES

No variation of these conditions (or any referenced documents) will be valid unless agreed in writing and signed by both you and us.

Any changes to these terms require mutual written consent. Our consent must be signed by a director or senior manager.

1. DEFINITIONS

“You” or “your” means the client entering into this agreement with us, including the party receiving our quotation and signing the acceptance.
“We,” “us,” or “our” means South Downs Removal Ltd.
“Quotation” is our formal written estimate for the services.
“Goods” are all furniture and belongings subject to the service.
“Service” is the work we carry out in connection with the goods.
“Agreement” refers to this contract, including the quotation, acceptance, and relevant schedules.
“Subcontractor” is anyone other than our employee who carries out all or part of the service under our agreement.
“Working days” are Monday to Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
“Variation” includes any changes, additions, deletions, or replacements.
“Lien” is our legal right to hold your goods until payment is received.
“Force majeure” includes circumstances outside our control, such as strikes, natural disasters, severe weather, shortages, service failures, war, terrorism, or government action.

2. QUOTATION

2.1 Quotations are valid for 60 days and are fixed-price.
2.2 Prices assume normal working hours (Monday–Friday) unless specified otherwise.
2.3 Quotations cover services listed but exclude government fees, customs charges, quarantine, container detention, or extraordinary expenses.
2.4 International service quotes are based on current freight rates; we may adjust for significant changes.
2.5 Any change in the move or unforeseen delays outside our control may incur a reasonable additional charge.
2.6 All prices are in pounds sterling unless stated otherwise.

3. EXCLUDED FROM QUOTATION

3.1 We do not (unless specified):

Dismantle or assemble furniture, fixtures, garden equipment, or sheds.
Disconnect/reconnect appliances or fittings.
Remove/lay fitted flooring.
Access lofts without safe access and lighting.
Move loaded fridges/freezers or night storage heaters (unless dismantled).
Handle items listed in Clause 12.

3.2 Staff are not authorised to carry out the above. Qualified personnel should be engaged.
3.3 Items must be moved in line with Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; otherwise, we will inform you and decline to move the item.

4. SERVICES

4.1 We will:

Use the required skill and care.
Ensure materials used are fit for purpose.
4.2 We comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4.3 We take reasonable care of all goods in our possession.

5. ADDITIONAL CHARGES

5.1 Additional charges may apply for (unless specified):

Moves delayed beyond 14 days.
Currency, tax, freight, fuel, ferry, or toll fluctuations.
Moves outside normal working hours or on weekends/public holidays.
Collection/redelivery beyond the first floor.
Extra services or additional goods.
Mechanical equipment or structural alterations.
Unforeseen delays affecting resources or timescales.
Agreed increase to liability limits.
Waiting time at the new premises: First 2 hours free, additional time charged at £100 per hour.
Important: Insurance coverage is only valid if all items are professionally packed under our standard liability. Failure to do so may void insurance.

5.2 You agree to cover any reasonable additional charges.

6. PAYMENT

6.1 A minimum 90% is required on acceptance.
6.2 The balance must clear on acceptance unless the director has written evidence of the payment date.
6.3 We may refuse service if payment is not received.
6.4 You may not withhold payment due to claims.
6.5 Overdue sums incur 3% per annum above the Bank of England base rate.
6.6 We may recover costs to collect outstanding payments.

7. INSURANCE

7.1 You are responsible for insuring your goods. On request, we may arrange insurance up to £20,000.
7.2 Insurance covers goods in transit only, as detailed in the quotation.
7.3 Liability is limited to repair or replacement costs, whichever is lower, considering age and condition.
7.4 Self-packed items are covered under standard liability only.
7.5 We cannot insure goods collected/delivered from third-party premises.
7.6 We recommend coverage for fire, flood, and theft with proof of forced entry.

7.7 Motorcycles are insured to move if the vehicle load is under the value of £10,000 .

7.8 It is the customer’s responsibility to provide a full inventory list of all items included in the move.

8. DELIVERY

8.1 Delivery times are estimates.
8.2 Transit may be affected by factors beyond our control (traffic, weather, strikes, port congestion).
8.3 Material changes will be communicated promptly.
8.4 We are not liable for transit delays unless due to our negligence.
8.5 Goods may be stored if delivery is not possible; storage and re-delivery costs apply.
8.6 Alternative instructions will incur reasonable additional charges.
8.7 We select storage facilities at our discretion.

9. ROUTE AND METHOD OF REMOVAL

9.1 We may carry other customers’ goods on our vehicles.
9.2 Transportation routes are chosen at our discretion.
9.3 Storage locations are selected at our discretion.
9.4 Subcontracting may occur; these terms still apply.

10. GOODS EXCLUDED FROM REMOVAL

10.1 Items in Clause 10.2 will not be moved.
10.2 Includes passports, valuables, cash, perishable items, dangerous goods, restricted items, prohibited or stolen items.

10.3 Hazardous goods (including, but not limited to, paint and chemicals).
10.3 We accept no liability, and you indemnify us for inclusion of such goods.

11. YOUR WARRANTIES

11.1 You confirm ownership, accurate information, proper packing, legal right to move goods, and indemnify us against any false declarations. Transfer to a third party requires written notice.

12. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

12.1 You must:

Provide accurate information.
Arrange insurance (our liability limited).
Obtain permits/customs documentation.
Cover charges like parking fines.
Attend or appoint a representative during the move.
Sign all inventories/job sheets.
Ensure all goods are accounted for.
Prepare appliances, refrigerators, and other equipment.
Provide contact details during removal.
Arrange transport for prohibited items (Clause 10.2).

12.2 Failure to comply may limit our liability.

13. DAMAGE LIABILITY

13.1 Standard liability: up to £40 per item if no declared value is provided.
13.2 Item = box, parcel, or individual object.
13.3–13.7 Liability limited to negligence while in our possession; exclusions as per original clauses.

14. NOTIFICATION OF LOSS OR DAMAGE

14.1–14.5 Claims must be made within 7 days; collection inspections required; time limits are essential.

15. EXCLUSIONS OF LIABILITY

15.1–15.7 We exclude liability for third-party damage, improper packing, prohibited items, perishable items, indirect loss, and events beyond our control, except where law prohibits exclusion.

16. INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS

16.1–16.12 You are responsible for verifying import/export rules, arranging insurance, and we are only liable for proven negligence. Transit times are estimates.

17. LIEN

We may hold or dispose of goods for unpaid charges, taxes, or levies, with storage fees applied.

18. SUB-CONTRACTING

Use of subcontractors does not change these terms; third-party carriers’ conditions apply.

19. THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS

You cover claims/charges unless caused by our proven negligence.

20. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party is liable for delays/failures caused by events outside reasonable control, provided notice and mitigation steps are taken.

21. ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION

We comply with all laws and maintain policies against bribery and corruption.

22. DISPUTES

Disputes can be referred to the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman without affecting court rights.

23. DATA AND PRIVACY

Personal information is collected for quotations and services. Processing complies with data protection law; full policy on our website.

24. NOTICES

Notices must be in writing via recorded delivery, courier, or email and are deemed received as per the original clause.

25. APPLICABLE LAW

This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

26. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement supersedes all prior discussions, representations, or warranties not included herein.

27. ANTI-SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING POLICY

27.1 We prohibit modern slavery and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain.
27.2 All workers must report breaches.
27.3 Suppliers may be asked to confirm compliance.
27.4 Breaches by others working on our behalf will result in appropriate action.

For any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us through our website at www.southdownsremovals.com or via the contact details listed on this document.

By using the services of South Downs Removals, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.