Terms and Conditions
Barnes Movers Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Barnes Movers provides removal, relocation, and associated services within the United Kingdom. By booking or using our services, 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 set out below:
Company means Barnes Movers, the service provider supplying removal and associated services.
Customer means the person, firm, or organisation booking or using the services of the Company.
Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, storage, or related services provided by the Company.
Goods means all personal effects, furniture, equipment, and any other items in respect of which the Customer requests the Services.
Service Area means the locations within the United Kingdom in which the Company agrees to provide services, including surrounding areas reachable by road transport.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides residential and commercial removal services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and optional packing materials supply. Any additional services such as dismantling and reassembly of furniture, specialist handling, or storage must be agreed in advance and may incur additional charges.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any Goods which may be unsafe, illegal, or prohibited by law or which have not been accurately declared at the time of booking.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Quotation
The Company may provide a quotation based on information supplied by the Customer, or following an in-person or virtual survey. Quotations are generally provided on a fixed-price basis, subject to the accuracy and completeness of the information given and the assumptions stated in the quotation.
Unless otherwise stated, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Quotations do not include customs duties, parking fees, toll charges, or charges incurred due to access restrictions, unless expressly set out.
3.2 Acceptance of Quotation
A booking is only confirmed once the Customer has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and paid any required deposit or prepayment. The Company may decline a booking at its sole discretion.
3.3 Information Required from the Customer
The Customer must provide accurate and complete information regarding:
a. The collection and delivery addresses and any relevant access details.
b. The nature, quantity, and approximate value of the Goods.
c. Any items requiring special handling, disconnection, or preparation.
d. Any parking, loading, or time restrictions at the premises.
If the information provided is inaccurate or incomplete, the Company may adjust the price, amend the service, or in serious cases cancel the booking and apply reasonable charges for time and costs incurred.
4. Payments and Charges
4.1 Pricing
Prices are based on the description and volume of Goods, distance between properties, access conditions, and the services requested. Additional charges may apply for:
a. Delays caused by circumstances outside the Companys control.
b. Waiting time beyond any agreed allowance.
c. Extra Goods or services not included in the original quotation.
d. Stair carrying beyond what was advised at the quotation stage.
e. Handling of heavy, bulky, or specialist items not previously disclosed.
4.2 Deposits and Payment Terms
The Company may require a deposit to secure the booking. Full payment is typically due no later than the last working day before the removal date, unless agreed otherwise in writing. For certain jobs, payment may be required in full in advance.
Where payment is due on completion, it must be made immediately upon completion of the Services on the moving day. The Company is not obliged to begin or continue with the Services if payment terms are not met.
4.3 Late Payments
In the event of late or failed payments, the Company may charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate and recover from the Customer all reasonable costs of collection, including legal costs. Title in any packing materials or other goods supplied by the Company does not pass to the Customer until payment is received in full.
5. Cancellations and Postponements
5.1 Customer Cancellations
If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone the booking, notice must be given in writing where possible. The following charges may apply:
a. More than 10 working days before the removal date: no charge or a nominal administration fee may be applied.
b. Between 5 and 10 working days before the removal date: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
c. Less than 5 working days before the removal date or on the day itself: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
The Company may, at its discretion, reduce or waive some of these charges depending on circumstances and whether the date can be resold.
5.2 Company Cancellations
In the unlikely event that the Company needs to cancel or significantly amend the booking, it will give as much notice as reasonably practicable and refund any prepayments received for services not delivered. The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses resulting from such cancellation, such as lost wages, hotel costs, or penalties charged by third parties.
6. Access, Parking, and Customer Responsibilities
6.1 Access and Parking
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that adequate access and parking are available at both the collection and delivery addresses. This includes obtaining any necessary permits or authorisations where applicable. If access is restricted or significantly different from that described at quotation stage, additional time and charges may be incurred.
6.2 Preparation of Premises and Goods
The Customer must ensure that:
a. Goods are adequately packed where a self-packing service is chosen.
b. All breakable items are properly protected.
c. Appliances are disconnected, defrosted, drained, and prepared for transport as appropriate.
d. Fragile or high-value items are brought to the attention of the Company prior to the moving day.
6.3 Attendance
The Customer or a representative must be present during collection and delivery to provide access, confirm items to be moved, and sign any relevant documentation. Where the Customer is not present and no representative is appointed, the Company will act based on the instructions previously provided and shall not be liable for items left behind or taken in error if those instructions were unclear or incomplete.
7. Goods Not Accepted for Removal
The Company will not carry or store:
a. Explosive, dangerous, or hazardous goods including gas cylinders, fuels, chemicals, or flammable materials.
b. Illegal goods or substances.
c. Perishable items, unless expressly agreed in writing.
d. Animals, plants, or live organisms.
e. Valuables such as money, jewellery, securities, important documents, or collections, unless specifically agreed and declared in writing.
If such items are transferred without the Companys knowledge, the Company shall have no liability for any loss, damage, or consequences arising and the Customer will be responsible for any losses or damage that the presence of these items may cause.
8. Liability and Limits of Responsibility
8.1 Duty of Care
The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care in handling, packing, loading, transporting, and unloading Goods within its control. The Companys responsibility begins when Goods are collected and ends when they are delivered to the agreed destination or placed into storage.
8.2 Exclusions of Liability
The Company shall not be liable for:
a. Loss or damage arising from the Customers failure to pack Goods properly where the Customer has undertaken the packing.
b. Damage to Goods that are inherently defective, fragile, or not suitable for transport.
c. Loss or damage arising from wear and tear, gradual deterioration, vermin, weather conditions that could not reasonably be anticipated, or changes in atmospheric conditions.
d. Indirect or consequential loss including loss of profit, loss of revenue, or loss of enjoyment.
8.3 Limits of Liability
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods is limited to a reasonable amount proportionate to the value of the affected items and the price paid for the Services. The Company may offer or recommend goods in transit or storage insurance and it is the Customers responsibility to consider whether additional cover is required.
8.4 Customer Indemnity
The Customer shall indemnify the Company against any claims, losses, costs, or expenses arising from:
a. The presence of prohibited, unsafe, or illegal items among the Goods.
b. The Customers breach of these Terms and Conditions.
c. Inaccurate information provided regarding the nature of Goods or access conditions.
9. Claims and Complaints
Any visible loss or damage must be reported to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable, preferably on the day of the move or within a short period after delivery. The Customer must provide details and, where possible, evidence such as photographs and a description of the affected items.
Failure to notify the Company within a reasonable timeframe may affect the ability to investigate and resolve the issue. The Company will review the complaint, may request further information, and will respond with its findings and proposed resolution.
10. Waste Regulations and Disposal of Unwanted Items
10.1 Compliance with Waste Regulations
The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste management and environmental regulations when handling, transporting, or disposing of unwanted items. The Company is not a general waste carrier for household refuse unless this forms part of a separately agreed service compliant with relevant regulations.
10.2 Unwanted Items and Rubbish
The removal service does not include disposal of rubbish or waste unless specifically requested and agreed in advance. Additional charges may apply for the removal and lawful disposal of unwanted items, recycling, or bulky waste. The Customer must not request the Company to dispose of controlled or hazardous waste outside of legal channels.
10.3 Abandoned Items
If the Customer leaves items at the premises that were not included in the removal and does not provide further instructions within a reasonable time, the Company has no obligation to collect, store, or dispose of them. Where the Company does agree to handle such items, this may be treated as a separate service and charged accordingly.
11. Delays and Events Beyond Our Control
The Company will make reasonable efforts to adhere to agreed dates and times but cannot guarantee arrival or completion times. The Company shall not be liable for delays caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to traffic conditions, accidents, adverse weather, road closures, mechanical breakdowns despite proper maintenance, industrial disputes, or actions by third parties.
If a delay significantly affects the completion of the Services, the Company will inform the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable and seek to agree a practical solution, which may include rearranging part of the work or adjusting charges where appropriate.
12. Storage Services
Where storage is provided, Goods will be stored in suitable facilities or containers. Charges for storage are payable in advance or as otherwise agreed. Access to Goods in storage may require reasonable notice and may incur handling or access fees.
If storage charges remain unpaid for a specified period, the Company may exercise a lien over the Goods and, after giving notice, may sell or dispose of the Goods to recover outstanding sums, subject to applicable laws.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company will collect and use personal data provided by the Customer for the purposes of arranging, delivering, and administering the Services, and for related accounting and record-keeping. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. The Company may retain records for a reasonable period to comply with legal, regulatory, or insurance obligations.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter 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.
15. General Provisions
15.1 Variation
No amendment or variation of these Terms and Conditions shall be valid unless agreed in writing by the Company. Any special terms or bespoke arrangements will only apply if expressly confirmed in writing.
15.2 Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
15.3 No Waiver
Failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
15.4 Entire Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or service agreement issued by the Company and accepted by the Customer, constitute the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understanding, representation, or agreement, whether oral or written.
By confirming a booking with Barnes Movers, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
