Terms and Conditions

Merton Movers Terms and Conditions for Removal Services

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Merton Movers provides removal, transport, packing, storage coordination and related services in 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.

Client means the person, company or organisation booking or paying for the services, or on whose behalf the booking is made.

Company means Merton Movers, the provider of the services.

Services means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, transport, delivery, storage coordination, waste handling, or associated services provided by the Company.

Goods means any personal effects, furniture, equipment, boxes or other property handled, transported or stored in connection with the services.

Agreement means the contract between the Client and the Company, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or booking confirmation issued by the Company.

2. Scope of Services

The Company provides residential and commercial removal services, including the loading, transport and unloading of Goods, and may offer additional services such as packing, unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, and the handling of certain types of waste and unwanted items, subject to applicable regulations.

The precise scope of the services will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation. Any services not expressly included will be regarded as additional services and may incur extra charges.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Enquiry and quotation

The Client may request a quotation by providing accurate and complete information about the addresses involved, access conditions, approximate inventory of Goods, any special items, and any time constraints. Quotations are based on the information provided at the time and may be revised if the information is incomplete or inaccurate.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, quotations are not binding offers and are subject to site conditions, availability and final confirmation by the Company.

3.2 Acceptance of quotation

The Agreement is formed when the Client accepts the quotation or booking proposal issued by the Company and the Company confirms the booking in writing. The Company reserves the right to decline a booking at its discretion.

3.3 Changes to booking

If the Client needs to amend the date, time, address, scope, or any other details of the booking, the Client must notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible. Changes are subject to availability and may result in revised charges. The Company is under no obligation to accommodate requested changes but will make reasonable efforts to do so.

4. Access, Parking and Preparation

The Client is responsible for ensuring suitable access and parking arrangements at both collection and delivery addresses, including any permits or authorisations required. Any parking fees, fines or penalties incurred due to insufficient arrangements or restrictions outside the control of the Company may be charged to the Client.

The Client must ensure that Goods are properly packed, labelled and ready for loading by the agreed time unless packing services have been expressly included. Fragile items must be appropriately protected, and any high value or delicate Goods should be brought to the attention of the Company before work begins.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

Provide accurate and complete information when requesting a quotation and at all times leading up to the move.

Ensure that all Goods to be moved are owned by the Client or that the Client has full authority to move them.

Remove or secure any personal documents, valuables, jewellery, money, financial instruments and similar items, which the Company will not be liable for.

Be present, or appoint an authorised representative to be present, at collection and delivery locations to direct the placement of Goods and sign any relevant documentation.

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including waste and environmental regulations, and not request the Company to handle prohibited items.

6. Payments and Charges

6.1 Pricing and estimates

Charges are based on factors including, but not limited to, the volume or weight of Goods, distance, access conditions, number of operatives required, time required, and any additional services requested.

Where an hourly rate has been agreed, the minimum charge and any rounding rules will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. Waiting time or delays outside the control of the Company may be charged at the agreed rate.

6.2 Deposits and payment terms

The Company may require a deposit to secure the booking. The amount and due date of the deposit will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation. The balance of the charges is payable in accordance with the payment terms stated, which may require cleared funds prior to or on the day of the move.

Payment may be accepted by the methods advised by the Company from time to time. The Company reserves the right to withhold services, or to suspend or terminate the Agreement, if payment is not made when due.

6.3 Late payment and interest

If any sum due under the Agreement is not paid by the due date, the Company may charge interest on the overdue amount at the statutory rate applicable in England and Wales or such other rate as may be agreed in writing, from the due date until payment is received in full.

7. Cancellations and Postponements

7.1 Cancellation by the Client

If the Client needs to cancel the booking, the Client must notify the Company in writing as early as possible. The following cancellation charges may apply, unless otherwise stated in the quotation or booking confirmation:

Cancellation more than a specified number of working days before the move date may incur no charge or a reduced administrative fee, depending on the circumstances.

Cancellation within a shorter period before the move date may result in a charge equal to a stated percentage of the quoted price to cover allocated resources and lost opportunity.

Cancellation on the scheduled move date, or failure of the Client to provide access or be ready to proceed, may be treated as a cancellation with full charges payable.

The exact timeframes and percentages will be as communicated by the Company in writing or in the quotation.

7.2 Postponement by the Client

If the Client wishes to postpone the move, the Company will try to accommodate the new date and time, subject to availability. Postponements may be subject to administration fees or revised pricing if costs or availability have changed. If a suitable new date cannot be agreed, the situation may be treated as a cancellation.

7.3 Cancellation by the Company

The Company may cancel a booking or suspend services if:

The Client is in material breach of the Agreement, including failure to make payment when due.

Conditions at the collection or delivery address pose a safety risk to staff or the public, or there are other circumstances beyond the Companys reasonable control that prevent performance.

In such cases, the Company will inform the Client as soon as reasonably practicable. Where possible, an alternative date or solution will be offered, but the Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation.

8. Excluded Goods and Safety

The Company will not knowingly handle or transport any items that are illegal, hazardous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, perishable to an unreasonable extent, or otherwise unsafe, including but not limited to gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, firearms, ammunition, and certain waste types restricted by law.

The Client must declare any items that could present a risk to health, safety or property. The Company may refuse to handle any Goods it reasonably considers unsafe, illegal or inappropriate for transport.

9. Waste Handling and Environmental Regulations

Where the Company agrees to remove and dispose of unwanted items or waste, this will be carried out in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations in the United Kingdom.

The Client must accurately describe the type and quantity of waste or unwanted items. Certain categories, such as electrical items, large appliances, construction debris, hazardous or clinical waste, may require special handling or may not be accepted.

The Company will use licensed facilities and reputable partners for disposal or recycling where required by law. The Client acknowledges that additional charges may apply for specific types of waste, special treatment or increased disposal fees.

The Company is not responsible for any penalties incurred where the Client has misrepresented the nature of the waste or requested disposal of prohibited materials. The Client agrees to indemnify the Company for any costs, fines or liabilities arising from such misrepresentation.

10. Liability and Limits

10.1 Duty of care

The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care in handling, packing, loading, transporting and unloading the Goods. However, the Companys liability is subject to the limitations set out in this Agreement.

10.2 Exclusions of liability

The Company is not liable for:

Loss or damage arising from wear and tear, inherent defects, atmospheric conditions, vermin, or pre existing damage.

Loss or damage to fragile or high value items that have not been adequately packed or that the Client has chosen to pack independently, unless caused by the Companys gross negligence.

Loss or damage to items such as jewellery, money, precious metals, securities, documents, collections, data, or items of sentimental value, whether or not notified to the Company, as these should not be included in the move.

Any indirect, consequential or economic loss, including loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or costs caused by delay, unless expressly agreed in writing.

10.3 Limit of liability

The Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods, where such loss or damage is proven to be caused by the Companys negligence or breach of contract, will be limited to a reasonable amount per item or per consignment, subject to any higher cover expressly agreed with the Client in writing.

If the value of the Goods exceeds the standard limit, the Client should arrange separate insurance cover or request information from the Company about any additional cover that may be available.

10.4 Claims

The Client must inspect the Goods as soon as reasonably possible on delivery. Any apparent loss or damage should be reported to the Company in writing within a reasonable period, specifying the nature of the issue and providing supporting evidence if available.

Failure to notify the Company within a reasonable time may affect the ability to investigate the matter and may limit or extinguish any liability to the extent permitted by law.

11. Delays and Force Majeure

The Company will use reasonable endeavours to meet agreed dates and times but cannot guarantee completion within a fixed period. The Company is not liable for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to traffic conditions, accidents, weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, strikes, or other force majeure events.

Where a delay occurs, the Company will inform the Client as soon as reasonably practicable and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. Additional waiting time or rescheduling may incur extra charges where the delay is not the fault of the Company.

12. Insurance

The Company maintains appropriate insurance in connection with its business operations as required by law and industry practice. This may include public liability and employer liability cover. Any additional or extended cover for Goods in transit must be specifically agreed and confirmed in writing.

The Client is encouraged to arrange its own insurance for Goods of high value or where the Client requires protection beyond the limits stated by the Company.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the services, the Client should raise the matter with the Company as soon as possible so that issues can be investigated and, where appropriate, rectified.

The Company will aim to respond to complaints promptly and reasonably. Both parties agree to act in good faith and attempt to resolve disputes amicably in the first instance. If a dispute cannot be resolved through informal discussion, either party may seek recourse through the courts or any agreed dispute resolution process.

14. Data Protection and Privacy

The Company will handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation in the United Kingdom. Personal information will be used for purposes connected with providing and improving the services, processing payments, and complying with legal obligations.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that any personal data provided about third parties, such as other occupants or contact persons, has been supplied with appropriate consent.

15. Variation of Terms

The Company may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time the Agreement is formed will apply to that booking. Any variations or special terms must be agreed in writing and will prevail over any conflicting provisions in these standard terms to the extent necessary.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be deemed modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or, if that is not possible, deleted. The remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any non contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination.

By confirming a booking with Merton Movers, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.