Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions for Barnes Removals Services
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Barnes Removals provides removal, packing, transportation, storage and related services to domestic and commercial customers within our operating areas in the United Kingdom. By making a booking or using our services you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below.
Company means Barnes Removals, including its employees, contractors and agents.
Customer means the person, firm or organisation that requests or uses the services of the Company, whether as owner of the goods or acting on behalf of the owner.
Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, transportation, loading, unloading, handling, storage, waste removal, or any other services provided by the Company.
Goods means the items, furniture, personal effects, equipment or other property that the Company is contracted to handle or transport.
Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation issued by the Company.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides residential and commercial removal and associated services within its designated UK service areas. The specific services to be supplied, including any packing, dismantling, reassembly, storage, or waste-related services, will be set out in the quotation or booking confirmation.
Any services not expressly agreed in writing are excluded from the Contract. Additional services requested on the day of the move or after commencement of the Services will be subject to availability and may incur extra charges.
3. Quotations and Service Area
All quotations are provided based on the information supplied by the Customer regarding property access, parking, size of the move, inventory of goods, distance, and any special requirements. Quotations are normally valid for a limited period as stated on the quotation and may be withdrawn or revised by the Company at any time prior to acceptance.
Quotations assume that the Services will be carried out within the Company’s normal operating areas and within standard working hours unless otherwise agreed. Where locations fall outside our primary service area or require additional travel time or resources, the Company reserves the right to adjust rates, apply surcharges, or decline the booking.
The Company reserves the right to revise a quotation or charge additional fees if:
The information provided by the Customer is incomplete or inaccurate.
Access to the property is significantly more difficult than stated, for example due to distance to the vehicle, stairs, lifts, narrow access, or parking restrictions.
The volume or weight of the Goods exceeds what was originally estimated.
Additional services are requested or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control.
4. Booking Process and Confirmation
A booking is not confirmed until the Customer has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and any required deposit has been received by the Company. Verbal quotations or availability enquiries do not constitute a confirmed booking.
Once the Company has confirmed availability and received any required deposit, a written booking confirmation will be issued. The Customer is responsible for checking that the details of the booking confirmation, including dates, addresses, and scope of work, are correct and must notify the Company promptly of any errors.
The Company reserves the right to refuse any booking at its sole discretion, including where the proposed work falls outside our usual service capabilities or locations.
5. Customer Obligations
The Customer must:
Ensure that all Goods are properly packed and ready for removal, unless the Company has agreed to provide packing services.
Arrange suitable and legal parking and access for the Company’s vehicles at all relevant addresses, and obtain any necessary permits or permissions in advance.
Ensure that all items to be moved are clearly indicated and that no items are removed in error or left behind unintentionally.
Be present, or ensure that an authorised representative is present, at collection and delivery addresses to provide access, confirm items, and sign any relevant documentation.
Secure or remove valuables, personal documents, money, jewellery, and other items of high value, as these should not be included in the Goods for removal.
Comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including in relation to hazardous materials and waste.
6. Excluded and Restricted Items
Unless specifically agreed in writing, the Company will not handle or transport:
Hazardous, illegal, or dangerous goods, including explosives, gases, flammable or corrosive substances, firearms, or ammunition.
Perishable or temperature-sensitive items, including food and plants, that may deteriorate during transit or storage.
Animals or live creatures of any kind.
Any items exceeding the weight, size, or condition limits notified by the Company.
If the Customer includes any prohibited items without the Company’s knowledge or consent, the Company will have no liability for loss, damage, or consequences arising from these items and may charge reasonable costs for their removal, disposal, or handling.
7. Price, Deposits, and Payments
The price for the Services will be as set out in the quotation or booking confirmation, subject to any adjustments under these Terms and Conditions. Prices are typically based on factors such as time required, distance, volume of Goods, staffing, vehicles, and any additional services requested.
The Company may require a deposit at the time of booking. The amount and due date of any deposit will be notified to the Customer. The Company is under no obligation to allocate resources or hold booking dates until required deposits have been received.
Unless agreed otherwise in writing, the balance of the payment is due on or before completion of the Services, and in any event prior to unloading at the delivery address. The Company reserves the right to withhold delivery of Goods until payment is received in full.
If payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest on overdue amounts at a reasonable rate until full payment is received, and may recover any reasonable costs incurred in pursuing late or outstanding payments.
8. Cancellations, Postponements, and Changes
If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone a booking, they must notify the Company as soon as possible. The following charges may apply, depending on the notice given:
Where notice is given more than a reasonable period before the scheduled move date, any deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Company’s discretion, subject to any administrative costs.
Where notice is given close to the scheduled date, part or all of the deposit may be retained, and additional charges may be applied to cover costs incurred and lost opportunities.
Where notice is given on the day of the move, or the Customer fails to provide access or is not available, the full service charge may be payable.
The Company will specify its cancellation and postponement timeframes and charges in the quotation or booking confirmation, which will form part of the Contract.
If the Customer requests changes to dates, addresses, or the scope of Services, the Company will endeavour to accommodate these changes but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may result in revised pricing.
9. Access, Parking, and Delays
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that suitable access and parking are available for the Company’s vehicles at both collection and delivery addresses. This includes arranging any necessary permits, reservations, or permissions with property owners, managing agents, local authorities, or neighbours.
If suitable access or parking is not available, or if the Company’s staff are delayed due to factors beyond the Company’s control, such as waiting for keys, restricted access, unprepared Goods, or third-party actions, the Company may charge reasonable waiting time or additional labour and may adjust the quote accordingly.
The Company will take reasonable care when moving Goods through constrained or challenging access, but will not be liable for damage to property or Goods where the Customer has requested that items be moved through spaces that are clearly too small or unsafe, or where appropriate protective measures cannot reasonably be implemented.
10. Liability for Loss or Damage
The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services and handling the Goods. Liability for loss of or damage to Goods while in the Company’s custody or control will be subject to the limitations in this section.
The Company will not be liable for:
Pre-existing damage, wear and tear, or inherent defects in Goods.
Minor cosmetic damage such as small scuffs or marks that are reasonably associated with moving large or heavy items, provided due care has been taken.
Loss or damage arising from inadequate or improper packing by the Customer, unless packing services were provided by the Company.
Loss or damage to the contents of boxes, drawers, or containers that were not packed by the Company.
Loss or damage caused by fire, flood, extreme weather, acts of nature, accident, or events beyond the Company’s reasonable control, where the Company has taken reasonable precautions.
Any indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits, loss of business, or loss of opportunity.
Any loss involving prohibited or excluded items described in these Terms and Conditions.
Where the Company is found liable for loss or damage to Goods, such liability will ordinarily be limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement of the item, taking into account age, condition, and market value, up to any applicable per-item or aggregate limits notified to the Customer.
The Customer is encouraged to ensure that appropriate insurance cover is in place for the full value of the Goods, either through the Company’s available options where offered, or through their own insurance arrangements.
11. Claims and Complaints
If the Customer believes that loss or damage has occurred, they must notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible and provide details, including photographs and any supporting documentation. Where damage is visible at the time of delivery, it should be noted on any delivery documentation or inventory where practicable.
The Company will investigate any complaint or claim and may request further information or evidence from the Customer. The Customer must cooperate with the investigation, including allowing inspection of damaged items.
Any claim for loss or damage must be submitted within a reasonable time after completion of the Services. Delay in reporting may affect the ability to investigate or assess the claim and may limit or exclude liability.
12. Waste Regulations and Disposal
The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste management and environmental regulations. Where the Company provides disposal, clearance, or waste-related services, the following terms apply.
The Company will only remove waste or items that it is legally permitted to handle and that have been clearly identified and authorised by the Customer.
Hazardous, clinical, or regulated waste, including chemicals, asbestos, and similar materials, will not be removed unless previously agreed in writing and only in compliance with relevant regulations.
The Customer confirms that any waste or unwanted items presented for removal are lawfully in their possession and that they have authority to dispose of them. The Customer will be responsible for any claims arising from the unlawful disposal of items they have presented to the Company as waste.
The Company will dispose of waste only at authorised facilities or through licensed partners, in line with legal requirements. Additional charges may apply for certain categories of waste, heavy materials, or specialist handling.
13. Storage Services
Where the Company provides storage, Goods will be stored at a facility selected by the Company. The location and conditions of storage may change and the Company may move Goods within or between facilities as required.
The Customer must not store prohibited, hazardous, perishable, or illegal items. The Company may open and inspect stored Goods where required by law, for safety reasons, or if there is reasonable suspicion that the Goods include prohibited items.
Storage fees are payable in advance or as invoiced. The Company may exercise a lien over stored Goods and may withhold release of Goods until all outstanding charges are paid in full. If charges remain unpaid for a prolonged period, the Company may, following reasonable notice, sell, dispose of, or otherwise deal with the Goods to recover outstanding sums and costs.
14. Subcontracting
The Company may use subcontractors or agents to perform all or part of the Services. The Company will remain responsible for the proper performance of the Contract and will ensure that any subcontractors are appropriately qualified and insured for the work they undertake.
15. Events Beyond Our Control
The Company will not be liable for any failure or delay in performing the Services where such failure or delay results from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, road closures, traffic incidents, accidents, strikes, lockouts, acts of terrorism, or failures of utility services. In such cases, the Company will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and will liaise with the Customer to rearrange Services where necessary.
16. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company will collect and process personal data about the Customer and, where relevant, other individuals in connection with the provision of Services. This may include contact details, addresses, and job details. The Company will handle personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws and will use it only for legitimate business purposes, such as managing bookings, providing Services, handling payments, and dealing with enquiries or complaints.
17. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision will be interpreted in a way that best reflects the original intention or, if that is not possible, will be deemed deleted, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, the Services, or the Contract, 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, the Services, or the Contract, including disputes relating to their existence, validity, or termination.
19. Entire Agreement and Amendments
These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understandings or representations, whether oral or written.
The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to that Contract, unless both parties agree in writing to vary specific terms for a particular job or arrangement.
