Terms and Conditions

Swiss Cottage Movers Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Swiss Cottage Movers provides household and commercial removals, packing, storage, and related services within the United Kingdom. By placing a booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing work to commence, 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.

Customer means the person, firm or company who requests the services and is responsible for payment.

Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transport, storage, clearance or related services supplied by Swiss Cottage Movers.

Goods means all items, furniture, personal effects, equipment or materials that are the subject of the Services.

Contract means the agreement between the Customer and Swiss Cottage Movers, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation issued by Swiss Cottage Movers.

2. Quotations and Service Area

All quotations are provided based on the information supplied by the Customer, including property access, volume of Goods, number of items, special handling requirements and the addresses involved. Quotations are normally valid for a limited period stated in the quotation document and may be withdrawn or revised at any time before acceptance.

Unless otherwise stated, quotations are for Services within the United Kingdom and assume normal access and parking for a removal vehicle at collection and delivery locations. Where access is limited, requires additional handling, or where the property is located in an area with parking restrictions or special access rules, additional charges may apply, which will be advised as soon as reasonably practicable.

Quotations do not include customs duties, parking fines or penalties, tolls, ferry fees, congestion or clean air zone charges, or charges imposed by third parties, unless expressly stated. Any such costs incurred in delivering the Services will be payable by the Customer in addition to the quoted price.

3. Booking Process and Contract Formation

A Contract is formed when the Customer accepts a written quotation issued by Swiss Cottage Movers, or when Swiss Cottage Movers confirms a booking in writing or begins providing the Services, whichever occurs first. Verbal estimates or informal price indications do not constitute a binding quotation or an offer.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all details provided at the time of booking are accurate, including dates, addresses, contact details, property type, floor level, access conditions, and an accurate description of the Goods. If any information provided is incomplete or incorrect, Swiss Cottage Movers reserves the right to adjust the charges, change the service schedule, or, if necessary, cancel the booking.

Any variations to the agreed Services, including changes in dates, addresses, volume of Goods or additional tasks such as packing, dismantling or reassembly, must be agreed in advance and may result in revised charges.

4. Customer Obligations

The Customer agrees to:

Ensure that they, or an authorised representative, are present at the agreed times for collection and delivery to provide access, directions and instructions.

Arrange suitable parking and obtain any permits or permissions required for the removal vehicle at both the collection and delivery addresses, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Properly prepare and pack Goods, unless packing services have been included in the Contract, ensuring that fragile and valuable items are suitably protected.

Disconnect appliances, dismantle items and remove fixtures and fittings, unless such work is specifically included in the agreed Services.

Ensure that all Goods for removal are clearly identified and separated from any items that are not to be moved.

Comply with all relevant laws and regulations in relation to the Goods and the premises.

5. Excluded and Prohibited Items

Unless expressly agreed in writing, Swiss Cottage Movers will not transport, store or handle:

Perishable, living or dead animals, plants or foodstuffs.

Hazardous, toxic, flammable or explosive materials, including gas cylinders, fuels, paints, solvents, fireworks and chemicals.

Illegal goods or items obtained in breach of any law.

Valuables such as jewellery, watches, precious metals, money, bonds, securities, important documents, artworks or collections of unusually high value.

If such items are presented for transport or storage without disclosure, Swiss Cottage Movers may remove or dispose of them at the Customer's risk and may charge reasonable costs incurred. Liability is excluded for loss of or damage to any prohibited items.

6. Payments and Charges

Unless agreed otherwise in writing, payment terms are as follows:

For residential moves, a deposit may be required on booking, with the balance payable before or on the day of the move, prior to unloading.

For commercial or repeat business Customers, different credit terms may be agreed subject to status, and will be confirmed in writing.

Payment must be made using an accepted payment method as advised by Swiss Cottage Movers. All charges are payable in pounds sterling unless stated otherwise.

If payment is not received when due, Swiss Cottage Movers may suspend or withhold Services, retain Goods until payment is made in full, and charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate or at a rate reasonably specified in the invoice. Any costs incurred in recovering unpaid sums, including legal fees and collection charges, may be added to the amount due.

Where extra work is carried out at the Customer's request, or where additional time, staffing or equipment is needed because of circumstances outside the control of Swiss Cottage Movers, reasonable additional charges will apply.

7. Cancellations, Postponements and Delays

The Customer may cancel or postpone a booking by giving written notice. Depending on the timing of the notice, cancellation or postponement charges may apply as follows, unless otherwise specified in the quotation:

If more than a specified number of working days' notice is given, any deposit paid may be refundable or transferable, subject to reasonable administration costs.

If short notice is given, a proportion of the quoted price may be payable to cover reserved labour and vehicle time, with the percentage increasing as the planned service date approaches.

If the Customer fails to be ready on the agreed date, or access is not available, waiting time charges may apply, or the Services may be re-scheduled at additional cost.

Swiss Cottage Movers will use reasonable efforts to adhere to agreed dates and times but cannot accept responsibility for delays caused by events outside its control, including traffic, accidents, road closures, severe weather, industrial action or delays caused by other parties. In such cases, liability is limited to rescheduling the Services within a reasonable time or providing a reasonable alternative solution. No compensation is payable for consequential losses arising from delays.

8. Access, Parking and Property Protection

The Customer is responsible for providing safe and suitable access to the premises at both collection and delivery points. This includes ensuring that entrance halls, stairways, lifts, doorways and corridors are clear and suitable for moving the Goods.

If access is particularly restricted, involves narrow staircases, low ceilings, awkward turns, or requires hoisting or specialist equipment, Swiss Cottage Movers may refuse to move certain items or may require additional staff or equipment, which will be charged at an agreed rate.

Reasonable steps will be taken to protect floors, walls and doors during the move. However, Swiss Cottage Movers is not responsible for normal wear and tear, or for damage arising where the Customer insists on moving items through spaces that are clearly too small or unsuitable, against the advice of the removal crew.

9. Waste Regulations and Disposal of Unwanted Items

Swiss Cottage Movers conducts removal and disposal activities in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. The company is not a general waste carrier unless specifically stated and will only remove and dispose of items that are agreed as part of the Services.

The Customer must not present general domestic waste, hazardous waste, building rubble, soil, tyres, asbestos, or other regulated materials for disposal unless such items have been expressly agreed for collection and compliant disposal. Additional charges will apply for handling and disposal of such materials.

Where unwanted furniture or items are to be removed, they may be taken to licensed waste or recycling facilities or to third parties by prior agreement. Once removed for disposal or donation, ownership of such items transfers irreversibly to Swiss Cottage Movers or its nominated third party, and the Customer may not claim them back.

If Swiss Cottage Movers reasonably believes that any items collected would breach waste or environmental rules, or present a health and safety risk, it may decline to take them, or may arrange for specialist disposal at the Customer's cost.

10. Liability for Loss or Damage

Swiss Cottage Movers will exercise reasonable care and skill in handling, packing, loading, transporting and unloading the Goods. Liability for loss of or damage to Goods is subject to the limitations set out below.

Swiss Cottage Movers will not be liable for loss or damage arising from:

Owner packed goods where items were not packed by or under the supervision of Swiss Cottage Movers.

Inherent defects, flaws or vulnerabilities in the Goods, or deterioration caused by normal wear and tear, ageing or gradual degradation.

Pre-existing damage, weak or unstable structures, or items that were already faulty or partially damaged.

Acts or omissions of the Customer or a third party, including incorrect instructions, failure to prepare items, or restricted access imposed by the Customer.

Events outside the reasonable control of Swiss Cottage Movers, including burglary, theft, fire, flood, acts of God or adverse weather, where reasonable precautions were taken.

For Goods that have a high monetary or sentimental value, the Customer is advised to arrange separate insurance cover. Swiss Cottage Movers may offer or recommend additional insurance options, but it is the Customer's responsibility to ensure adequate protection.

Any claim for loss or damage must be reported to Swiss Cottage Movers in writing as soon as reasonably possible, and in any event within a reasonable period after delivery or discovery of the issue. The Customer must provide details and evidence to support the claim, including photographs and proof of value where applicable.

Subject to applicable law, the total liability of Swiss Cottage Movers for loss or damage, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, is limited to a fair and proportionate amount based on the value of the affected Goods and the price of the Services, and will not extend to indirect or consequential losses such as loss of profit, loss of enjoyment, or costs arising from missed appointments or delays.

11. Storage Services

Where storage is provided, Goods will be stored in a suitable facility using reasonable levels of security. Storage charges will be invoiced at the agreed rate and are payable in advance at the intervals specified in the Contract.

If storage fees are not paid when due, Swiss Cottage Movers may exercise a lien over the Goods, retain them until payment is received in full, and may eventually sell or dispose of Goods in accordance with applicable law to recover unpaid charges and reasonable costs.

The Customer must give sufficient notice when requesting the return of stored Goods. Handling and redelivery charges will apply at the prevailing rates.

12. Insurance and Risk

Risk in the Goods remains with the Customer, except when Goods are in the physical custody of Swiss Cottage Movers during transport or storage in its facilities. The Customer is encouraged to maintain suitable home, contents or business insurance covering the period of the move and any storage.

Where optional insurance cover is offered through a third party, the terms of that insurance are separate from these Terms and Conditions. Any claim under such a policy will be handled in accordance with the insurer's terms.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

Any concerns or complaints about the Services should be raised with Swiss Cottage Movers promptly so that they can be addressed at the earliest opportunity. The Customer should provide full details, including dates, locations and the nature of the issue.

Swiss Cottage Movers will investigate complaints fairly and aim to respond within a reasonable time. Where an error has occurred, the company may offer a remedy which could include repair, replacement, partial refund or a goodwill gesture, depending on the circumstances and subject to the limitations of liability set out in these Terms and Conditions.

14. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Swiss Cottage Movers will process personal data provided by the Customer in order to arrange and deliver the Services, administer the Contract, handle payments, and comply with legal obligations. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws.

Customer information will not be disclosed to third parties except where necessary to deliver the Services, process payments, comply with the law, or where the Customer has given consent. Reasonable steps will be taken to safeguard personal data against unauthorised access or misuse.

15. Force Majeure

Swiss Cottage Movers will not be in breach of the Contract or liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of its obligations where such delay or failure results from events, circumstances or causes beyond its reasonable control. This may include acts of God, extreme weather, strikes, lockouts, war, terrorism, civil commotion, pandemics, transport disruption, or failure of utilities.

In such circumstances, performance of the Services will be suspended for the period that the event continues, and Swiss Cottage Movers will use reasonable endeavours to find a solution by which its obligations can be performed.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, or the Services provided, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the Contract or its subject matter, except that Swiss Cottage Movers retains the right to bring proceedings in any other court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect its interests.

17. General Provisions

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. Any waiver of a breach of these Terms and Conditions must be in writing and shall not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation of booking, constitute the entire agreement between Swiss Cottage Movers and the Customer in relation to the Services, and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence or representations.

Swiss Cottage Movers reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to the Contract, unless changes are required by law or agreed in writing with the Customer.

By confirming a booking or allowing the Services to commence, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.