Cherwell Removals – Full Terms & Conditions

1. Ownership and Authority

By entering into an agreement with Cherwell Removals, you confirm that:
1.1 You are the legal owner of the goods being moved; or
1.2 You have full authority from the legal owner to enter into this contract; and
1.3 You accept full financial responsibility for any costs or claims resulting from false declarations.

2. Quotation Validity, Deposit and Booking

2.1 All quotations are valid for 28 days unless confirmed otherwise in writing.
2.2 A booking is only secured once a deposit is received.
2.3 Payment of the deposit confirms full acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
2.4 Full payment must be made prior to unloading unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.5 Cherwell Removals reserves the right to withhold unloading until full payment is received.
2.6 Delayed payment may result in additional fees (late fees, labour, storage, and vehicle charges).
2.7 If legal recovery is required, the client will be liable for all legal and administrative costs.

3. Variation to Original Quotation

3.1 Any change in date, inventory, services, or access may result in a revised quote.
3.2 On-the-day changes may be declined or incur extra charges.
3.3 If goods require vehicle storage due to delays or rescheduling, charges will apply.

4. Goods Not Permitted for Removal

4.1 The following items are not permitted:
Living creatures (pets, animals, fish)
Hazardous, explosive, or toxic items
Illegal or stolen goods
Perishable or frozen food
Jewellery, precious metals, cash
Corrosive or contaminating substances
Irreplaceable collectables (e.g. stamps, coins)
4.2 If these are included without agreement, we accept no liability. All related costs or damages are the client’s responsibility.

5. Our Services

5.1 Services provided include:
Packing and unpacking
Transportation
Disassembly/reassembly (if agreed in writing)
5.2 Additional dismantling or unexpected work is chargeable.
5.3 We reserve the right to refuse dismantling or lifting unsafe or excessively heavy items.
5.4 It is the client’s responsibility to ensure all items fit through access points. We will not be held liable for damage due to forced manoeuvring.
5.5 Goods are covered under our Goods in Transit insurance up to £50 per item due to proven negligence.
5.6 Any damage or loss must be reported by email within 48 hours of delivery.
5.7 Insurance claims do not exempt clients from paying invoices in full.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1 Complete all required documentation prior to the move.
6.2 Be present at both collection and delivery addresses.
6.3 Disconnect, clean, and empty appliances before moving day.
6.4 Arrange suitable parking and permits. Parking fines will be added to the final invoice.
6.5 Delays exceeding 30 minutes will incur extra charges.
6.6 We are not liable for unattended or unsecured properties.
6.7 Clients must ensure items are suitable for transport and access routes are safe and clear.
6.8 Any item that is too heavy, oversized, or cannot be moved safely through access points may be declined.
6.9 If damage occurs due to restricted access (e.g. narrow staircases, tight hallways, low ceilings), Cherwell Removals accepts no liability.
6.10 It is the client’s sole responsibility to ensure that adequate space and access is available at both collection and delivery locations.

7. Liability and Exclusions

7.1 We accept no liability for damage or loss caused by:
Fire, flood, or natural disasters
Terrorism or civil unrest
Pre-existing damage or defects
Electrical or mechanical faults
Third-party contractors
Furniture containing items
Forced manoeuvring through tight access
7.2 Liability is limited to £50 per item due to proven negligence.
7.3 Unsafe items may be declined at our discretion.
7.4 If the client packs their own items, Cherwell Removals accepts no liability for damage to the contents. Claims will not be accepted for items packed by the client.

8. Packing Materials

8.1 Packing materials are free if returned within 28 days.
8.2 Materials not returned will be charged at standard rates.

9. Delays and Additional Charges

9.1 Extra charges apply for:
Delays over 30 minutes
Work outside 08:00–18:00
Additional items or services
Storage, return visits, or re-delivery
On-site dismantling/labour
9.2 Charges must be paid before unloading is completed.

10. Loft Access

10.1 We do not access lofts unless:
There is a fixed, safe staircase
The loft is fully boarded and lit
Written agreement is given in advance
10.2 Additional charges apply for any loft access.
10.3 Clients are responsible for removing loft items unless agreed in writing.

11. Payment Terms

11.1 Full payment is required before unloading.
11.2 Late payments incur a £50 weekly fee.
11.3 Goods may be retained until full settlement.
11.4 Clients are liable for all costs related to legal recovery of unpaid balances.

12. Cancellation Policy

More than 7 days’ notice: Full refund
72 hours’ notice: 50% refund
Less than 24 hours: No refund
Booking amendments are free of charge, subject to availability.

13. Storage and Vehicle Retention

13.1 If delivery cannot be completed, goods may be stored in the vehicle or moved to secure storage.
13.2 Additional fees apply for storage, redelivery, labour, and vehicle hire.
13.3 Weekly charges apply until payment is received.

14. Variation of Service

14.1 Changes in date, access, inventory, or service are subject to additional charges.
14.2 Same-day changes are subject to our approval.
14.3 Agreeing to additional services confirms agreement to pay all related costs.

15. Parking Fines

15.1 The client is responsible for providing adequate parking arrangements at both addresses.
15.2 All parking fines incurred as a result of lack of arrangements will be added to the final invoice.

16. Working Conditions

16.1 Cherwell Removals staff are entitled to work in a safe and respectful environment.
16.2 Aggressive or abusive behaviour may result in immediate cancellation without refund.

17. Disassembly and Risk

17.1 We are not liable for damage to flat-pack or dismantled items unless caused by proven negligence.
17.2 We are not liable for structural weakening during dismantling or reassembly.

18. Indemnity

18.1 Clients agree to indemnify Cherwell Removals against all losses from unsafe goods, false declarations, or unauthorised items.

19. Legal Recovery and Jurisdiction

19.1 Legal action may be taken for unpaid invoices.
19.2 All related legal and administrative costs will be added to the outstanding balance.
19.3 This agreement is governed by English law. Disputes will be resolved in the courts of England and Wales.

20. Insurance & Liability

Cherwell Removals is fully insured with Goods-in-Transit cover to protect your belongings during transport.
Our standard liability for loss or damage is limited to £50 per item, unless enhanced cover is agreed and purchased in advance.
If you wish to insure specific items for their full value, please let us know before your move so we can arrange additional cover.
By proceeding with a booking, you confirm acceptance of our Terms & Conditions, including this liability limitation.

21. 
Key Additions for High-Value Item Protection

21.1 Declaration Requirement

Clients must declare all high-value items (e.g., jewellery, antiques, artwork, electronics, cash) at the time of booking or storage.
Failure to declare high-value items may result in full liability being excluded.

21.2 Value Limits

Liability for high-value items is strictly limited to the declared value, and clients may be required to provide proof of value (receipts, valuations, or insurance documents).

21.3 Special Handling & Insurance

High-value items may require special packing, handling, or transport arrangements, which could incur additional charges.

Clients are responsible for insuring high-value items separately, even if Cherwell Removals provides standard insurance.

21.4 Exclusions

Cherwell Removals will not accept liability for high-value items left undeclared or improperly packaged.

Items of exceptional value may be refused for storage or transport if they cannot be insured or handled safely.

21.5 Client Responsibility Acknowledgement

Clients must acknowledge that Cherwell Removals’ liability is limited and that they have been advised to obtain their own insurance for all high-value or irreplaceable items.