Terms and Conditions
Balham Movers Terms and Conditions of Service
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Balham Movers provides removal, packing, transportation, and related 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 a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings given:
Customer means the person, company, or organisation booking or using our services.
Company means Balham Movers, the provider of the services.
Services means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, transport, delivery, storage, or associated services provided by the Company.
Goods means the items that are the subject of the Services.
Contract means the agreement between the Customer and the Company incorporating these Terms and Conditions.
2. Service Area and Scope of Work
The Company provides domestic and commercial removal and associated services within the United Kingdom, including local and regional moves. Any services outside the United Kingdom or requiring international transport will only be undertaken by separate written agreement.
The precise scope of work, including addresses, dates, times, access details, volume or list of Goods, and any special requirements, will be set out in the written quotation or booking confirmation supplied by the Company to the Customer.
3. Quotations and Pricing
All quotations are based on the information supplied by the Customer. The Customer must ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, including property details, access restrictions, parking arrangements, and the volume or specific list of Goods.
Quotations are normally provided on a fixed price basis for the work described. Any deviation from the information originally provided, or any additional work requested, may result in additional charges. Examples include but are not limited to:
Changes to the addresses or floors involved.
Delays in keys being released or access being granted.
Additional items not originally declared or packed.
Difficult access, such as narrow staircases, restricted parking, or long carrying distances.
Quotations are valid for the period specified on the document. If no period is specified, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, after which the Company may revise or withdraw the quotation.
4. Booking Process and Confirmation
A booking is considered provisional until it has been confirmed by the Company in writing. Written confirmation may be provided in the form of a booking confirmation or accepted quotation that sets out the agreed date, time window, addresses, price, and any specific terms.
The Company reserves the right to decline any booking at its discretion. A Contract is formed only when the Company confirms acceptance of the booking in writing. The Customer should check the booking confirmation carefully and inform the Company immediately of any errors or omissions.
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all required consents and permissions are in place, including access permission from building management, reservations of lifts where necessary, and any required traffic or parking arrangements.
5. Payments and Charges
The Customer must pay all charges in accordance with the terms stated on the quotation or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following apply:
A deposit may be required to secure the booking date. The amount and due date will be specified at the time of booking.
Full payment is normally due no later than on completion of the Services on the moving day, or earlier if specified in the quotation or invoice.
Payment methods accepted will be as notified to the Customer by the Company. The Company reserves the right to refuse certain forms of payment at its discretion.
If payment is not received when due, the Company may charge reasonable interest on overdue sums and may suspend or withhold further services until payment is made in full.
Any additional work or waiting time not included in the original quotation will be charged at the applicable hourly or fixed rates, which will be communicated to the Customer where practicable before those additional charges are incurred.
6. Cancellations and Amendments
The Customer may cancel or amend a booking by giving written notice to the Company. The following cancellation terms will generally apply, unless otherwise specified in the quotation or booking confirmation:
If the Customer cancels more than 7 days before the agreed start date of the Services, any deposit paid may be refunded at the discretion of the Company, less any reasonable administrative or planning costs.
If the Customer cancels within 7 days but more than 48 hours before the agreed start date, the Company may retain all or part of the deposit, or charge a cancellation fee up to a reasonable proportion of the agreed price.
If the Customer cancels within 48 hours of the agreed start date, the Company may charge up to 100 percent of the agreed price to cover losses and costs incurred.
Reductions in scope or amendments to the booking may be treated as partial cancellations and may incur charges. Changes of date are subject to availability and may be treated as a cancellation and new booking if the Company has already allocated resources.
If the Company has to cancel or amend the booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, it will inform the Customer as soon as practicable and will either offer an alternative date or a refund of any amounts paid for services not yet provided. The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation.
7. Customer Responsibilities
The Customer is responsible for:
Ensuring that the Goods are properly packed, labelled, and ready for removal unless the Company has agreed to provide packing services.
Ensuring that all items to be moved are adequately insured, either through their own insurance or cover arranged independently.
Arranging suitable parking and any necessary permits or dispensations for the Company vehicles at all relevant addresses. Any parking fines or charges incurred due to the Customer's failure to arrange appropriate parking may be charged to the Customer.
Ensuring that all Goods to be moved are owned by the Customer or that the Customer has the full authority of the owner to move them.
Removing from the Goods any items that are hazardous, illegal, perishable, or otherwise unsuitable for transport, as set out in these Terms and Conditions.
Being present or ensuring that an authorised representative is present at the collection and delivery addresses to supervise, give instructions where necessary, and sign relevant documentation.
8. Excluded and Restricted Items
The Company will not carry or store the following, and the Customer agrees not to present them for removal:
Any illegal items or substances.
Explosives, weapons, ammunition, or flammable materials.
Gas cylinders, fuel, or any substance classified as hazardous under applicable regulations.
Perishable goods requiring special storage, live animals, plants, or items requiring regulated environmental conditions.
Valuable items such as jewellery, cash, important documents, or collections that should be transported personally by the Customer unless specifically agreed in writing.
If any such items are included without the Company’s knowledge, the Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or consequences arising, and the Customer shall indemnify the Company for any resulting loss or damage.
9. Waste Regulations and Disposal
The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste regulations. The removal of waste, unwanted items, or rubbish is only provided where expressly agreed and quoted for in advance.
The Customer must not request or permit the Company to dispose of waste in a way that breaches environmental or waste management regulations. Where the Company agrees to remove waste, it will do so using lawful and compliant methods, and the Customer may be asked to provide information about the nature and origin of the waste.
Certain items, such as electrical equipment, mattresses, or construction materials, may attract additional disposal fees or require specialised handling. Any such fees will be notified to the Customer where possible before disposal.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to remove or dispose of any items that it reasonably believes could cause environmental harm, legal liability, or breach of regulations.
10. Liability and Limitations
The Company will take reasonable care in handling and transporting the Goods. However, liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
The Company will not be liable for loss or damage to Goods arising from:
Inadequate or improper packing by the Customer, where packing services were not provided by the Company.
The inherent vice or defective condition of the Goods.
Normal wear and tear, scratching, or minor marking consistent with handling and transport.
Weather conditions or other events beyond the Company’s reasonable control.
Acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Company’s liability for loss or damage to Goods is limited to a reasonable amount per item or per consignment, taking into account the condition, age, and value of the Goods. The Customer is advised to arrange adequate insurance for their belongings, as the Company’s standard liability may not cover full replacement value.
The Company will not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or purely economic loss, including loss of profits, loss of use, or loss of opportunity, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
11. Time Limits for Claims
The Customer must notify the Company in writing of any visible loss or damage to Goods or property as soon as reasonably possible and in any event no later than 7 days after completion of the Services. For non-visible loss or damage, the Customer must notify the Company in writing within a reasonable time after becoming aware of the issue and no later than 28 days after completion of the Services.
Failure to notify the Company within these time limits may affect the Company’s ability to investigate the claim and may reduce or extinguish any liability it might otherwise have.
12. Access, Parking, and Property Protection
The Customer must ensure that there is suitable and safe access to the properties involved, including clear hallways, staircases, and lifts where applicable. The Company is not responsible for damage caused as a result of difficult or unsafe access, including where the Customer insists on attempting to move large items through restricted spaces.
The Company will take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, and fixtures where practicable, but minor scuffs or marks can sometimes occur during removal activities. The Customer is advised to take any additional protective measures they deem necessary, particularly in newly decorated or sensitive areas.
If parking is not pre-arranged by the Customer and this causes significant extra walking distances, waiting time, or the need for additional handling, the Company reserves the right to charge additional fees.
13. Subcontracting
The Company may subcontract part or all of the Services to carefully selected partners or agents. Where subcontractors are used, the Company will remain responsible for the proper performance of the Contract and will ensure that subcontractors operate to appropriate standards.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company will process personal data provided by the Customer in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Personal data will be used for the purposes of providing and administering the Services, including handling bookings, payments, and any related communication.
The Company may retain records of the Services for a reasonable period for legal, accounting, and operational reasons. The Customer has rights in relation to their personal data, subject to applicable law, and may contact the Company to exercise those rights where appropriate.
15. Force Majeure
The Company will not be liable for any failure to perform or any delay in performing its obligations under the Contract where such failure or delay results from events beyond its reasonable control. These may include adverse weather conditions, road closures, traffic incidents, accidents, mechanical breakdowns not caused by lack of maintenance, strikes, public disturbances, or other unforeseen events.
In such circumstances, the Company will make reasonable efforts to minimise disruption and to complete the Services as soon as reasonably practicable. If performance becomes impossible or is significantly delayed, the Company may cancel or reschedule the Services and will discuss options with the Customer.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions and any Contract between the Customer and the Company are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. If the Customer is a consumer, they may also have the right to bring proceedings in their local court, as permitted by applicable law.
17. General Provisions
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision will be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
No waiver by the Company of any breach of these Terms and Conditions shall constitute a waiver of any other breach, and no failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
These Terms and Conditions, together with the quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Customer and the Company in relation to the Services and supersede any prior discussions, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral.
The Company reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking will apply to the relevant Contract unless otherwise agreed in writing.