Terms and Conditions

Watford Movers Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Watford Movers provides household and commercial removal, packing, storage coordination and related services within the United Kingdom. By making a booking or allowing work to commence, 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, firm or company who requests the services of Watford Movers and is responsible for payment.

Goods means the items, belongings and property which are the subject of the removal, packing, transport or related services.

Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, transport, storage coordination or related work provided by Watford Movers.

Quotation means the written or verbal price estimate provided by Watford Movers for the Services requested by the Client.

Agreement means the contract between the Client and Watford Movers incorporating these Terms and Conditions.

2. Scope of Services

Watford Movers provides domestic and commercial moving services within the United Kingdom, including local and regional moves and associated packing and handling. Where agreed in advance, we may also arrange storage with third-party providers. Any storage agreement with a third party will be subject to that provider's terms.

Unless expressly stated in writing, the Services do not include disconnection or reconnection of appliances, dismantling or reassembly of specialist items, removal of fixtures and fittings, or lifting that cannot be safely carried out by our staff using standard equipment.

3. Quotations and Pricing

All Quotations are based on information supplied by the Client regarding the volume of Goods, access at both collection and delivery addresses, service dates, and any special requirements. Quotations are given on the assumption that:

The description and quantity of Goods are accurate.

There is suitable and safe access for our vehicles and staff.

Parking is available and arranged by the Client where necessary.

The move can be completed in normal working hours without unusual delays.

If the information provided by the Client is inaccurate or incomplete, Watford Movers reserves the right to amend the Quotation or charge additional fees to reflect the actual work required. All Quotations are exclusive of tolls, congestion charges, parking fees and similar costs, which will be charged in addition where they apply.

Unless otherwise stated, Quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Acceptance of a Quotation is not binding on Watford Movers until a booking is confirmed in accordance with section 4.

4. Booking Process

A booking is made when the Client accepts our Quotation and we confirm acceptance of the booking details. Bookings may be confirmed verbally or in writing, and may be subject to payment of a deposit as notified to the Client.

It is the Client's responsibility to check that all booking details are correct, including dates, addresses, property access details and the scope of Services requested. Any changes must be communicated to Watford Movers as soon as possible. Changes may affect the price and availability of Services.

Watford Movers reserves the right to decline any booking request without providing a reason, for example where resources are not available, the work cannot be carried out safely, or the Client has outstanding unpaid sums from previous work.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

Provide accurate information about the Goods, property access, parking and any special requirements.

Arrange and pay for all necessary parking permissions, permits or suspensions in good time before the move.

Ensure that all Goods are packed securely, unless a packing service has been expressly included in the Agreement.

Remove or secure any hazardous, prohibited or fragile items as detailed in these Terms and Conditions.

Be present, or ensure that an authorised representative is present, at both collection and delivery addresses to provide access, give instructions and sign relevant documents.

Ensure that the premises are safe for our staff to work in, including adequate lighting, clear walkways and safe stairways or lifts.

6. Payments and Charges

Watford Movers will inform the Client of acceptable payment methods and any deposit requirements at the time of booking. Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

A deposit may be required to secure the booking, payable at the time of confirmation.

The balance of the quoted price is payable no later than on completion of the Services on the moving day.

Where services are ongoing or involve storage coordination or multiple visits, staged payments may be required.

If payment is not received when due, Watford Movers may suspend or cancel the Services and may charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate under UK law until payment is made in full.

The Client is responsible for all additional charges incurred due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of Watford Movers, including but not limited to parking fines arising from a lack of permits, waiting time caused by delays in access, extra labour required due to inaccurate information, and additional journeys requested by the Client.

7. Cancellations and Changes

The Client may cancel or postpone a booking by giving notice to Watford Movers. The following cancellation charges may apply, unless otherwise agreed in writing:

Cancellation more than 7 calendar days before the agreed service date: no cancellation fee, but any non-refundable disbursements already paid by Watford Movers on the Client's behalf may be charged.

Cancellation between 3 and 7 calendar days before the agreed service date: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged.

Cancellation less than 3 calendar days before the agreed service date or on the day of the move: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.

Postponement or significant changes to the booking requested by the Client may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking for the purposes of cancellation charges, particularly where Watford Movers has reserved specific vehicles and staff for the original date.

If Watford Movers is unable to carry out the Services on the agreed date due to circumstances within our reasonable control, we will offer an alternative date or a refund of any pre-paid sums for Services not provided. Watford Movers is not liable for any indirect losses arising from such cancellation or postponement, as set out in section 11.

8. Exclusions and Prohibited Items

Unless expressly agreed in writing, Watford Movers will not carry:

Hazardous, toxic, flammable or explosive materials, including gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, paints or solvents.

Perishable goods, live animals, plants or any items requiring controlled temperatures or special environmental conditions.

Cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, securities, important documents or items of particular value that are not disclosed and separately agreed.

Illegal items or items that cannot be lawfully possessed or transported under UK law.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that none of the above items are submitted for removal without prior written agreement. Watford Movers may refuse to handle any item that is unsafe, illegal or not properly prepared for transport.

9. Packing and Preparation

Where the Client carries out their own packing, it is the Client's responsibility to ensure all Goods are packed securely in suitable containers and that those containers are properly sealed and labelled. Watford Movers is not liable for damage arising from inadequate or inappropriate packing where the Client has packed the Goods.

Where Watford Movers provides a packing service, we will use reasonable care and skill to pack the Goods using appropriate materials. Certain delicate or high-value items may require specialist packing at additional cost. The Client should notify us in advance of any particularly fragile or high-value items so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

The Client is responsible for emptying and preparing cupboards, wardrobes, appliances and similar items before removal, unless packing or preparation services are explicitly included in the Agreement.

10. Liability and Limitations

Watford Movers will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. Our liability for loss of or damage to Goods, or for delay in delivery, is subject to the following limitations.

We are not liable for loss or damage arising from:

Inherent defects, natural deterioration or pre-existing damage in the Goods.

Improper or inadequate packing by the Client.

Normal wear and tear, minor marks or scratches due to moving, or damage to items that are inherently fragile.

Disassembly or reassembly of furniture or equipment carried out at the Client's request where manufacturer guidance or special tools are not available.

Acts or omissions of the Client or any third party present at the premises.

Events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, traffic incidents, road closures, civil disturbances or other force majeure events.

Watford Movers will not be liable for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of contracts, loss of opportunity, or any indirect or consequential loss arising out of or in connection with the Services, whether in contract, tort or otherwise.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be limited or excluded under UK law.

11. Claims and Notification of Loss

If the Client believes that any Goods have been lost or damaged during the provision of the Services, the Client must notify Watford Movers as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 7 calendar days of completion of the Services. The notification should include a clear description of the alleged loss or damage and supporting evidence where available.

Watford Movers may inspect the Goods and the location before considering any claim. Failure to allow such inspection may affect our ability to assess and resolve the claim.

Where any loss or damage is accepted as our responsibility, Watford Movers may, at its discretion, repair the item, replace it with a similar item, compensate the Client up to the reasonable value of the item, or pay for the reasonable cost of repair.

12. Property Damage and Access

Watford Movers will take reasonable care to avoid damage to the Client's property and premises and to neighbouring properties when carrying out the Services. However, we are not liable for:

Damage to walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures or fittings where such damage arises from carrying out the Client's instructions and where normal moving techniques are insufficient due to restricted access.

Damage caused by the movement of Goods over surfaces that are inadequately protected by the Client, including softwood floors, carpets or tiled surfaces.

Any structural damage or defects that pre-exist or arise due to the inherent condition of the property rather than our actions.

Where access is restricted or unsuitable for the safe movement of Goods, Watford Movers may suggest alternative methods, which may incur additional costs, or may refuse to move certain items if it cannot be done safely.

13. Waste Regulations and Disposal

Watford Movers operates in compliance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations. We are not a general waste disposal company and do not, as part of standard removal services, dispose of household refuse, construction debris or hazardous waste.

Where disposal services are specifically requested and agreed in advance, the Client authorises Watford Movers to remove designated items for lawful disposal. Additional charges will apply for such services. We will not remove items identified as hazardous, contaminated or prohibited under waste regulations.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that items presented for disposal are suitable and lawfully capable of being disposed of through normal commercial channels. Any fines, penalties or additional costs arising from improper disclosure by the Client will be recoverable from the Client.

14. Insurance

Watford Movers maintains appropriate business and vehicle insurance as required under UK law. Details of cover relevant to the Services may be made available to the Client on request.

The Client is encouraged to maintain their own insurance cover for Goods in transit and for any high-value items. Watford Movers does not accept liability beyond the limits set out in these Terms and Conditions, whether or not the Client has separate insurance coverage.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

Watford Movers will handle personal information in accordance with applicable UK data protection legislation. Personal data collected from the Client is used for the purposes of processing bookings, providing Services, managing accounts and meeting legal obligations.

We will not sell or knowingly disclose personal data to third parties except where required to provide the Services, comply with the law, or with the Client's consent.

16. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If the Client has a complaint about any aspect of the Services, they should raise it with Watford Movers as soon as possible so that we can seek to resolve the issue promptly. We aim to handle complaints fairly and within a reasonable timeframe.

If a dispute cannot be resolved directly between the parties, either party may consider using alternative dispute resolution processes or pursuing remedies through the courts, subject to section 17.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter or formation, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter.

18. General Provisions

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable by a court or other competent authority, that provision will be severed from the remaining provisions, which will continue to be valid to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Watford Movers may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Client's booking will apply to that Agreement unless changes are required by law or agreed between the parties.

No failure or delay by Watford Movers to exercise any right or remedy provided by these Terms and Conditions or by law shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.

The Agreement between the Client and Watford Movers is personal to the Client and may not be assigned or transferred without our prior written consent.

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written Quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the Services and supersede any prior discussions, representations or understandings.