Storage Northwood Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Northwood provides storage, removals, transportation, packing, and related services. By making a booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before proceeding with any order.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Client means the individual or business ordering or using our services.
Services means any storage, removals, transportation, handling, packing, unpacking, or related services supplied by Storage Northwood.
Goods means the items and belongings that we agree to move, handle, or store on your behalf.
Contract means the agreement between you and Storage Northwood incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or service confirmation we issue to you.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 Storage Northwood provides domestic and commercial removals, local and UK-wide transportation, and short or long term storage services.
2.2 The exact scope of the Services, including dates, locations, and any additional tasks such as packing or dismantling, will be set out in our written quotation or service confirmation.
2.3 Any services requested that fall outside an agreed quotation or service confirmation may be treated as additional services and charged at our then current rates.
3. Booking Process
3.1 You may request a quotation by providing details of your requirements, including collection and delivery addresses, access conditions, approximate volume or inventory of Goods, and dates.
3.2 Any quotation provided is based on the information you supply. Quotations are not binding if information is inaccurate, incomplete, or changes before the Service date.
3.3 A Contract is formed when you accept our quotation or service offer in writing and we confirm your booking in writing or commence performance of the Services.
3.4 We may require a deposit at the time of booking. If a deposit is required, your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received in cleared funds.
3.5 We reserve the right to refuse any booking at our absolute discretion, including where we reasonably believe that the Goods are prohibited, unsafe, or that conditions at the property are unsuitable.
4. Client Responsibilities
4.1 You must ensure that:
a. You or an authorised representative is present at collection and delivery addresses to supervise, provide instructions, and sign relevant documents.
b. Adequate parking and access are available for our vehicles at all relevant premises and any permits or permissions are obtained in advance.
c. All Goods are properly packed and prepared for removal or storage unless you have specifically arranged for us to provide packing services.
d. All documents, valuables, money, jewellery, and other high value items are removed from the Goods before we start work, unless we have explicitly agreed in writing to handle such items.
e. The premises are safe, with no known hazards relating to structure, asbestos, electrical supply, or any other health and safety risk that you are aware of.
4.2 You warrant that you are the owner of the Goods or that you have full authority from the owner to enter into this Contract and to allow us to perform the Services.
5. Goods Not Accepted for Carriage or Storage
5.1 Unless agreed in writing, we do not accept for removal or storage:
a. Explosive, dangerous, corrosive, flammable, or otherwise hazardous materials.
b. Gas cylinders, fuels, paints, aerosols, or chemicals.
c. Perishable items, food, or items requiring controlled temperatures.
d. Any illegal items or substances.
e. Live animals or plants.
f. Waste materials or items intended for disposal only.
5.2 If such items are handed to us without our knowledge, we may remove, destroy, or dispose of them at your cost and without liability to you.
6. Storage Services
6.1 Storage Northwood will store Goods in a facility that is suitable for general household and commercial effects.
6.2 Goods may be stored in containers, rooms, or allocated areas at our discretion. We may move Goods within the facility as required for operational reasons.
6.3 Storage charges are incurred from the agreed start date until the day the Goods are removed from storage and all booking and account balances are settled.
6.4 You are responsible for arranging access to your stored Goods in advance. Access may be subject to handling charges or notice periods, which will be explained at the time of booking.
7. Payments and Charges
7.1 All charges are stated in pounds sterling and are subject to any applicable taxes.
7.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
a. Removal and transport charges are payable in full at or before the start of the Service date.
b. Storage charges are payable in advance, either monthly or for the agreed storage term.
c. Additional services, waiting time, extended hours, or extra labour requested on the day will be charged in addition at our standard rates and are payable immediately upon request.
7.3 We reserve the right to amend our charges if:
a. The volume or nature of the Goods differs from that originally declared.
b. Access conditions differ, for example where stair access replaces expected lift access, or where long carries or shuttle vans are required.
c. Services are delayed or extended due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
7.4 If any payment is overdue, we may:
a. Suspend or cancel Services, including denying access to stored Goods, until all outstanding sums are paid.
b. Charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate from the due date until payment is made.
8. Cancellation and Changes
8.1 You may cancel or postpone a booked Service by giving us written notice.
8.2 We may apply the following cancellation charges based on the notice you provide ahead of the agreed Service date:
a. More than seven days notice: no cancellation fee, and any deposit may be refunded or applied to a future booking, at our discretion.
b. Between three and seven days notice: up to 50 percent of the quoted charges may be payable.
c. Less than three days notice, including same day cancellation: up to 100 percent of the quoted charges may be payable.
8.3 For storage contracts, if you terminate storage before the end of a pre-paid period, no refund is normally given for unused days, unless agreed otherwise in writing.
8.4 We may cancel or postpone a booking where events beyond our reasonable control prevent us from carrying out the Services safely or lawfully. In such cases we will aim to offer an alternative date and will not be liable for consequential losses.
9. Delays and Waiting Time
9.1 We will make reasonable efforts to carry out the Services on the agreed dates and within a reasonable time, but time is not guaranteed unless specifically agreed in writing.
9.2 We are not liable for delay caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including traffic conditions, weather, accidents, breakdowns, or delays in gaining access to premises.
9.3 If we incur waiting time due to delays in obtaining keys, access, or instructions, we may charge additional fees at our standard hourly or part hourly rates.
10. Our Liability
10.1 Our liability for loss of or damage to Goods while in our custody or control is limited as set out in this section unless a higher level of cover is expressly agreed in writing and any applicable premium is paid.
10.2 We will only be liable for loss of or damage to Goods that is caused by our negligence or breach of Contract while the Goods are being moved, handled, or stored by us.
10.3 Subject to any applicable legal rights that cannot be excluded, our total liability for any claim or series of related claims shall not exceed a reasonable market value of the affected Goods, subject to an overall financial cap, which will be specified in our quotation or service confirmation.
10.4 We will not be liable for:
a. Loss of profits, loss of business, loss of revenue, or any indirect or consequential loss.
b. Normal wear and tear, scratching, or deterioration resulting from normal handling or storage.
c. Damage to furniture or items that were already defective, fragile, inadequately packed by you, or not in a condition suitable for transport.
d. Loss of or damage to items such as money, jewellery, watches, precious metals, stones, documents, data, or collections, unless we have explicitly agreed in writing to handle such items.
e. Loss or damage caused by moths, vermin, infestation, or other gradual deterioration, including rust, mould, or atmospheric or climatic conditions.
f. Any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions.
10.5 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall limit or exclude our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud, or for any other matter where liability cannot lawfully be limited or excluded.
11. Claims and Notice of Loss
11.1 You must inspect Goods promptly on delivery or on access to storage and notify us in writing of any visible loss or damage as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within seven days of delivery or access.
11.2 For loss or damage not immediately apparent, you must notify us in writing as soon as you become aware of the issue and within a reasonable time.
11.3 We may require you to provide evidence of loss or damage, including photographs, descriptions, and proof of value. You must retain damaged items for inspection.
11.4 We will not be liable for any claim unless made in accordance with this clause, except where you can show that it was not reasonably possible to comply and the claim is made as soon as reasonably practicable.
12. Insurance
12.1 We maintain insurance appropriate to our business for removals and storage services in the United Kingdom. Details of cover and any applicable limits or exclusions may be provided on request.
12.2 Any additional cover beyond our standard liability limits may be offered at extra cost and will only apply where confirmed in writing.
12.3 It is your responsibility to consider whether our liability limits and available insurance meet your needs and to arrange your own separate insurance if required.
13. Waste Regulations and Disposal of Items
13.1 Storage Northwood operates in compliance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations.
13.2 We do not act as a general waste carrier unless such service is specifically agreed as part of the Contract. Unauthorised or hazardous waste will not be removed.
13.3 Where we agree to remove items for disposal, you confirm that you have the right to dispose of those items and that they are not hazardous waste, electrical equipment requiring special treatment, or restricted materials, unless we have specifically agreed to manage them.
13.4 If we discover waste or prohibited materials mixed with your Goods, we may refuse to carry or store them, or we may arrange safe disposal and charge you for all related costs, including any regulatory fees or penalties incurred as a result of your actions.
14. Right of Lien and Sale of Goods
14.1 We have a general lien over all Goods in our possession for all sums due and payable to us under any Contract with you.
14.2 If any sum remains overdue for more than 60 days, we may:
a. Deny access to Goods until full payment is received, and
b. After giving you reasonable written notice, sell or dispose of some or all of the Goods and apply the proceeds towards payment of any outstanding charges and costs of sale or disposal.
14.3 Any balance remaining after settlement of all sums due and costs will be held for you. If we cannot contact you after reasonable efforts, the balance may be retained.
15. Data Protection and Privacy
15.1 We will collect and process personal data in order to provide the Services, manage bookings and accounts, and meet our legal obligations.
15.2 Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws in the United Kingdom.
15.3 We may use your contact details to provide important information about your booking, invoices, and service updates.
16. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
16.1 If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our Services, you should raise your concerns as soon as possible so that we have the opportunity to resolve the issue.
16.2 We will investigate complaints promptly and aim to respond within a reasonable time frame, taking into account the complexity of the matter.
16.3 If a dispute cannot be resolved directly between us, either party may consider using mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution before resorting to court proceedings.
17. Amendments to Terms and Conditions
17.1 We may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The Terms and Conditions in force at the time you make your booking will apply to that Contract unless we agree otherwise in writing.
17.2 Any changes will be effective from the date they are published or otherwise communicated, but will not affect Contracts already concluded unless required by law.
18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
18.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any non contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
18.2 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 or their subject matter.
19. Severability
19.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed from the remaining provisions, which will continue in full force and effect.
20. Entire Agreement
20.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or service confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between you and Storage Northwood in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understandings, arrangements, or statements, whether written or oral.
20.2 You acknowledge that you have not relied on any statement or representation not expressly set out in these Terms and Conditions or in the written quotation or service confirmation.
