Storage Ratcliff Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Ratcliff provides removal, transport, and storage services within the United Kingdom. By booking any service with Storage Ratcliff, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before placing a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
1.1 Client means the individual, partnership, company or organisation that requests or books services from Storage Ratcliff.
1.2 Services means any removal, packing, transport, storage, handling, or related services provided by Storage Ratcliff.
1.3 Goods means the items, belongings, furniture, equipment or other property that we agree to move, handle, or store.
1.4 Contract means the agreement between the Client and Storage Ratcliff, comprising these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or booking confirmation issued by us.
1.5 Working Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday in England.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 Storage Ratcliff provides domestic and commercial removal services, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and where agreed, storage of Goods.
2.2 The exact scope of Services will be detailed in our quotation or booking confirmation. Any services not expressly listed are not included in the Contract.
2.3 We may engage employees, agents or subcontractors to perform any part of the Services. All such parties will act on our behalf and benefit from these Terms and Conditions.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Enquiries may be made by telephone, in writing, or through any booking system operated by Storage Ratcliff. A booking is not confirmed until we provide written confirmation or a written quotation has been accepted by the Client.
3.2 Quotations are usually based on information provided by the Client, including property access, volume or weight of Goods, distance, and any special requirements. The Client is responsible for ensuring that all information provided is accurate and complete.
3.3 Quotations are valid for a specified period as stated in the quotation or, if no period is stated, for 30 days from the date of issue. After this time, we reserve the right to withdraw or revise the quotation.
3.4 By accepting a quotation or booking confirmation, the Client confirms that they are authorised to enter into the Contract and that they accept these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons for whom the Services are to be provided.
3.5 We may require a deposit or advance payment to secure the booking. Details of any such requirement will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation.
4. Client Responsibilities
4.1 The Client must ensure that appropriate access is available at all collection and delivery addresses, including suitable parking, safe entry routes, and clear internal access to the Goods.
4.2 The Client is responsible for obtaining any parking permits, access permissions or third-party consents required for the performance of the Services, unless we expressly agree in writing to arrange them.
4.3 The Client must ensure that the Goods are suitably packed and prepared for transport or storage, unless packing services have been expressly included in our quotation.
4.4 The Client must remove and appropriately dispose of any waste, perishable items or prohibited materials as set out in these Terms and Conditions. We are not obliged to transport or store any item that contravenes applicable regulations or our policies.
4.5 The Client is responsible for being present, or ensuring an authorised representative is present, at collection and delivery addresses to supervise the Services, provide instructions, and sign any relevant documentation.
5. Payments and Charges
5.1 The Client agrees to pay all charges specified in the quotation or booking confirmation, subject to any adjustment permitted under these Terms and Conditions.
5.2 Payment terms, including due dates and accepted payment methods, will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise stated, payment for removal services is due on or before the day of the move, and payment for storage services is due in advance for each storage period.
5.3 We reserve the right to charge additional fees where:
a Goods are found to exceed the volume or weight on which the quotation was based.
b Access is significantly more difficult than described, including but not limited to restricted parking, long carries, or limited lift access.
c Additional services are requested on the day which were not included in the quotation, such as disassembly or reassembly of furniture, packing, unpacking or extra journeys.
d There are delays beyond our reasonable control caused by the Client, their agents, or third parties, including but not limited to waiting time at collection or delivery addresses.
5.4 If payment is not received when due, we may:
a Suspend or withhold performance of the Services.
b Charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate applicable in England and Wales.
c Exercise a lien over any Goods in our possession until all outstanding charges and costs are paid in full.
5.5 In relation to storage services, we may revise our storage charges by giving the Client at least 30 days written notice. Continued use of storage after such notice will be deemed acceptance of the revised charges.
6. Cancellations and Postponements
6.1 The Client may cancel or postpone a booking by giving written notice to Storage Ratcliff. Any applicable cancellation or postponement charges will depend on the notice period provided.
6.2 Unless otherwise stated in the quotation or booking confirmation, the following charges may apply:
a More than 10 Working Days before the agreed service date No cancellation charge.
b Between 5 and 10 Working Days before the agreed service date Up to 30 percent of the quoted price.
c Between 2 and 4 Working Days before the agreed service date Up to 50 percent of the quoted price.
d Less than 2 Working Days before the agreed service date Up to 100 percent of the quoted price.
6.3 Where a deposit or prepayment has been taken, we may retain all or part of such sums in respect of cancellation or postponement, subject to the above scale or any specific terms set out in the quotation.
6.4 We may cancel the Contract or any part of the Services at any time by written notice to the Client if:
a The Client fails to make payment when due.
b The Client is in material breach of these Terms and Conditions.
c We reasonably believe that the Services cannot be carried out safely or lawfully.
d Circumstances arise beyond our reasonable control that prevent us from performing the Services as agreed.
7. Excluded and Prohibited Goods
7.1 Unless expressly agreed in writing, we do not accept for removal or storage:
a Hazardous, toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive materials.
b Illegal goods or items obtained unlawfully.
c Perishable or refrigerated goods, including food and drink.
d Animals, plants or other living organisms.
e Cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, stones or similar high-value items.
f Important documents, securities, deeds, or collections of significant value.
g Waste materials, rubbish, or items intended for disposal.
7.2 If such items are presented to us without our knowledge, we will not be liable for any loss, damage, or deterioration of those items, and the Client will be responsible for any resulting costs, damages, or claims.
8. Waste Regulations and Disposal
8.1 Storage Ratcliff operates in compliance with applicable waste management and environmental regulations in the United Kingdom.
8.2 We are not a general waste carrier unless specifically stated in writing. Any removal or disposal of waste, rubbish, or unwanted items must be expressly agreed in advance and may be subject to additional charges.
8.3 Where we agree to remove waste or items for disposal, we will do so in a lawful manner, using appropriate facilities and licensed waste partners where required.
8.4 The Client must not request or encourage any disposal activity that is unlawful or contrary to environmental regulations, including fly-tipping or leaving items in unauthorised locations.
8.5 The Client remains responsible for any costs, penalties, or claims arising from the presence of unlawful waste, prohibited items, or hazardous materials among the Goods, whether or not we were aware of their presence.
9. Liability and Limitations
9.1 We will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. Our liability for loss or damage is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
9.2 We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from:
a The Client failing to adequately pack or protect Goods, where packing services were not provided by us.
b Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or inherent defects in the Goods.
c Atmospheric or climatic conditions, including damp, condensation, temperature changes, or exposure to light, unless caused directly by our negligence.
d Items that are fragile, brittle, or not suitable for transport or storage, unless we have been specifically notified and have agreed to handle them.
e Any act or omission of the Client or a third party, including failure to take out appropriate insurance.
9.3 Storage Ratcliff does not provide insurance cover for the Client's Goods as standard. The Client is strongly advised to obtain suitable insurance for the full replacement value of the Goods during removal and storage.
9.4 Our total liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, will not exceed a reasonable limit per item or per consignment as stated in our quotation or booking confirmation, unless a higher value has been declared by the Client and accepted by us in writing.
9.5 We will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of use, loss of business, or loss of opportunity, even if such losses were foreseeable.
9.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.
10. Claims and Time Limits
10.1 The Client must inspect the Goods as soon as reasonably practicable on delivery or when collecting from storage.
10.2 Any visible loss or damage to Goods must be reported to us in writing as soon as possible and no later than seven days after delivery or collection from storage.
10.3 Any claims for loss of Goods or non-delivery must be made in writing as soon as possible and no later than 28 days after the date on which the Goods were or should have been delivered.
10.4 If the Client fails to notify us within these time limits, we may rely on the presumption that the Goods were delivered in the condition expected, and we may not be liable for any subsequent claim.
11. Storage Terms
11.1 Where we provide storage, we will store the Goods at a facility selected by us. The location and conditions of storage may change from time to time, but we will maintain reasonable standards of security and care.
11.2 The Client must not store any prohibited or unlawful items. We reserve the right to inspect storage containers when reasonably necessary for safety, security, or regulatory compliance.
11.3 Storage charges are payable in advance for each agreed storage period. If payment is not received when due, we may deny access to stored Goods until all outstanding amounts are paid.
11.4 If storage charges or other sums due remain unpaid for 90 days or more, we may, after giving reasonable notice, sell or otherwise dispose of some or all of the Goods to recover the amounts owed. Any surplus after deducting costs and charges will be made available to the Client upon request.
12. Access to Stored Goods
12.1 Access to stored Goods is by prior arrangement only and may be subject to reasonable access fees as stated in our tariff or quotation.
12.2 The Client or their authorised representative may be required to provide identification and proof of authority before being allowed access to the storage facility.
12.3 For safety and security reasons, we may restrict or supervise access to certain areas of the storage facility.
13. Force Majeure
13.1 We will not be liable for any delay or failure to perform the Services where such delay or failure results from events or circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, road closures, accidents, strikes, civil unrest, acts of terrorism, or failure of utilities.
13.2 If a force majeure event continues for more than 30 days, either party may terminate the Contract by written notice, subject to payment for Services already performed and reasonable costs incurred.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
14.1 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
14.2 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 the Services.
15. General Provisions
15.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
15.2 No variation of these Terms and Conditions will be binding unless agreed in writing by an authorised representative of Storage Ratcliff.
15.3 Failure or delay by either party in enforcing any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
15.4 The Client may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under the Contract without our prior written consent. We may assign or subcontract our rights and obligations where reasonably necessary to provide the Services.
15.5 These Terms and Conditions, together with any quotation or booking confirmation issued by us, constitute the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understandings or representations.
