Storage Aperfield Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Aperfield provides storage, removal and associated services within the United Kingdom. By placing a booking, instructing us to proceed, or using our facilities or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming any booking.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions:

Client means the person, firm or company requesting services from Storage Aperfield.

Company, we, us or our means Storage Aperfield, the provider of storage and removal services.

Services means any storage, removal, packing, handling, transport or related services supplied by the Company.

Goods means all items, belongings, furniture, equipment or materials accepted by the Company for storage, removal, packing or handling.

Contract means the agreement between the Client and the Company incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation provided by the Company.

2. Scope of Services

The Company provides a range of services including storage, domestic and commercial removals, collection and delivery of stored items, and related packing and handling. The precise scope of the Services will be described in the quotation or written confirmation issued by the Company and agreed to by the Client.

3. Booking Process

3.1 All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by the Company. A booking will not be considered confirmed until the Client has accepted a written quotation or confirmation and complied with any deposit or pre-payment requirements set out by the Company.

3.2 The Client must provide accurate and complete information when requesting a quotation or making a booking. This includes, but is not limited to, the nature and quantity of Goods, access details at collection and delivery addresses, the presence of any restricted items, parking or access restrictions, and any special handling requirements.

3.3 The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw a quotation if the information provided by the Client is incomplete, inaccurate, or changes in a material way prior to the Services being carried out.

3.4 Quotations are normally valid for a limited period specified by the Company. If no period is stated, quotations are valid for 30 days from the date of issue, after which the Company may revise the quotation.

3.5 The Client is responsible for ensuring that any necessary permits, authorisations or consents required for parking, access, or loading and unloading at the premises are obtained in time for the Services to take place.

4. Payments and Charges

4.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all charges for removals, storage and associated services are payable in full in advance or on the dates stipulated in the Companys invoice or confirmation.

4.2 Storage charges are typically payable monthly in advance. The Company may require payment by direct debit or another agreed recurring payment method for ongoing storage.

4.3 The Company reserves the right to adjust its charges where:

a. The Client requests additional services or amendments to the original booking.

b. The information provided by the Client was incomplete or inaccurate, and this leads to extra time, labour or equipment being required.

c. Access conditions are significantly worse than reasonably expected, including but not limited to long carries, limited lift access, restricted vehicle access or unexpected parking charges.

d. The work is delayed or extended due to circumstances beyond the Companys reasonable control, including waiting times caused by the Client, third parties or property transactions.

4.4 All invoices must be paid in full by the due date stated. If payment is not received on time, the Company may, at its discretion:

a. Charge interest on overdue amounts at a reasonable rate, accruing daily until payment is made.

b. Withhold delivery or collection of Goods.

c. Suspend or terminate storage services.

4.5 In the event of non-payment for storage services, the Company is entitled to exercise a lien over the Goods, meaning that it may retain possession of the Goods until all outstanding amounts, including interest and reasonable costs of enforcement, are paid in full.

4.6 Where overdue charges remain unpaid for a prolonged period, the Company may, after giving reasonable notice to the Client, sell or dispose of some or all of the Goods to recover unpaid sums. Any surplus remaining after deduction of charges and reasonable costs of sale or disposal will be made available to the Client upon request.

5. Cancellations and Amendments

5.1 The Client may cancel or amend a booking by giving notice to the Company. The amount of notice required and any applicable charges will depend on the nature of the Services and the timing of the cancellation.

5.2 For removal services, the Company typically requires a minimum period of notice prior to the scheduled date. If the Client cancels or significantly alters the booking within this notice period, the Company may charge a cancellation fee, which may be a percentage of the quoted fee or a reasonable charge to cover costs incurred and loss of business.

5.3 For storage services, the Client may usually end the storage arrangement by giving the period of notice specified in the storage agreement or invoice. If no such period is specified, a minimum of 14 days written notice will be required.

5.4 If the Company must cancel or amend the Services due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, it will notify the Client as soon as practicable and, where possible, offer an alternative date or arrangement. The Company will not be liable for any indirect losses arising from such cancellation or amendment, provided reasonable efforts are made to mitigate disruption.

6. Client Responsibilities

6.1 The Client is responsible for:

a. Ensuring that all Goods are adequately prepared, packed and labelled, unless packing services are expressly included in the Contract.

b. Declaring to the Company any fragile, high-value, delicate or unusually heavy items, and any Goods requiring special handling.

c. Ensuring that all Goods are legally owned by the Client or that the Client has full authority to arrange their removal or storage.

d. Providing safe, reasonable and lawful access to the premises at the agreed times, including arranging parking and access permissions as necessary.

6.2 The Client must not submit for removal or storage any of the following prohibited items:

a. Hazardous, toxic or flammable substances such as gas cylinders, fuels, fireworks, chemicals or paints, unless expressly agreed and appropriately packaged.

b. Perishable, infested or contaminated items, including foodstuffs likely to spoil.

c. Illegal goods, stolen property or substances whose possession is prohibited by law.

d. Waste, rubbish or materials intended solely for disposal.

e. Items of exceptionally high value, including cash, jewellery, precious metals, deeds, securities or irreplaceable documents, unless expressly agreed in writing.

6.3 The Company may refuse to handle or store any Goods it reasonably believes to be unsafe, illegal, unsanitary or otherwise unsuitable for removal or storage.

7. Company Responsibilities

7.1 The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care in providing the Services and will use appropriately trained personnel and suitable vehicles and equipment.

7.2 The Company will handle Goods in a professional manner and will take reasonable steps to protect premises during loading, unloading and transit, subject to the limitations set out in these Terms and Conditions.

7.3 The Company will store Goods in suitable premises or facilities and take reasonable measures to maintain their security and general condition, bearing in mind the nature of the Goods and the services agreed.

8. Liability and Limitations

8.1 The Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods whilst in its custody or control is subject to the limitations in this clause and any specific provisions detailed in the quotation or confirmation.

8.2 The Company will not be liable for:

a. Loss or damage arising from wear and tear, gradual deterioration, inherent defect, or pre-existing damage.

b. Loss of or damage to fragile items, including glass, china, electronic equipment or artwork, unless these have been professionally packed by the Company or it is shown that the damage was caused by the Companys negligence.

c. Loss or damage resulting from the Client packing items into unsuitable containers or overfilling boxes or containers.

d. Loss or damage caused by vermin, pests, atmospheric or climatic conditions, unless due to the negligence of the Company.

e. Indirect, consequential or economic loss, such as loss of profit, loss of business, or loss of anticipated savings.

8.3 In the event of loss of or damage to Goods for which the Company may be liable, the Companys total liability shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing, be limited to a reasonable sum per cubic metre or per item, subject to an overall financial cap. Details of applicable caps can be made available on request or specified in the quotation.

8.4 The Client is encouraged to arrange appropriate insurance cover for Goods during removal and storage. The Company may offer or facilitate suitable cover, subject to separate terms and conditions, or the Client may arrange their own insurance.

8.5 Any claim for loss of or damage to Goods must be notified to the Company in writing within a reasonable period, and in any event not later than seven days from the date of delivery or the date the Client became aware of the loss or damage. The Client must provide sufficient detail and evidence to allow the Company to investigate the claim.

8.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits the Companys liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

9. Waste Regulations and Environmental Obligations

9.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste management and environmental regulations when handling any items designated for disposal.

9.2 The Client must clearly identify any Goods that are intended for disposal or recycling. The Company will not dispose of any items unless this has been expressly agreed as part of the Services.

9.3 Where disposal services are agreed, the Company will use appropriate and lawful channels for disposal or recycling and may charge separate fees to cover handling, transport and waste charges.

9.4 The Client must not send items for storage or removal that constitute hazardous or controlled waste unless this has been expressly agreed and the relevant documentation and packaging requirements have been fulfilled.

9.5 If the Company discovers prohibited, hazardous or illegal items amongst the Goods, it may take reasonable steps to isolate such items and notify the Client and, where necessary, the relevant authorities. The Client will be responsible for any associated costs incurred.

10. Access to Stored Goods

10.1 Access to stored Goods is by arrangement with the Company and may be subject to reasonable notice and access charges, depending on the nature of the storage facility and the frequency of access.

10.2 The Company may require proof of identity and satisfactory authorisation before granting access to stored Goods, in order to protect the security and integrity of the storage facility.

10.3 If the Client appoints a third party to collect or inspect Goods, the Client must provide written authorisation, and the Company reserves the right to verify such authorisation to its reasonable satisfaction.

11. Termination of Storage

11.1 Either party may terminate a storage arrangement by giving the notice period set out in the storage agreement or, if none is specified, by giving at least 14 days written notice.

11.2 Upon termination, the Client must ensure that all outstanding invoices and charges are paid in full before or at the time of collection of Goods.

11.3 If the Client fails to remove the Goods by the end of the notice period, the Company may continue to charge storage fees at the prevailing rate and may exercise its rights in respect of overdue charges and disposal as set out in these Terms and Conditions.

12. Data Protection and Confidentiality

12.1 The Company will process personal data relating to the Client in accordance with applicable data protection laws and will use such data only for the purposes of administering the Contract, providing the Services and fulfilling legal obligations.

12.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to keep Client information secure and confidential, subject to disclosure where required by law or in connection with the enforcement of the Contract.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

13.1 If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, the Client should raise the issue with the Company as soon as possible, providing sufficient detail to allow a full review.

13.2 The Company will investigate complaints in a fair and timely manner and will aim to reach a reasonable resolution, which may include corrective action, a goodwill gesture or other appropriate remedy, depending on the circumstances.

14. Changes to These Terms

14.1 The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time the Client enters into a Contract or renews a storage arrangement will govern that agreement.

14.2 Any variation to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

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

15.2 The parties agree that 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.

By proceeding with a booking or using the Services of Storage Aperfield, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.