Storage Cowley Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Storage Cowley provides removal, transport and storage services to customers in the United Kingdom. By placing a booking with Storage Cowley, you agree that these Terms and Conditions will apply to all services supplied to you, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below.

Company means Storage Cowley, the provider of removal and storage services.

Customer means any individual, business, or organisation that requests or receives services from the Company.

Services means any removal, packing, loading, transport, unloading, storage, or associated services provided by the Company.

Goods means the items that are the subject of the Services, including any personal effects, furniture, equipment, or other property.

Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the supply of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or service confirmation.

2. Quotations and Service Scope

2.1 Any quotation issued by the Company is based on the information provided by the Customer and is valid for a limited period specified by the Company, or if not specified, for 30 days from the date of issue.

2.2 Quotations are prepared on the assumption that:

a. Access to the collection and delivery addresses is reasonable, safe, and suitable for the Companys vehicles and staff.

b. The Customer has accurately described the volume, weight, and nature of the Goods.

c. The Services will be carried out during normal working hours, unless otherwise agreed.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to amend the quotation or charge additional fees if:

a. The Customer provides inaccurate or incomplete information.

b. Access is restricted, unsafe, or significantly different from that described.

c. Additional Goods are added or the scope of work changes.

d. Delays occur that are outside the control of the Company, including waiting time, parking issues, or delays caused by the Customer or third parties.

2.4 Unless expressly stated in writing, quotations do not include the disconnection or reconnection of appliances, dismantling or reassembly of furniture or equipment, or the removal of doors, windows, or fixtures.

3. Booking Process

3.1 A booking is not confirmed until the Customer has accepted the quotation and the Company has issued a booking confirmation.

3.2 The Company may require a deposit or advance payment to secure the booking. The required amount and payment date will be specified in the quotation or booking confirmation.

3.3 The Customer must provide full and accurate details for the collection and delivery addresses, access arrangements, contact details, and any special requirements at the time of booking.

3.4 The Customer is responsible for obtaining and paying for any parking permits, permissions, or access arrangements required for the Companys vehicles to operate lawfully and safely at the addresses involved.

3.5 The Company reserves the right to refuse or cancel any booking where, in its reasonable opinion, it would be unsafe, unlawful, or inappropriate to perform the Services.

4. Customer Responsibilities

4.1 The Customer must ensure that:

a. All Goods are properly packed and secured unless the Company has agreed to provide packing services.

b. All fragile, high value, or delicate items are clearly identified to the Company before work commences.

c. All documents, money, jewellery, watches, precious stones, and other items of exceptional value are removed from the Goods and kept in the Customers possession, unless the Company has specifically agreed in writing to transport or store such items.

d. All walkways, stairs, and access areas are clear and safe.

e. Any items that require special handling, lifting equipment, or disassembly are disclosed to the Company in advance.

4.2 The Customer must be present, or ensure an authorised representative is present, during collection and delivery to: provide access, direct the placement of Goods, and sign relevant documentation. Where no representative is present, the Company will act reasonably but accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from following the Customers prior instructions or placing Goods in its reasonable discretion.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 The Customer must pay all charges in accordance with the payment terms stated in the quotation or booking confirmation.

5.2 Unless agreed otherwise, payment for removal and transport services is due no later than the commencement of the Services on the service date, and payment for ongoing storage is due monthly in advance.

5.3 The Company may charge additional fees for:

a. Waiting time or delays caused by the Customer or third parties.

b. Extra labour or time required due to access restrictions or underestimation of the workload.

c. Handling of unusually heavy, bulky, or awkward items.

d. Out of hours work or work on weekends and public holidays, where not included in the original quotation.

5.4 If the Customer fails to make any payment when due, the Company may:

a. Suspend performance of the Services until payment is received.

b. Charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate permitted under UK law.

c. Retain possession of Goods under a lien until all sums owed to the Company are paid in full, including any storage and administration fees incurred during the period of retention.

6. Cancellations and Postponements

6.1 The Customer may cancel or postpone the Services by giving written notice to the Company.

6.2 The Company reserves the right to charge a cancellation or postponement fee based on the notice period provided:

a. More than 7 days before the service date: no cancellation fee, although any non-refundable third party costs may be charged.

b. Between 3 and 7 days before the service date: up to 50 percent of the quoted charges may be payable.

c. Less than 3 days before the service date or on the service date: up to 100 percent of the quoted charges may be payable.

6.3 If the Company is unable to perform the Services on the agreed date due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, such as severe weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, or industrial action, the Company will notify the Customer as soon as practicable and offer an alternative date. The Company will not be liable for any consequential loss arising from such delay or rescheduling.

7. Excluded Goods

7.1 Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company will not transport or store the following items:

a. Explosive, flammable, hazardous, or toxic materials.

b. Compressed gases, firearms, ammunition, or weapons.

c. Live animals or plants.

d. Perishable goods requiring refrigeration or controlled environments.

e. Waste, contaminated items, or materials that may attract pests or cause damage.

7.2 If such Goods are handed to the Company without its knowledge, the Company may remove, dispose of, or otherwise deal with them at the Customers expense and without liability, in accordance with applicable law.

8. Waste Regulations and Disposal

8.1 The Company operates in compliance with relevant UK waste regulations and duty of care requirements. The Company is not a general waste disposal service and will only remove items as specified in the quotation.

8.2 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any items presented for removal and disposal are suitable for handling and compliant with applicable waste rules.

8.3 Where the Company agrees to dispose of unwanted items, the Customer authorises the Company to determine the most appropriate lawful method, including reuse, recycling, or disposal at licensed facilities. Additional charges may apply for disposal, particularly where items are classified as bulky waste, electrical equipment, or restricted materials.

8.4 The Customer must not request the Company to dispose of hazardous waste, clinical waste, or any items for which the Company does not hold the necessary authorisations. The Company reserves the right to refuse such items and may charge for additional handling where undeclared waste is discovered.

9. Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling, transporting, and storing the Goods. However, the Companys liability is subject to the limitations set out in this clause.

9.2 The Company will not be liable for:

a. Loss or damage that arises from the Customers failure to pack Goods adequately where the Company has not been asked to provide packing services.

b. Damage to furniture or Goods that were already defective, worn, or fragile, where such condition has contributed to the damage.

c. Loss or damage to Goods packed by the Customer in sealed containers, boxes, or bags that the Company has not inspected.

d. Loss or damage caused by fair wear and tear, atmospheric or climatic conditions, natural deterioration, or inherent defects in the Goods.

e. Any indirect or consequential loss, including lost profits, loss of use, or emotional distress.

9.3 The Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract, or otherwise, shall be limited to a reasonable cost of repair or replacement, up to a maximum per claim or per consignment as stated in the quotation or other written agreement. If no specific amount is stated, the Companys total liability shall not exceed a reasonable market value of the damaged Goods subject to a fair overall limit.

9.4 The Customer is encouraged to arrange adequate insurance cover for high value items or where the value of the Goods exceeds the limits stated by the Company. The Company does not provide insurance advice and any insurance arrangements remain the responsibility of the Customer.

9.5 Any apparent loss or damage to Goods must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably possible, and in any event within 7 days of delivery or collection from storage, so that the Company can investigate. Failure to notify within this period may prejudice the ability to assess the claim and can affect liability.

10. Storage Terms

10.1 Where the Services include storage of Goods, the following terms apply in addition to the rest of these Terms and Conditions.

10.2 Storage charges are calculated on a weekly or monthly basis and payable in advance. Part periods may be charged as a full period at the Companys discretion.

10.3 The Customer must provide up to date contact details and notify the Company promptly of any changes. If the Company is unable to contact the Customer despite reasonable efforts, it may take steps to protect its position, including exercising its lien or disposing of uncollected Goods, in accordance with applicable law.

10.4 The Company will store Goods in a manner it considers appropriate, which may include shared storage areas or containers. The Customer will not have exclusive rights to a particular space unless expressly agreed in writing.

10.5 Access to stored Goods is by appointment only and may be subject to reasonable charges. Photo identification or proof of authority may be required.

10.6 If storage charges or other sums remain unpaid for a period specified by the Company, the Company may, after giving reasonable notice, sell or otherwise dispose of some or all of the Goods and apply the proceeds against the outstanding amounts, accounting to the Customer for any balance remaining after deduction of costs.

11. Delays and Force Majeure

11.1 The Company will use reasonable efforts to perform the Services on the agreed dates and within a reasonable time. However, timing is not guaranteed and the Company is not liable for delays caused by events outside its reasonable control.

11.2 Events outside the Companys control include but are not limited to acts of God, severe weather, accidents, road closures, traffic congestion, breakdowns, strikes, labour disputes, acts of government or public authorities, and any other event that could not reasonably be foreseen or avoided.

12. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Any concerns about the Services should be raised with the Company as soon as possible so that they can be addressed promptly.

12.2 The Company will investigate complaints in good faith and aim to provide a response within a reasonable timeframe. The Customer agrees to cooperate by providing relevant information and evidence as requested.

13. Variation of Terms

13.1 The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to that Contract, unless a later version is expressly agreed in writing by both parties.

13.2 Any variation to these Terms and Conditions must be in writing and signed or expressly confirmed by an authorised representative of the Company.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

14.1 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.

14.2 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, their subject matter, or formation.

15. General Provisions

15.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15.2 No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy, and no single or partial exercise of any right or remedy shall prevent any further exercise of it.

15.3 The Customer may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under the Contract without the prior written consent of the Company. The Company may assign or subcontract its rights and obligations where necessary to perform the Services, provided that this does not materially affect the Customers rights.

15.4 These Terms and Conditions, together with any quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence, or representations relating to the Services.