Aberdeen Removals Terms and Conditions of Service

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Aberdeen Removals provides removal, packing, storage and associated services. By making a booking with us or allowing our team to commence work at your premises, 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 given below:

Company means Aberdeen Removals, the provider of the services.

Customer means the person, firm or organisation who requests the services and is responsible for payment.

Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, storage, waste-related or associated services supplied by the Company.

Goods means items of any description which are the subject of the Services.

Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the supply of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions.

2. Scope of Services

The Company provides residential and commercial removals, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transportation of goods, storage, and related services within its service area and to other locations as agreed. Specific services to be provided will be detailed in the quotation or booking confirmation.

Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company does not provide disconnection or reconnection of appliances, plumbing or electrical works, specialist dismantling or installation of fittings, or the transport of prohibited or restricted items such as hazardous materials.

3. Quotations and Pricing

All quotations are based on the information supplied by the Customer at the time of enquiry. Quotations will normally specify the services included, such as packing, loading, transport, unloading, and any storage or additional labour agreed.

Quotations are typically provided as fixed prices or estimates. Fixed prices apply only where access, parking, volume of goods, and other key details remain as originally described. Estimates are indicative and may be adjusted to reflect the actual time taken, volume of goods handled, distance travelled, and resources required on the day of the move.

The Company reserves the right to amend its quotation or apply additional charges if:

(a) the Customer has omitted or misstated key information regarding access, volume, or location;

(b) the move involves additional journeys, waiting time, or significantly longer time than reasonably anticipated;

(c) access to the property is restricted or delayed, or adequate parking cannot be secured within a reasonable distance;

(d) additional services are requested on or before the moving date, including packing, dismantling or reassembly of furniture, or the handling of unusual, heavy, or high-value items.

Unless stated otherwise, quotations do not include customs duties, parking permits, tolls, congestion charges, ferry charges, or any third-party fees. Such costs, if incurred, will be payable by the Customer in addition to the quotation.

4. Booking Process

A Contract is formed once the Customer has accepted the Companys quotation or booking proposal, whether verbally or in writing, and the Company has confirmed the booking. The Company may require a deposit or full prepayment to secure a booking. Where a deposit is required, the booking will not be confirmed until the deposit has been received by the Company.

The Customer is responsible for checking that all details on the quotation or booking confirmation are correct, including the moving date, addresses, contact details, list of services, and any special instructions. Any discrepancies must be notified promptly so that amendments can be made where possible.

The Company reserves the right to decline or cancel any booking where the Customer is unable or unwilling to comply with these Terms and Conditions or where the Company reasonably believes the work cannot be carried out safely or lawfully.

5. Access, Parking and Customer Obligations

The Customer must ensure that the Company has safe and reasonable access to the collection and delivery addresses, including appropriate parking for vehicles as close as practicable to the property. The Customer is responsible for arranging any parking permits or permissions required by local authorities and for paying any associated fees.

The Customer must inform the Company in advance of any difficulties with access, such as narrow roads, low bridges, height restrictions, internal staircases, lifts, long carrying distances, or limitations on vehicle size. Failure to do so may result in additional charges or, in severe cases, an inability to complete the move.

The Customer must be present or represented by an authorised person at the collection and delivery addresses to provide access, confirm which items are to be moved, and sign any necessary paperwork. The Customer or their representative is responsible for ensuring that nothing is taken away in error and that all goods to be moved are correctly identified.

6. Packing and Customer Preparation

Where the Customer has chosen to pack their own goods, the Customer is responsible for ensuring that all items are packed securely and appropriately, using suitable cartons, wrapping and protective materials. The Company is not liable for damage arising from inadequate or improper packing carried out by the Customer.

If the Company is contracted to provide packing services, it will use materials and methods it considers appropriate. Certain fragile or high-value items may require specialist packing or crating, which must be requested in advance so that arrangements can be made.

Unless packing is included, the Customer must ensure that all loose items are packed, labelled, and ready for loading at the agreed time. Cabinets, wardrobes, and drawers should generally be emptied, except where the Company has agreed that goods may remain inside. Breakable or delicate items must not be left loose in drawers or containers unsuited to transport.

7. Payments and Charges

Payment terms will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due in cleared funds prior to the commencement of the Services or immediately upon completion of the move.

The Company accepts payment by methods advised during the booking process. The Company reserves the right to refuse to commence or continue the Services if payment has not been received as required.

Where services are charged on an hourly basis, the minimum charge and the method for calculating time, travel, and any waiting periods will be specified. Time may be charged from departure of the vehicle from the Companys base until its return.

If the Customer fails to pay any sum due under the Contract, the Company may charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate, along with any reasonable costs incurred in collecting the debt. The Company may also withhold delivery of goods or suspend further services until payment is made in full.

8. Cancellations, Postponements and Refunds

If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone a booking, they must notify the Company as soon as possible. Cancellation charges may apply depending on the notice given:

(a) If cancellation is made with sufficient notice, as defined in the quotation or booking confirmation, any deposit may be refunded, less any non-recoverable costs.

(b) If cancellation is made with shorter notice, a percentage of the quoted price or the full deposit may be retained to cover allocated resources, planning and lost opportunities.

(c) If cancellation occurs on the moving day or after the team has been dispatched, the Company may charge up to the full price of the Services.

Postponements are treated as cancellations and new bookings. The Company will endeavour to accommodate new dates, but availability is not guaranteed. Any fees already incurred for permits, materials or third-party services may be charged to the Customer.

9. Excluded and Prohibited Items

The Customer must not include in the Goods any items that are hazardous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, illegal, or otherwise dangerous, including but not limited to gas cylinders, petrol, paint, chemicals, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, or perishable goods liable to spoil.

Valuables such as cash, jewellery, watches, important documents, deeds, securities, and collections of high monetary or sentimental value should not be packed for removal unless expressly agreed and adequately declared and insured.

The Company reserves the right to refuse to move any item which it reasonably considers unsafe, unlawful to transport, excessively heavy for the available equipment or personnel, or likely to cause damage to other goods or property.

10. Waste Regulations and Disposal

The Company is not a general waste disposal contractor. Any removal or disposal of waste, rubbish, or unwanted items will only be undertaken by prior agreement and in compliance with applicable waste regulations.

The Customer must clearly separate and identify any items intended for disposal. The Company will not be responsible for the accidental removal of items that the Customer intended to discard if they were not clearly identified.

Where the Company agrees to remove items for disposal, it will take reasonable steps to ensure they are handled and disposed of lawfully. Additional charges may apply for waste transfer, recycling or disposal in accordance with relevant regulations and any local requirements.

Under no circumstances will the Company transport or dispose of hazardous waste, including chemicals, asbestos, clinical waste, or any material for which it does not hold the appropriate authorisations.

11. Liability for Loss or Damage

The Company will take reasonable care in handling the Goods and will use appropriate methods to minimise the risk of loss or damage. However, the Companys liability is subject to the following limitations and exclusions.

The Company will not be liable for:

(a) loss or damage arising from inherent defects, natural deterioration, or pre-existing damage in the Goods;

(b) damage to furniture or items that are weak, poorly constructed, previously repaired, or not suitable for transport in a disassembled or assembled state as requested by the Customer;

(c) damage resulting from inadequate packing by the Customer, including where boxes are overloaded or unsuitable;

(d) loss or damage to items packed or unpacked by the Customer in the presence of the Company where no visible external damage to the packing is evident;

(e) loss or damage caused by weather conditions, traffic delays, road closures, or other events reasonably beyond the Companys control.

The Companys liability for any loss of or damage to Goods, if established, may be limited to a specified amount per item or per consignment, as set out in the quotation or insurance provisions. The Customer is encouraged to arrange adequate insurance cover for the full value of their Goods where necessary.

The Company will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of anticipated savings, or any other economic loss arising out of or in connection with the Services.

12. Claims and Time Limits

The Customer must inspect the Goods and premises as soon as reasonably possible following completion of the Services. Any visible loss or damage thought to be attributable to the Company should be reported to the Company on the moving day or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

Any claim for loss or damage must be submitted to the Company in writing within a reasonable period, allowing the Company the opportunity to investigate. Failure to notify the Company within the time specified in the quotation or any insurance terms may affect the ability to consider or settle a claim.

The Customer must retain any damaged items and packaging for inspection. The Company may arrange for repair, replacement, or reasonable compensation at its discretion, subject to the limitations and exclusions set out in these Terms and Conditions.

13. Delays and Events Beyond Our Control

The Company will make reasonable efforts to carry out the Services on the agreed dates and within estimated timeframes, but cannot guarantee completion times. The Company is not responsible for delays caused by traffic, roadworks, accidents, weather, mechanical breakdowns, access issues, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Where delays occur, the Company will keep the Customer informed and will proceed as soon as reasonably possible. Additional waiting time or rearranged visits may be chargeable where such delays are not due to the Companys fault.

14. Storage Services

Where the Customer stores Goods with the Company or at a third-party facility arranged by the Company, the terms relating to storage, charges, access, and insurance will be specified separately. Storage is provided on the basis that the Customer remains the owner of the Goods and responsible for any charges incurred.

Storage charges are normally payable in advance. The Company may exercise a lien over Goods held in storage for unpaid charges and may, after giving reasonable notice, sell or dispose of Goods to recover outstanding sums, subject to applicable law.

15. Right of Lien and Retention

The Company has a general right of lien over the Goods in its possession for all sums due under the Contract and any other contracts between the Company and the Customer. The Company may retain possession of Goods until all outstanding amounts have been paid in full.

If payment remains outstanding after reasonable notice, the Company may, in accordance with applicable law, sell or dispose of some or all of the Goods and apply the proceeds towards the unpaid sums and reasonable costs associated with the sale or disposal. Any balance shall be held for the Customer.

16. Customer Conduct and Health and Safety

The Customer agrees to cooperate with the Companys staff and to follow reasonable instructions given for reasons of efficiency or health and safety. The Customer must ensure that the working environment is safe and free from hazards such as obstructed walkways, unsecured pets, or dangerous materials.

The Company may suspend or terminate the Services if its staff are subjected to abusive, threatening, or unsafe behaviour, or if conditions at the property present unacceptable risks. In such circumstances the Customer may remain liable for all or part of the agreed charges.

17. Data Protection and Privacy

The Company will collect and process personal data of the Customer only as necessary for the performance of the Services, administration of the Contract, and compliance with legal obligations. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

The Company may retain records of the Contract and related communications for a reasonable period for accounting, operational and legal purposes.

18. Variations to the Contract

No variation to these Terms and Conditions or to the scope of the Services will be binding unless agreed by the Company. Any additional work requested by the Customer during the move may be subject to extra charges and may require written or verbal confirmation of the revised scope and pricing.

19. Severability

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

20. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

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 Scotland.

The parties agree that the courts of Scotland 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 confirming a booking with Aberdeen Removals or permitting work to commence, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.